Film Review - The Best of Shock Theatre
Featuring - Dr. Creep, Dow Thomas, John Higgins, Duffy the Dog | RMM Agency DVD-R FF NR 160min 2002
Review By Juliet
If you lived anywhere near Dayton, Ohio in the 70s and 80s, Saturday nights meant one thing: Shock Theatre. The show was a local institution, and the host, Dr. Creep became nationally recognized as one of the top horror hosts of the day. This DVD features Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the Best of Shock Theatre compilations along with 20 minutes of additional classic footage.
Volume 1 was originally released in the early 90's and is hosted by Dr. Creep who reflects on the show in various creepy locations. The highlights from Shock Theatre include Dr. Creep's antics with assorted puppets, cooking with Creep and Duffy the Dog and music from Dow Thomas. Some of the best moments include the fauxe commercials (think SNL-style) and the breaking Shock Central news about a UFO landing in the Miami Valley.
Volume 2 features a whole new set of Shock Theatre clips including some amazing dance numbers and the Dark Shudders soap opera skits. It also includes Dr. Creep chatting with some of his former cast members and reflections from a few people who grew up watching Shock Theatre including independent director Andy Copp.
You don't have to be a Dayton native or have grown up in the 70's/80's to have an absolute blast watching this collection. Shock Theatre is really an archetype of midnight movie shows, and Dr. Creep is a master of his craft. There are hilarious antics and some off the wall comedy coupled with some great insights about the films that were shown on Shock Theatre. It's amazing to look back and see the amazing level of creativity and fun local TV hosts and producers were able to have. It's also easy to see why Dr. Creep is considered a master of his craft.
It should be noted that the clips on this collection are taken from the original master tapes from Shock Theatre so some are in better shape than others. The menus are rather bland, and I'd love to see an updated version of this collection with added presentation menu-wise now that the technology to do so is more widely available.
The additional 20 minutes of footage featuring more hilarious clips of Shock Theatre moments including the infamous flasher skit that I don't believe ever made it on the air.
This collection is a must-see for fans of midnight movies and horror hosts. I'd also recommend this for makers and fans of independent horror films as the fun and genuine love for what they're doing really shows through from everyone involved in Shock Theatre. You'll want to buy a copy of this one because once you've watched it, you'll want to share this with friends.