Folks, believe it or not, but yours truly is often hammered by observations that -- ahem -- I enjoy a bit too much schlock in my diet.
Now, don't get me wrong: I have entertainment needs -- serious entertainment needs -- that are probably very much the same as all of you. Some franchises tickle my fancy just fine, and there are others -- maybe ones frowned on by some here and there -- that still manage to find favor in a little corner of my brain or my heart. Despite having some of the web's strongest opinions of what makes for a good film, I've always argued on behalf of many forgotten gems precisely because I think they deserve your time and attention. You don't have to agree -- much like I don't have to agree with your opinions -- but some of my fondest memories involve sitting around with a soda in hand, a tub of popcorn, and allowing the glow of a TV screen filled with something screening from a VHS player to give me whatever warmth I can find. Good movies, bad movies, and ugly movies ... I think each and every one has something to offer, though you may have to look closer to find that diamond in the rough.
That's why I was so surprised this past Spring. I was serving time as a voluntary judge for the state's Speech and Debate circuit when -- lo and behold -- some young high schooler got up and announced he was doing a Humorous Interpretation of what he said was an old film titled The Toxic Avenger.
Before he got into his routine (I'm not allowed to interrupt them once they've begun, you understand), I quickly asked, "Wait ... wait ... wait ... the 1980's film The Toxic Avenger?"
Honestly, the young man was dumbfounded that I'd heard of it. "You've seen it?"
I smiled and confessed that I'd seen it several times.
You see, this young Turk -- as it were -- was used to being greeted with utter confusion. Teens today are all transfixed with the Tik Toks, their Instagrams, and their video game consoles; so here was a young male actually jazzed to know that he was performing his humorous speech to someone actually familiar with the source material. I even mentioned that I'd interacted with the film's producer -- schlockmaster Lloyd Kaufman -- on Twitter on more than one occasion. Not only was this young scholar making my day but I was making his ... and that's the beauty of film.
For whatever reasons, each of us likes what we like, and when we find someone who shares in that adulation we're downright giddy ... especially when the title might be a little 'something something' as obscure as the mid-1980's Horror/Action/Comedy send-up like The Toxic Avenger.
Well, I'm glad to share that I recently received an email announcing that Troma would be preparing that oozing franchise for an all-new 4K Ultra HD release, so I wanted to do the obligatory copy-and-paste of the deets for my readership. Yes, yes, and yes: I know that the quality of the films might vary with some highs and lows, but doesn't Toxie deserve your attention once more? In glorious high definition? Is a little love for a forgotten hero too much to ask? I think not ... and I'm sure there are those of you out there who'll agree.
Now, don't get me wrong: I have entertainment needs -- serious entertainment needs -- that are probably very much the same as all of you. Some franchises tickle my fancy just fine, and there are others -- maybe ones frowned on by some here and there -- that still manage to find favor in a little corner of my brain or my heart. Despite having some of the web's strongest opinions of what makes for a good film, I've always argued on behalf of many forgotten gems precisely because I think they deserve your time and attention. You don't have to agree -- much like I don't have to agree with your opinions -- but some of my fondest memories involve sitting around with a soda in hand, a tub of popcorn, and allowing the glow of a TV screen filled with something screening from a VHS player to give me whatever warmth I can find. Good movies, bad movies, and ugly movies ... I think each and every one has something to offer, though you may have to look closer to find that diamond in the rough.
That's why I was so surprised this past Spring. I was serving time as a voluntary judge for the state's Speech and Debate circuit when -- lo and behold -- some young high schooler got up and announced he was doing a Humorous Interpretation of what he said was an old film titled The Toxic Avenger.
Before he got into his routine (I'm not allowed to interrupt them once they've begun, you understand), I quickly asked, "Wait ... wait ... wait ... the 1980's film The Toxic Avenger?"
Honestly, the young man was dumbfounded that I'd heard of it. "You've seen it?"
I smiled and confessed that I'd seen it several times.
You see, this young Turk -- as it were -- was used to being greeted with utter confusion. Teens today are all transfixed with the Tik Toks, their Instagrams, and their video game consoles; so here was a young male actually jazzed to know that he was performing his humorous speech to someone actually familiar with the source material. I even mentioned that I'd interacted with the film's producer -- schlockmaster Lloyd Kaufman -- on Twitter on more than one occasion. Not only was this young scholar making my day but I was making his ... and that's the beauty of film.
For whatever reasons, each of us likes what we like, and when we find someone who shares in that adulation we're downright giddy ... especially when the title might be a little 'something something' as obscure as the mid-1980's Horror/Action/Comedy send-up like The Toxic Avenger.
Well, I'm glad to share that I recently received an email announcing that Troma would be preparing that oozing franchise for an all-new 4K Ultra HD release, so I wanted to do the obligatory copy-and-paste of the deets for my readership. Yes, yes, and yes: I know that the quality of the films might vary with some highs and lows, but doesn't Toxie deserve your attention once more? In glorious high definition? Is a little love for a forgotten hero too much to ask? I think not ... and I'm sure there are those of you out there who'll agree.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Troma Entertainment Celebrates 50 Years with the Return of Toxie
in an Epic New 4K Restoration of the Entire Toxic Avenger Series!
[4K Ultra HD + Special Edition Blu-ray]
8-Disc Tox Set
8/29
Troma Entertainment Celebrates 50 Years with the Return of Toxie
in an Epic New 4K Restoration of the Entire Toxic Avenger Series!
[4K Ultra HD + Special Edition Blu-ray]
8-Disc Tox Set
8/29
Troma Entertainment, the longest-running independent movie studio in North America, celebrates their 50th anniversary this year with the release of all four of their groundbreaking Toxic Avenger films, presented in TROMAzing Ultra High Definition.
The Toxic Avenger Collection comes to home video on August 29th, and features a new 4K scan and restoration of each film from the original camera negatives, presented in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio in HDR with English DTS 2.0 stereo audio; new introductions for each film from the President of Troma Entertainment and creator of The Toxic Avenger, Lloyd Kaufman; and a collectible Toxic Avenger postcard, all compacted into one MONSTROUS, TROMArific 8-Disc TOX SET oozing with TOXIC bonus features!
Melvin (Mark Torgl) lives the regular life of a 98-pound janitor at a gym, constantly bullied by the meathead members. The gym and Tromaville, NJ will never be the same when Melvin – after falling into toxic waste – becomes the Toxic Avenger! Toxie, armed with justice on his side, keeps the residents of Tromaville safe from the crime and evildoers that would tarnish the town he loves.
Featuring cameo appearances by award-winning actors Marisa Tomei, Michael Jai White, Julie Strain, and Corey Feldman, and A-listers including Hugh Hefner, James Gunn, Stan Lee, Kevin Eastman, and Eli Roth. Of course, no Troma-venture would be complete without musical legend Lemmy!
THE TOXIC AVENGER COLLECTION’S BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE:
THE TOXIC AVENGER [Unrated Director's Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with cast members Robert Prichard, Gary Schneider, and Dan Snow; and audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman.
THE TOXIC AVENGER [Unrated Director's Cut] Blu-ray
Introduction by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with cast members Robert Prichard, Gary Schneider, and Dan Snow; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; interviews with cast members Jennifer Baptist, Robert Prichard, Mitch Cohen, and Dan Snow; interview with co-Director Michael Herz; a "Mark Torgl Talks About The Toxic Avenger" featurette; Behind the Scenes; Photo Gallery; Trailers.
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II [Unrated Director's Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman.
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II [Unrated Director's Cut*] Blu-ray
Introduction by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; "At Home with Toxie" Mockumentary; an interview with cast member Lisa Gaye; Japanese news report on the filming of The Toxic Avenger Part II; "Radiation March," a short film directed by Lloyd Kaufman; The American Cinematheque Honors 40 Years of Troma; Trailers.
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE [Unrated Director's Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with cast member Joe Fleishaker.
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE [Unrated Director's Cut] Blu-ray
Audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with cast member Joe Fleishaker; Behind the Scenes of the "Return to Nuke 'em High Vol. 1" screening at MOMA; The American Cinematheque Honors 40 Years of Troma; "Make Your Own Damn Horror Film" - Behind the Scenes of Old 37 with Kane Hodder and Bill Moseley; "A Halloween Carol" short film; Infomercial for "Rabid Grannies" Blu-ray Release; "Radiation March," a short film directed by Lloyd Kaufman.
CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART IV [Unrated Director's Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with editor Gabriel Griedman; audio commentary with cast member Trent Haaga.
CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART IV [Unrated Director's Cut] Blu-ray
"Apocalypse Soon: The Making of Citizen Toxie" Behind the Scenes Documentary; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with editor Gabriel Friedman; audio commentary with cast member Trent Haaga; Tribute to Lemmy Kilmister; The American Cinematheque Honors 40 Years of Troma; Trailers.
The Toxic Avenger Collection comes to home video on August 29th, and features a new 4K scan and restoration of each film from the original camera negatives, presented in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio in HDR with English DTS 2.0 stereo audio; new introductions for each film from the President of Troma Entertainment and creator of The Toxic Avenger, Lloyd Kaufman; and a collectible Toxic Avenger postcard, all compacted into one MONSTROUS, TROMArific 8-Disc TOX SET oozing with TOXIC bonus features!
Melvin (Mark Torgl) lives the regular life of a 98-pound janitor at a gym, constantly bullied by the meathead members. The gym and Tromaville, NJ will never be the same when Melvin – after falling into toxic waste – becomes the Toxic Avenger! Toxie, armed with justice on his side, keeps the residents of Tromaville safe from the crime and evildoers that would tarnish the town he loves.
Featuring cameo appearances by award-winning actors Marisa Tomei, Michael Jai White, Julie Strain, and Corey Feldman, and A-listers including Hugh Hefner, James Gunn, Stan Lee, Kevin Eastman, and Eli Roth. Of course, no Troma-venture would be complete without musical legend Lemmy!
THE TOXIC AVENGER COLLECTION’S BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE:
THE TOXIC AVENGER [Unrated Director's Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with cast members Robert Prichard, Gary Schneider, and Dan Snow; and audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman.
THE TOXIC AVENGER [Unrated Director's Cut] Blu-ray
Introduction by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with cast members Robert Prichard, Gary Schneider, and Dan Snow; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; interviews with cast members Jennifer Baptist, Robert Prichard, Mitch Cohen, and Dan Snow; interview with co-Director Michael Herz; a "Mark Torgl Talks About The Toxic Avenger" featurette; Behind the Scenes; Photo Gallery; Trailers.
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II [Unrated Director's Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman.
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II [Unrated Director's Cut*] Blu-ray
Introduction by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; "At Home with Toxie" Mockumentary; an interview with cast member Lisa Gaye; Japanese news report on the filming of The Toxic Avenger Part II; "Radiation March," a short film directed by Lloyd Kaufman; The American Cinematheque Honors 40 Years of Troma; Trailers.
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE [Unrated Director's Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with cast member Joe Fleishaker.
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE [Unrated Director's Cut] Blu-ray
Audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with cast member Joe Fleishaker; Behind the Scenes of the "Return to Nuke 'em High Vol. 1" screening at MOMA; The American Cinematheque Honors 40 Years of Troma; "Make Your Own Damn Horror Film" - Behind the Scenes of Old 37 with Kane Hodder and Bill Moseley; "A Halloween Carol" short film; Infomercial for "Rabid Grannies" Blu-ray Release; "Radiation March," a short film directed by Lloyd Kaufman.
CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART IV [Unrated Director's Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with editor Gabriel Griedman; audio commentary with cast member Trent Haaga.
CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART IV [Unrated Director's Cut] Blu-ray
"Apocalypse Soon: The Making of Citizen Toxie" Behind the Scenes Documentary; audio commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman; audio commentary with editor Gabriel Friedman; audio commentary with cast member Trent Haaga; Tribute to Lemmy Kilmister; The American Cinematheque Honors 40 Years of Troma; Trailers.
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