Severin Films, distributor of schlock cinema gems, has a new sister company, Intervision Pictures Corp. Their mission statement is to release “rare and unique genre films” and what better way to kick off the sleaze party than with 1983′s Sledgehammer!!!

Sledgehammer is highly notable for being the first slasher film shot on VHS for the direct-to-video market and for being the first film by the Prior Brothers. Directed by David Prior and starring his beefcake brother Ted Prior (they later collaborated for the now infamous, cult action flick Deadly Prey and the equally awesome Aerbocide), the film follows your typical gang of college kids who love beer and food fights as they spend a night in an abandoned country home. This was the site of a pair of brutal murders years before – the victims apparently offed with a sledgehammer. You know where this is going. But it’s an incredibly valiant effort for a no-budget outing. David Prior went all out with an original synth score, crawling frame-by-frame sequences, and some creative DIY special effects.

The DVD is a VHS-fetishist’s dream come true as it combines the goodies of a DVD with VHS’ endearing imperfections. Before the menu even starts there’s a throwback Intervision intro and a coming attraction with tracking problems. The transfer aint too shabby either. As a film, it’s a pretty bizarre trip. None of the characters, who I assume are supposed to be in their early 20s but look more like 35, seem to get along. So before anything supernatural even occurs you’re feeling uncomfortable and wondering what the fuck these people wanna chill for. Lead Ted Prior is an ex-Playgirl playmate and does not fit in with these plumpy co-eds at all. Not even one of the worst food fights put to film and an off-the-wall drinking scene can lighten the mood. When the weird nightmare does begin, all concepts of comprehensible narrative are thrown out the window. Just where I like ‘em.

Intervision has prepared a smorgasbord of special features including audio commentary and an interview with David Prior and a featurette with co-editor of “Destroy All Movies” Zack Carlson. Prior goes through the origins and different aspects of the film from its effects, locations, and the infamous food fight. Apparently the film was inspired by “those Jason films.” Carlson explains that a lot of horror-rip-offs were shot on VHS, but Sledgehammer seems to seep right out of the brain of David Prior as a stand-alone original of the slasher genre.

Sledgehammer is out today on DVD and if that isn’t enough for you collectors out there, it’s also being released in a limited-edition VHS format tomorrow by Mondo Video!!! Yes, Mondo. The poster boutique arm of the Alamo Drafthouse and the same Mondo who Mishka previously collaborated with for the Ring of the Demon Scourge – is bringing VHS back with their Mondo Video label! Still not satisfied, you swine? The Alamo is presenting a special screening of Sledgehammer tonight as part of their Terror Tuesday programming!

- Oh Mars