TRANCERS
****
Directed by Charles Band.
Starring Tim Thomerson, Helen Hunt, Michael Stefani.
US, Science-Fiction, US, 77 minutes, Certificate 12.
Released in the UK on Limited Edition 4K UHD & Blu-ray on 21st April by 101 Films
Readers of a certain age will no doubt recall TRANCERS sitting on many a video library shelf back in the late days of the 20th century (from the mid-80’s after its 1984 US release.) One of those now vintage genre films that is fondly recalled: a B-movie with ideas above its budgetary station that succeeds due to its energetic direction, propulsive storytelling and humorous performances that sync perfectly with its smart concept. Now released on a 4K and Blu-ray set the time comes once again to appreciate its now retro charms that simultaneously promise a neon-lit, synth-scored future and a look at a now vintage Los Angeles.
More well known for his producing work, Charles Band took on directing duties for this tale of Jack Deth, a cop, or trooper as they are called in the 23rd century, who is sent back from Angel City to 20th century L.A. in pursuit of Whistler, a cult leader with the power to transform normal citizens into raving zombie maniacs referred to as Trancers. This being a low budget Empire Pictures production, time travel can be achieved through the use of a drug that allows your consciousness to slip back in time and occupy the body of your ancestor, thereby saving on design work and special effects work for time machines and the like. It is however a neat narrative trick that balances the film out with its healthy and nicely judged sense of humour to go along with its melding of sci-fi and hard boiled private eye stylings.
To go along with its witty script, written by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo who would go on to write other such cult classics as THE ROCKETEER, are a number of appealing and fun performances. As Jack Deth, Tim Thomerson proves what an underrated and under utilised performer he has always been, with his gruff and knowing performance of a hard edged lawman adapting quite easily to his historical setting. He is more than matched by a young Helen Hunt in one of her first roles that would lead her to eventual Oscar glory with the likes of AS GOOD AS IT GETS. Her punky sidekick/love interest who gets swept up in Deth’s quest for justice perfectly compliments her grizzled counterpart.
After all these years it is a pleasure to revisit this film that would go onto spawn several other DTV sequels, although none would match the zippy energy and inventiveness that was on display here. It is a shame to report then that this new 4K remaster is something of a let down with its fuzzy picture quality that may have you checking if you have the right settings applied on your television. Anyone looking to upgrade for picture quality alone may want to consider hanging on to the previous Blu-ray release. While there is an impressive amount of detail that may not have been apparent previously, the grainy resolution prevents the film from truly shining.
Extras wise is an entirely different story. The commentary from Thomerson and Band has been ported over from the previous release and contains much info supplied from Thomerson and his sharp memory while Band sits back admiringly and pleasantly exclaims “dude!” often. Also included are an archival Making Of and new interviews with Band, editor and frequent Band collaborator Ted Nicolau and one more with Fangoria writer and editor Chris Alexander who shares his deep appreciation for the film as well as Band’s other works. Also included are a video essay and a short sequel titled CITY OF LOST ANGELS, featuring Thomerson and Hunt that was intended to be part of a Full Moon Features anthology project that was abandoned soon after.
Despite the disappointing transfer this is still a worthwhile release, especially for those who may be coming to the film for the first time. Well crafted and skillfully executed, TRANCERS still stands proud as one of Band’s crowning achievements and a perfectly preserved 80’s genre gem in all its neon glory.
Iain MacLeod