3. Axe/Kidnapped Coed (Severin)
Severin Films comes in at number 3 with their Axe/Kidnapped Coed double feature release.
Axe AKA Lisa, Lisa AKA California Axe Massacre AKA California Ax Murderers AKA The Axe Murderers is one of those films that I didn’t ever expect to see get a Blu-ray release. The film, from director Frederick R. Friedel, was advertised as your typical run of the mill slasher but it has more in common with gothic horror. While not overly gory, the film does maintain a bit of a rough, raw feel. I dig it.
Kidnapped Coed, another film from Friedel and known by a number of differnt names, was also billed as more exploitation than it really is. While the film does contain exploitation elements, it’s really just a bizarre love story. It’s actually pretty great and quite a bit better than Axe, which I love.
The special features provided by Severin are what really make this release great. You get a CD with the complete soundtracks for both films. You get the inclusion of Bloody Brothers, a 3rd feature length film from Friedel that is actually Axe and Kidnapped Coed cut together into one film. It’s an interesting watch, especially after watching the two films. Plus there is a documentary on the making of the two films. Severin did a wonderful job.
