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Since filmmaking began in the late 19th century, films have introduced audiences to many genres. I’ve been a fan of genre films since I was a child, even though I didn’t know what a genre film was back then. While I like and appreciate drama films and high budget studio releases, there is something about this lower budget film that is strangely satisfying. The only constant in all forms of filmmaking is entertaining the audience. Some films are pure forms of escapism. REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS is such a film.
REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS is a case of Jenny (Linda Carol), a good girl who gets involved with a bad guy and is sentenced to time at Pridemore Reform School. Once inside, Jenny must decide which group to join, befriend Charlie (Wendy O. Williams), the inmate who rules life inside, or fend for herself without Charlie’s protection.
This should be of interest to horror fans, as two of Charlie’s girls are Fish and Knox, played by Tiffany Helm and Darcy DeMoss, respectively. Tiffany is known for her appearance in Friday the 13th: A New Beginning and Darcy appears in Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.
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Sometimes video releases don’t happen quickly. This one took three years and was definitely worth the wait. This mediabook is a Blu-ray/DVD combo package that is available in three different versions. There are 444 copies of Version A, 444 copies of Version B, and only 333 copies of Version C. All versions state that they are Region B for the Blu-ray and Region 2 for DVD. Both discs can be played on Region A and Region 1 players. The release of “Wicked Vision” marks the film’s high-definition world premiere. The media books include a booklet designed like an 80’s metal magazine, with a poster and an order form for REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS memorabilia. The articles/interviews are printed in German and English.
In the United States, REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS was initially released on VHS and Laserdisc and, years later, on DVD. It’s been quite a while since these releases and premiering on Blu-Ray is a big improvement. The 2K transfer was made from an interpositive. The film has good detail, a grain that is neither intrusive nor distracting, and has a very cinematic feel. I didn’t notice any major print damage. At REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS there is not a very vibrant color palette, mainly grey, blue and black. When vibrant colors appear, they look bright and bold without bleeding or blooming. Skin tones look natural and there are numerous ways to judge skin tones. Black levels are good without being over the top and there is good contrast in dark scenes so nothing is too dark. The viewer can see everything. No signs of edge reinforcement or banding.
There are four audio options in this version. The first is a German DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, the second is an English one![]()
DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 for the film’s soundtrack. The dialogue is clear, the music and sound effects are well balanced. The two remaining audio tracks are reserved for two different comments. A vintage commentary track from director Tom DeSimone and humorist Martin Lewis. The remaining audio track is a newly recorded second commentary track by Ash Hamilton Horror-fix.com and with kind regards. While both commentary tracks are a great bonus, I may be biased, but the horror fix track is my favorite of the two. We had a lot of fun recording the track. We wanted the film to be both informative and lighthearted.
The numerous bonus features really complete this combination. There are newly recorded interviews with Tom DeSimone, Howard Wexler and Tiffany Helm. All interviews are both informative and entertaining. Several trailers are included and most have been restored, with the original versions also present. If you haven’t seen the film yet, it would be a good idea to watch one of the trailers to understand the mood of the film. Three TV spots and introductions by Sybil Danning and Tiffany Helm are included. The music video for the title track, a photo gallery and an Easter egg are worth a search. Everything that is on the Blu-Ray is also included on the DVD except for the Easter Egg.
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Many people may reject a film like this and not give it a second thought. This is an exaggerated satire of women in prison film. For me, this is the pinnacle of the WIP genre. No other film has captured that attitude and execution like this film. One should not delve deeply into REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS in order to experience a deeper meaning. It’s just about an hour and a half of entertainment for entertainment’s sake. It’s the life behind the iron, where every day could be your last. If you think this film is for you, don’t hesitate, it has been produced in a limited edition in this special edition.
REFORM SCHOOL GIRLS can be purchased from:
https://www.wicked-shop.com/en/reform-school-girls-2-disc-limited-collector-s-edition-no-45-mediabook-cover-a-limited-to-444-units.html
https://www.wicked-shop.com/en/reform-school-girls-2-disc-limited-collector-s-edition-no-45-mediabook-cover-b-limited-to-444-units.html
https://www.amazon.com/Reform-School-Girls-Blu-Ray-Combo/dp/B09CLJBN1B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JJWRBYM5TOB& dchild=1&keywords=reform+school+girls+blu+ray&qid=1630795189&sprefix=reform+schoo%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1
https://www.diabolikdvd.com/?s=reform+school+girls
