Synopsis
A trio of low-lifes led by Tiffany Bolling kidnap innocent young Candy (Susan Sennet). They bury in the hillside, and the only witness is mute, autistic little boy. They inform Candy’s father that he must deliver a load of diamonds from the shop he runs, or Candy dies. Their plan appears foolproof. But then the father doesn’t show up. Confusion and dissension in the ranks breaks out, and the plot moves inexorably towards a terrible ending.
I will say no more of the plot, and leave …o first-time viewers the pleasure of experiencing the plot twists. This is exploitation filmmaking at its best. Though the poster art mimics Last House on the Left, this is less explicitly violent than that effort, but just as grim. The performances are strong, the script is tight and surprisingly witty, and the suspense deeply unpleasant (and I mean that as a term of highest praise). The Candy Snatchers is just as mean as its title, and is one of those exploitation flicks that delivers exactly what it promises, and then some.
Audio
Mono and a new stereo track are both here. The stereo does have some minor issues with wraparound dialogue, but for the most part does a perfectly acceptable job of creating a fuller, richer sound. There is a little bit of distortion and hiss, but given the movie’s low-budget origins and age, anything else would be surprising.
Video
I am slack-jawed with admiration, however, over the picture quality. Though I might quibble that the oranges are a bit strong, this is an astonishing rescue. The print is in sensational condition, with no damage or grain. The colours and contrasts are extremely strong, and the blacks are deep as the pits of Hell. An absolutely beautiful transfer. I doubt the movie has EVER looked this good.
Special Features
Tiffany Bolling and Susan Senet join two moderators to discuss the movie on the commentary. Very interesting stuff, and the discussion ranges from the making of the film, to the toll it took on Bolling’s subsequent career, to the discomfort both women seem to have had with the role of the director’s genuinely autistic son. Bolling and Senet are also interviewed in a featurette. There’s a scored montage of lobby cards, two trailers (plus trailers for other Subversive releases), and plenty of cast bios. As an extra treat, the disc comes packaged with a fold-out poster of the Italian release, and three lobby cards. The menu is fully animated and scored. The transitions are very long, and don’t wander through the menu too much before watching the film, as there are spoilers on display.
Closing Thoughts
Subversive Cinema is going from strength to strength. This is a simply beautiful package. Fall to your knees at its altar.
Special Features List
- Audio Commentary
- “The Women of Candy Snatchers” Featurette
- Cast Bios
- Still Gallery
- Trailers
- Poster and Lobby Cards
