Time and time again, gimmicks have been used to sell films for about as long as films have been around. Certain tactics are still being implemented to this day in many shapes, sizes and to varying degrees in this constant attempt to boost a films' worth. Past and present gimmicks have run the gamut from 3-D, buzzers underneath seats, flying skeletons in the theatre to offering life insurance plans for patrons should they 'die' (live 'nurses' on duty at screenings even). And most recently, the Internet has been exploited in many ways to garner attention for upcoming releases...most notably, the (made up) mythology surrounding The Blair Witch Project. And that's just for starters. Exploiting a new angle of gimmickry is the indie film Slaughterhouse of the Rising Sun, soon to be released on DVD from Velocity Home Entertainment.

The gimmick used here is that Slaughterhouse of the Rising Sun is being billed as a 'lost' film from the 70's. A film that had been 'missing' since 1972, and is now being released for the first time ever on DVD (or anywhere else) in celebration of its 33rd anniversary. Directed by Vin Crease (actually D.C. Mann - Vin Crease doesn't really exist) the film was purportedly seized after Vin went crazy and killed the films' producer. Confused yet? Thought so. This of course, is a complete fabrication and utter horseshit. Slaughterhouse of the Rising Sun is a brand new film. A brand new film that comes with a very clever marketing campaign, and a straightaway gimmick from the get go.

First things first. Slaughterhouse of the Rising Sun is a technical triumph; don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise. This film, looks and feels like a product of the 70's (even more so than The Devil's Rejects ever wished it could). Locations, props, dress, filming techniques, all come together in a production that really looks vintage. Coupled with the fact that Slaughterhouse of the Rising Sun features exceptionally high end performances for an indie production, and you're easily on the path to success. But I may be getting ahead of myself here.

The story of an adult actress on the road to self-discovery will probably sound like a bit more cheese than it deserves (Will it get any better if I tell you that in the opening scene she's being given it doggy style by a midget, she freaks out and lays deep scratches all over his face? Didn't think so). Jennifer (Cheryl Dent) spends some quality time in a loony bin only to bypass a reunion with her mother upon her release (at the request of a psychologist) and instead hits the open road. She's chased down by some local yokels and picked up, just in the nick of time by a group of hippies, including a couple of easy on the eyes free lovin' females and their manson-esque leader Damon Grey (played by fictitious director Vin Crease). Our motley crew then hits the open road together, chased by all sorts of inner (and perhaps some outer) demons and ghosts.

While the 70's gimmick works (for the most part), it is just that...a gimmick. The story and the rest of the film needs to be able to stand on its own, working in conjunction with the gimmick. They need to compliment one another, not fully support the other. If the film relies to heavily on the gimmick itself, it's bound to fail. This is why 95% of 3-D films are only entertaining because of the 3-D and even THAT gets tedious after a while. So where does Slaughterhouse of the Rising Sun land? Somewhere in the middle.

The story meanders at times, and while I still enjoyed watching these characters interacting with each other, I desperately wanted all of this to get somewhere. Then, when it finally did, I was a bit disappointed upon our arrival. Not enough to the point that it tarnished the whole experience mind you, but a bit disappointed nonetheless. To its credit. Slaughterhouse of the Rising Sun is almost always a pleasure to watch (even when it drags). As mentioned earlier, the successful 70's styling of the film is at the top of the list of reasons why. Then there's everything else that comes together to mold the production into a cohesive whole. Excellent use of music, locations and set pieces and an ensemble cast that works really well together. Scenes between characters (even when not a whole heck of a lot is happening onscreen) become almost mesmerizing; somehow these scenes manage to captivate the viewer.

When taking all of this into consideration, it's difficult to harbor any ill will towards the film, even if it does get a bit shaky well into the 2nd and 3rd acts. Despite a bit of sloppiness I was still infatuated with these characters, and continued to watch...wanting more. In the end, even after all I was given, I still wanted a bit more from the film.

I guess it goes without saying (credited mostly to the successful 70's appearance) Slaughterhouse of the Rising Sun looks great on DVD. The print is at times faded, there are some scratches and a few pops, and at times a few 'unintended' jump cuts...all obvious traits of the films' age, right? ::wink:: ::wink:: Audio compliments the visuals well, with clear dialogue, music and effects which still manage to retain that glorious 70's vibe. (If ya dig the vocals, you can download a few songs off of the films' official website). Of course you'll have to get a good look at Slaughterhouse of the Rising Sun for yourself in order to judge as to the level of success achieved in pulling this off. And I definitely recommend you do that, take a look.

Extras included will vary between the official DVD release and my review copy, so I'm not really going to get into it right now. Although there's a behind-the-scenes segment that treats the films' mythology as if it were true. Interesting enough, but could easily try the patience of those who think the fine line the gimmick is walking on has been crossed.

There's certainly enough here for a recommendation. Despite the fact that the film loses it a bit about midway through, Slaughterhouse of the Rising Sun is an ambitious indie effort that's definitely worth a look.