Amazingly, I have no idea how Slime City managed to slip by me in the late 80's early 90's. I didn't even know that this DVD from Retro Shock-O-Rama was even a re release at first, I thought it was a brand spankin' new indie feature. So I popped the DVD in thinking that maybe I'd recognize something about this film, even if it was just one scene that had maybe been burned in the back of my mind. Nothing. It was all new to me. Crazy, I thought I had seen them all. Much to my surprise (and extreme pleasure) Slime City is an applaudable 80's splatter effort that cult and horror fans are likely to be pleased to discover (or rediscover for that matter). Better late than never in reaching this gem I suppose.

When Alex (Robert Sabin) moves into his new New York City apartment, strange things begin to happen. His odd neighbors won't seem to let him alone, but then again, maybe Alex doesn't want to be let alone? There's Nicole (Mary Hunter) the punk chick who seems to be begging Alex for 'something' more than a casual conversation, and there's Flock of Seagulls new wave kid Roman (Dennis Embry) who's a bit too eager for a friend as well, to name a few (totally 80's as well). While Nicole is putting the moves on Alex, Roman is inviting him over for a fresh 'trash picked' meal. The bizarre pudding like substance and green beverage seem odd to Alex, yet he chows down and drinks up.

Alex's girlfriend Lori (also played by Mary Hunter) notices the changes in Alex almost immediately, and changing is something Alex is definitely doing. The two were supposed to move in together, but now it seems as if Alex is having a change of heart. Alex begins to go through these bizarre transformations, in which he'll sweat profusely and actually begin to melt. In order to combat the 'drip' he wraps himself up in gauze, running around as if he were the invisible man. During these leaky bouts, Alex gains a murderous urge, which he easily satisfies on prostitutes or gang members...pretty much anyone he can get his hands on. When it's all over. Alex returns to normal, and has an insatiable urge to drink/eat more of that mysterious substance and the cycle begins once again. What exactly are the contents of those mysterious vials kept in the basement of the building? It all boils down to a bizarre cult, their leader and a mass suicide year's prior. Will Alex will never be the same again? Will Alex and Lori know the meaning of true love yet again? Will I ever get on with it?

Low budget all the way, Slime City shares so much in common with other 80's horror films like Street Trash and Basket Case. There's a similar vibe to Basket Case in the use of the apartment complex and the residents interactions or Street Trash with the melting/splattery style gore and homeless influences. But then again, Slime City also just 'feels' like a kindred spirit to these films. Maybe it's because these films shared production members etc. I can't really explain it, but it's a bizarre feeling of familiarity you get while watching and it just feels 'comfortable.' There's really no other way to describe it. Anyone who sees Slime City and understands what I'm saying here can write in to let me know that I'm not going nuts. Great stuff all around, but you'll have to keep in mind that all involved were working with extremely limited resources so you get what you get...don't be surprised if the film feels a bit amateurish at spots. All part of its charm. Although it is evident that every single dollar bill that was stuffed into the pockets of this production definitely appears onscreen.

At its heart, the real money shot for Slime City are its special effects, and there are plenty of them. The melting transformations that Alex goes through are handled really well, and the make up (for the most part) is really impressive. There are a few gory murders in between, but the most FX love comes from the films' outrageous finale. I don't think I'm giving anything away by telling you this, but if you're afraid of spoilers you may want to skip over the next paragraph.

The shocking finale held between Lori and Alex is way over the top. According to the films' director, it was the most grueling part of the shoot, and I can see why. Some of the effects are quite impressive, while others are silly, but fun. For example, there's a moment when Alex is disemboweled, and he begins to cram his intestines (which are obviously sausages/hot dogs) back in his stomach. Mixed in with the melting yellow goop it's outrageous fun. Then his slashed open stomach exhibits chomping teeth, it goes on from there, good stuff...

The anamorphic widescreen transfer is quite good. Although there is some slight print damage and some worn/washed out bits. Overall, the transfer is more than respectable. Audio is presented in stereo and suffers from a bit of a hollowed out sound at times, which I'm sure can be attributed to the low budget origins of the flick. Still, there's not much in the way of distortion, if any at all, so it's just that tin can kinda tone to contend with on occasion.

Editor's Note: It's worth noting that the director freely admits here that he's cut the film down a bit from it's original length/version. Saying that he wanted to tighten the film up a bit, this version may not 100% match an older release of the film. All of the gore is intact. Other than that, I have nothing to compare this edition to.

Extras include a feature length commentary with Director Gregory Lamberson and actor Robert Sabin which is quite informative and entertaining along with a brief behind-the-scenes segment (with lots of FX stuff), a Shock-O-Rama electronic press kit, trailers for a few more Shock-O-Rama releases and liner notes from the director. Also included is another feature film entitled Naked Fear, which is also available with or without audio commentary from Director Gregory Lamberson and actor Robert Sabin. Low budget cheapie, shot on video in the late 90's. Acting is hit or miss, but the story about a shut in and his new roommate is pretty entertaining and makes for a tremendous extra bonus feature. Quite a package to say the least.

Fans of Slime City will want to dive in without doubt (and there must be many of you, because Slime City was apparently big on the bootleg circuit, time to upgrade). Those who have never been to Slime City (like me) can rest easy knowing that if ya dig splattery 80's gore along the lines of some of the other films I've mentioned here, you can't do a whole heck of a lot better than Slime City. Time to give this film its due...highly recommended.