I've been a fan of Guitar Wolf ever since I had the pleasure of seeing the film Wild Zero at the Philly Film Fest a couple of years back, so I guess it goes without saying that I (along with many others) have been anticipating Synapse Film's DVD release of Wild Zero for quite some time now. Let's face it, these fellas (Guitar Wolf) are just out to have a good time and if they decide to invite me along for the ride, I'm more than interested in joining. Well, consider Wild Zero your invite and it's about time for you to R.S.V.P.

Guitar Wolf is a Japanese band of mammoth proportions, releasing the loudest albums ever recorded with songs like Roaring Blood and Jet Generation. They're always clad in black leather and dark sunglasses and when they perform fire shoots out of their microphones. In a move that can only be compared to Kiss Meets The Phantom of the Park, the members of Guitar Wolf (consisting of Guitar, Bass and Drum Wolf) decided to make a flick, the result being Wild Zero. Beyond wacky, there is really no description that can do this wild ride of a film justice, but I'll certainly try.

Ace is a devotee to Guitar Wolf and one day he gets closer to the band than he could ever have imagined. Ace walks in during a scuffle Wolf is having with a club owner (who wears the tightest shorts this side of Okinawa) only to be knocked on his ass. As a kind gesture, Guitar Wolf hands him a whistle to blow whenever he needs help and also makes him an honorary blood brother. Good thing Ace has that whistle too, it appears as if the earth is being taken over by aliens and in turn the dead have started to come back to life. An eclectic group of misfits (including the band) are forced to battle the aliens and zombies in an attempt to bring peace back to the world and in the process allowing Rock and Roll to live on forever. They'll battle the zombies through some usual means like guns in addition to some unusual means, like magical (yet deadly) guitar picks, get it?

One really does need an extremely high tolerance for wacky in order to truly appreciate the merits of Wild Zero. While at times, the film is nothing more than a showcase for the band to pose or present live concert footage, this never once bothers me. Why? Because they are so fucking cool. Presenting a showcase of boobs, blood and so bad they are good optical effects, Wild Zero is nothing more than a party movie and a 90-minute crowd pleaser. However, at the same time I can see how this film would annoy some to no end. You either get it or you don't, it's just that easy.

Presented in a non-anamorphic widescreen transfer Synapse has once again "done good." Having seen Wild Zero projected theatrically, I can honestly say that this film is true to the original to a "T." There is really no evidence of print damage, barely any grain and colors are sharp and bold. Audio is presented in a solid (and appropriate) Dolby stereo track with removable English subs. Not to mention the fact that the film still holds up quite well visually if you decide to zoom in a bit to fill your widescreen set.

Extras include a Guitar Wolf Bio, a brief behind-the-scenes music video, a trailer, fairly comprehensive still gallery and a "drinking game." The drinking game is pretty simple. Every time a particular action takes place onscreen., a little beer mug symbol appears prompting viewers to take a drink. For example, be prepared to drink each time someone says "Rock and Roll", each time a head explodes or every time someone combs their hair (just to name a few). Needless tp say, you should expect to do A LOT of drinking, play at your own risk!

Guitar Wolf fans should not even hesitate to pick up this edition of Wild Zero if you haven't already. First timers, take it from me, there is no better way to spend 90 wasted minutes of your life than with Guitar Wolf and Wild Zero. This flick is a lot of fun, and if nothing thus far has scared you away, then I say go for it! Synapse Film's presentation along with the interesting extras make this disc a must own. Highly, highly recommended.