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(aka 'Death Shot" or Dead Shot")

 

Directed by Mitch Brown

USA 1973

 

Semi-urban detective duo Ross and Wilson have been charged with taking down local drug kingpin, Blasi. After busting a low-level pusher, they convince his girlfriend, Sheila, to start working for them as an undercover operative in exchange for avoiding prison. But as Ross finds himself becoming romantically interested in his new, perpetually spaced out informant, Blasi continues to strengthen his crime empire, setting his sights on even loftier, and deadlier, ambitions.

A low-key piece of regional New American Cinema influenced action-thriller and character drama, SHOT was produced for a scant $15,000 in the college town of Champagne, IL and is made all the more impressive by the fact that it was written, produced and directed by then college students Mitch Brown and Nate Kohn, using funds they'd raised doing campus film screenings. With its well choreographed and French Connection inspired car chase and stunt scenes, impressive helicopter photography (and pursuits), punctuated by naturalistic performances from a mostly amateur cast, along with extensive local color, SHOT remains a forgotten gem of early 70s regional filmmaking. Barely screened theatrically and almost impossible to see since its brief VHS release (in which it was retitled DEATH SHOT), Vinegar Syndrome presents SHOT on Blu-ray, newly restored from its 16mm reversal original and fully uncut for the first time on video!

***

In this sleazy urban crime drama it is difficult to discern the difference between the criminals and the detectives pursuing them. The tough Chi-town cops get involved after a vicious drug-dealing, double-crossing, murderous gang begins terrorizing the city.

Excerpt from B+N located HERE

Poster

Theatrical Release: January 1973

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Review: Vinegar Syndrome - Region FREE - Blu-ray

Box Cover

 

    

Distribution

Vinegar Syndrome
Region
FREE Blu-ray

Runtime

1:32:14.195

Video

Disc Size: 24,024,750,056 bytes

Feature Size: 22,617,983,616 bytes

Average Bitrate: 29.98 Mbps

Single-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video

Bitrate:

 

Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray

 

Audio

DTS-HD Master Audio English 1097 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 1097 kbps / 24-bit (DTS Core: 1.0 / 48 kHz / 768 kbps / 24-bit)

Subtitles English (SDH), None
Features Release Information:
Studio: Vinegar Syndrome

 

Disc Size: 24,024,750,056 bytes

Feature Size: 22,617,983,616 bytes

Average Bitrate: 29.98 Mbps

Single-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video

 

Edition Details:
• "Taking a Shot" - interview with director Mitch Brown (22:19)
Audio interview with Producer Nate Kohn (22:32)
Promotional Stills and Article Gallery (1:20)

Reversible Sleeve


Blu-ray  Release Date: August 28th, 2018
Transparent Blu-ray case

Chapters: 5

 

 

Comments

NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

Vinegar Syndrome have brought this wonderfully puny-budgeted  historical artifact, known as "Shot" or "Death Shot", to glorious Blu-ray. The 1080p image is described as "Newly scanned and restored in 2k from 16mm camera negative". Shot has the distinction of being the first full-length feature shot at the University of Illinois. It looks, predictably grainy with some marks (see last capture). But overall very impressive - the texture is rich and embraceable and the colors have depth. I have no problem with this image quality which seems to have stood the test of time maintaining the heavy 16 mm film-like roots. Love it.

The film is presented in its original 1.0 mono on a 24-bit DTS-HD Master audio. Obviously, the production limitations are notable with the sound but, like the video, it makes for a watchable presentation with dialogue sounding occasionally scattered, but audible. There are no extensive effects or even score although I do hear some unknown background music here and there. It's clear enough to follow the situations. The disc is supported with optional English subtitles on this Region FREE
Blu-ray.

Vinegar Syndrome include a 22-minute interview with director Mitch Brown entitled "Taking a Shot" where he relates a few stories of the meager production. There is also an audio-only interview with producer Nate Kohn running a similar length. Lastly, are some promotional stills and article gallery plus the package has a reversible sleeve.

Well, despite its abundant flaws, I was really enjoying 'Shot'. It's so 'of its time'. Modest, but workable, if transparent, production values, hammy acting and a semblance of a plot with interchangeable characters... I loved the 70's fashion and hairstyles and that there was some very intentionally serious effort put into making this film.  I also loved the beautifully rich 16mm
Blu-ray presentation.  It's a film that has been forgotten since it was made and seeing is pretty cool. I suspect most won't share my fascination. To each his own
 

 - Gary Tooze

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Box Cover

 

    

Distribution

Vinegar Syndrome
Region
FREE Blu-ray


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