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

ADDITION: 88 Films Blu-ray (January 2021): 88 Films have transferred Niko Mastorakis's Blind Date to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "4K Transfer from Original 35mm Camera Negative". It is in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate and looks about as good as it can. Clean, good contrast, depth, authentic colors... it looked superior to how much mid-80's film stock can export digitally. No 1080P image issues - overall quite pleasing video.

NOTE: We have added 64 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, 88 Films provides the options of two DTS-HD Master (24-bit) tracks - in a 5.1 surround bump and 2.0 channel, in the original English language. No discreet separations but both tracks carried some bass weight. There is a score by Stanley Myers (The Wind, The Wilby Conspiracy,  Eureka, Cimino's The Deer Hunter, Roeg's Insignificance, Harold Becker's The Boost, Pete Walker House of Mortal Sin and Frightmare, etc.) with some of the songs performed by John Kongos. Like the video is was effective - supportive the film with a few aggressive effects surfacing. 88 Films offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The 88 Films Blu-ray offers a 4-part series on "The Films of Niko Mastorakis" running shy of two hours - with the director discussing his films with plenty of clips from them. The image quality is not great but fans of the director may be keen as he goes over his oeuvre. Films discussed include: Terminal Exposure, The Wind, The Zero Boys, Sky High, Island of Death etc. There is also a theatrical trailer, image gallery and a music video. The package comes with a limited edition slipcase and 4 collectable 'erotic' postcards (nudies that were not in the final cut of the film.)  

I guess there is something to be said for Niko Mastorakis' in-your-face cinema. Perhaps a poor man's Greek cousin to De Palma. This is more of the same cheese drifting from strong atmosphere to less-effective budget constraints. Always some half-dressed gals (keep your eyes peeled for Valeria Golino - of Rain Man fame - as one of the smiling bikini models) - and generally an entertaining popcorner. Blind Date is no masterwork of the, far-fetched, slasher-esque genre - but I'd say it's in the upper half. Nice to see Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), Keir Dullea with a mop of wavy hair, and the cat-like Kirstie Alley making appearances. The 88 Films 4K-restored Blu-ray has a fair amount to offer with The Films of Nico Mastorakis documentary included. Yes, recommended if you are at all keen.

Gary Tooze