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

ADDITION: Code Red Blu-ray (February 2021): Code Red have transferred Don Jones's Schoolgirls in Chains to Blu-ray. It is described as being a "2K Scan From the Original Negative". This appears to be the same Blu-ray that was released in 2017 - just available on Amazon now. It is in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, single-layered but has a high bitrate and looks consistent with surprising moments of rich colors and depth. The source was obviously in decent shape and there is no prominent damage. It's probably a strong replication of the original from almost 50-years ago.  

NOTE: We have added 50 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Code Red use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original English language. In keeping with the modest production roots, there aren't an abundance of effects. The score is credited to Josef Powell (his only composition credit, although he has done some sporadic acting/TV work) when he sings his own "One Life to Live". Authentically flat - like the video it is clean. Code Red offer no subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Code Red Blu-ray duplicates the 2017 one with three commentaries. The first has writer / producer / director Don Jones and R.A. 'The Rugged Man' Thorburn hosted by Lee Christian of Code Red. It's not taken too seriously with the participants struggling to remember details. The second has actor Gary Kent and Jones again - a bit more intimate but no structure - just talking while watching. The third has Jones, again, and cinematographer Ronald Victor Garcia hosted by Greg Goodsell. More detail, Jones is not keen on the film - but pace is kept up with questions and descriptions of what has transpired with the cast/crew etc. There is also a dozen minute 'making-of' featurette from 2008 with Jones and Gary Kent differing on the value of the film and its legacy. I tend to agree with director Jones. Lastly, is a trailer.

Schoolgirls in Chains is pretty bad - and not in a 'good' way. It's obvious, weak - even in terms of being exploitive (beyond the title and posters) - it shows occasional promise - but let down by all the elements that make a decent feature - like style and cinematography - positives eclipsed by hammy John Parker's performance and poor writing. Its true value would be nostalgic - attractive Merrie Lynn Ross and Cheryl Waters epitomizing the 70's and better aspects of this genre and era. The Code Red Blu-ray will disappoint those with high expectations. The commentaries will only appeal to fans keen on Schoolgirls in Chains. I'm guessing that is a narrow range of genre lovers.

Gary Tooze