Unboxing 101 Films’ First AGFA Releases
In 2022, 101 Films is bringing the American Genre Film Archive to the UK. Formed in 2009, AGFA is a non-profit located in Austin, Texas. AGFA exists to preserve the legacy of genre movies through collection, conservation, and distribution.
Their archive counts among its advisors Alamo Drafthouse founders Tim and Karrie League, filmmakers Paul Thomas Anderson, Anna Biller, Frank Henenlotter, and Nicolas Winding Refn, musician RZA, exploitation film savior Lisa Petrucci, and genre film superheroes Zack Carlson and Lars Nilsen. Housing over six thousand film prints, a 4K film scanner, and theatrical and home video distribution arms, AGFA will never rest until genre movies rule the world.
We took a closer look at these exciting first releases in what promises to be another addictive series from 101 Films, joining their celebrated Black Label and Red Label collections.
EFFECTS (1980)
Synopsis
Cobbled together with loose change by George Romero‘s friends, EFFECTS is a mesmerizing D.I.Y. frightmare that no one talks about, but everyone should. A group of coked-up filmmakers — including Tom “DAWN OF THE DEAD” Savini, Joe “DAY OF THE DEAD” Pilato, and John “TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE MOVIE” Harrison — gather in Pittsburgh to make a slasher. As filming begins and “accidents” happen, it’s clear that something isn’t right. EFFECTS is a meta-enhanced takedown on the philosophy of horror that doubles as a sleazy and terrifying movie on its own.
Special Features
- 4K scan from the only 35mm theatrical print in existence!
- Archival commentary track with John Harrison, Dusty Nelson, and Pasquale Buba
- UBU short film
- BEASTIE short film
- AFTER EFFECTS documentary with optional commentary track
- Liner notes by Joseph A. Ziemba of AGFA and Bleeding Skull!
LADY STREET FIGHTER (1981)
Synopsis
She makes the bad guys bleed! Written and produced by exploitation demigod Renee Harmon (FROZEN SCREAM) and directed by the legendary James Bryan (DON’T GO IN THE WOODS), this is the story of Linda (Harmon), a tough-as-nails karate cop on the trail of the ruthless scumbags who murdered her twin sister! From the outrageous fight scenes to Harmon’s incredible outfits, LADY STREET FIGHTER is a joyous blast of no-holds-barred chaos from one of the most important lady filmmakers in genre history. Don’t miss the special appearance by Trace Carradine, the most elusive Carradine brother of all!
Special Features
- 2K scan from the only surviving 35mm theatrical print!
- Commentary track with director James Bryan and the AGFA team
- Street fightin’ trailers from the AGFA vaults
- Bonus movie: REVENGE OF LADY STREET FIGHTER, the unreleased sequel to LADY STREET FIGHTER, scanned in 2K from the original 35mm camera negative
- Liner notes by Annie Choi of Bleeding Skull
The initial runs of both titles, available now, come with Limited Edition ‘O-ring’ packaging. Look out for upcoming titles THE McPHERSON TAPE and JUNGLE TRAP + RUN COYOTE RUN in February 2022. More info here.
