DVD Review: 1980s Cult Movies Make Up ‘The Lost Collection’

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DVD Rating: 2.5/5.0

CHICAGO – Let’s be honest. Most ‘lost’ films are not found for a reason. It’s so funny to me that movies that were probably ignored for a good reason can suddenly become cult hits just because they’re unavailable for a few years. Having said that, there are one or two movies worth re-finding in Lionsgate’s ’80s-themed “The Lost Collection,” but there are also six to seven that should stay lost.

In “The Lost Collection,” Lionsgate has released eight ’80s movies that time has essentially forgotten. With stars like Drew Barrymore, Robert Sean Leonard, Keanu Reeves, Leslie Nielsen, and Jon Cryer (twice!), “The Lost Collection” has something for everyone. Or nothing for someone. Or something for a few people. I’m confused.

The Lost Collection was released on DVD on April 14th, 2009. Photo credit: Lionsgate

The eight films in “The Lost Collection” are “Irreconcilable Differences,” “My Best Friend is a Vampire,” “Morgan Stewart’s Coming Home,” “The Night Before,” “Slaughter High,” “Homer & Eddie,” “Hiding Out,” and “Repossessed.”

Naturally, I didn’t have time to go through all eight, but I did sample a few of our favorites and took a look at others, if just to refresh my memory. Yes, “Repossessed” is still horrible. The highlight is definitely “Slaughter High”. “Hiding Out” has its moments as well, if just to remind you that Jon Cryer has been underrated for decades. Pick up your faves or bite the big one and collect all eight.

Only “Hiding Out” is presented in widescreen. The rest are full screen. Each DVD includes a special feature called a “Pop-Up Trivia Track” and a few have their trailer. That’s it. Official synopsis information:

“Irreconcilable Differences” Synopsis:

Albert and Lucy fall in love, get married, and have a beautiful daughter named Casey. Their life is wonderful until their business success distracts them from each other and their daughter. They soon divorce, forcing Casey to sue her selfish, career-driven parents for emancipation so she can live with the maid who has been actually taking care of her.

“My Best Friend Is A Vampire” Synopsis:

The Lost Collection was released on DVD on April 14th, 2009. Photo credit: Lionsgate

A young student finds himself being transformed into a vampire after a night with a quite attractive female vampire. First, he does not quite believe it himself, but with the help of a 300 year old teacher and the handbook Vampirism - A Guide to an Alternative Lifestyle, he finds out that blood does not taste as bad as he expected. Of course, he does not bite women, as a good guy he sticks to pig blood which is offered by the local butcher as a special offer for vampires. Trouble rises when a vampire hunter tries to track him down with wooden sticks and silver bullets

“Morgan Stewart’s Coming Home” Synopsis:

After seven years in boarding school, Morgan Stewart is finally coming home. Upon his return he discovers it’s not the same happy home it used to be, so he decides to reform his social climbing, politically inclined parents and things get a little out of control.

“The Night Before” Synopsis:

Winston Connelly wakes up in the middle of the night in an alley with no idea of how he got there. Nor does he know where in Los Angeles he is or why he is wearing a beat-up tuxedo. Through a series of flashbacks, he remembers that he was sidetracked on his way to the prom the night before. In the meantime, he has to figure out what happened to his wallet, his car keys, his date, and why a pimp named “Tito” wants him dead.

The Lost Collection was released on DVD on April 14th, 2009. Photo credit: Lionsgate

“Hiding Out” Synopsis:

A very successful stock broker is called to court to testify against a mob boss. In an effort to protect him, he is ordered to hide out as a high school student. There’s only one thing more frightening than murder – High School!

“Slaughter High” Synopsis:

A group of popular students play a cruel prank on a shy nerd resulting in a terrible accident. Years later, a reunion is held and each of the students face a stalker who may be the same nerd out for revenge.

“Homer & Eddie” Synopsis:

Ever since he was beaned by a fastball in his childhood, Homer has been a little “off” in the head. Edwina has always been a little crazy. But now that doctors have told her she’s got a month to live, she’s crazier than ever! Together they take off on a rollicking journey of a lifetime—and along the way learn about themselves, their families and the healing power of their friendship.

“Repossessed” Synopsis:

It’s been some time since Father Jebedaiah Mayii exorcised the devil from little Nancy Aglet. Now, years later, Nancy has grown up and has a family, but the demon returns to repossess her. With Father Mayii unwilling to help, another priest agrees to help her even when a television reporter plans to air the exorcism live.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com