High school can be murder. Just ask Paula (Jill Schoelen, The Stepfather). Her overprotective father disappears during a weekend hunting trip. She’s being romantically pursued by Brian Woods (Donovan Leitch, The Blob), a creepy classmate who recently graduated from a mental institution. Her jealous jock boyfriend Dwight (Brad Pitt, Moneyball) is looking for any reason to release his juvenile rage. The lecherous school principal Mr. Dante (Roddy McDowall, Fright Night) is after her tight student body, and her friends and teachers are rapidly falling victim to a silent, shadowy mass murderer. As the body count rises, Paula begins to suspect that any one of her reckless suitors could be the twisted killer. But unless she learns his identity soon, her high school education will quickly come to a nasty end.

For thoughts on Cutting Class, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/FZa2peI-zyg?si=PwxHmNHxP7TdY36H&t=3431]

Video Quality

MVD Entertainment presents Cutting Class via their Rewind Collection with a stellar 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio sourced from a 2018 4K restoration of the Original Camera Negative with HDR. This film was last released on Blu-Ray in 2018 through Vinegar Syndrome from the same base restoration, but we do not have that set for comparison. The included Blu-Ray (also being sold separately) is derived from the same restoration, and while it also looks fantastic, this 4K UHD presentation is the ideal way to view the film at home.

This new transfer offers up the perfect amount of natural film grain which brings out a world of texture in the costumes, production design, and other craft elements. This grain resolves without any significant issues as nothing ever appears unnatural, clumpy, or swarming throughout the story. Highlights remain stable without blooming emerging as an issue, and black levels are nice and deep with no obvious crush present. This master eradicated nearly all print damage with no ugly specks or lines remaining.

The HDR presentation unlocks depth and nuance within the visual palette that really allows this one to sing. There is a world of distinct hues including those found on the cheerleading uniforms that make a solid impression. The film particularly dazzles when out in the open air, as there is much to explore in the natural environment. The HDR allows every element to feel more natural and accurate to the intention of the filmmakers. MVD Entertainment continues to show off with their 4K UHD Rewind Collection line.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a crisp and consistent LPCM 2.0 mono track that realizes this material just right. The score and soundtrack are both represented agreeably without any signs of damage or distortion. This is a mono track, but the low end supports the active moments without feeling lacking. Dialogue emanates clearly under all circumstances in the background. Environmental noises such as chattering teens or an axe scraping against a locker are distinguished well within the mix. Every aspect of the audio experience comes through with top-notch fidelity. MVD Entertainment has ensured the audio presentation holds up with great care. English SDH subtitles are provided for those who want them.

Special Features

Disc One (4K UHD Blu-Ray)

Trailer: The two-and-a-half-minute trailer is provided here.

Disc Two (Blu-Ray)

R-Rated Cut (1:30:52): An edited version of the film is provided in standard definition.

Interview with Jill Schoelen: A nearly 21-minute interview with the actress who discusses her initial hesitation with taking on this role, the frustrations with her character, getting to work with her best friend as a costume designer, memories of her fellow cast members, the difficulties of working with director Rospo Pallenberg, the legacy of the film, her connection to the fans, and more.

Interview with Donovan Leitch: A nearly 17-minute interview with the actor who discusses his career, his work on Cutting Class, memories of Brad Pitt, experiences on set, working with director Rospo Pallenberg, his joy over the film getting reevaluated, and more.

Find The Killer VHS Contest: A four-minute promo is provided that encourages the audience to find the killer to win a prize.

Kill Comparisons: A four-minute comparison video that shows the differences between the R-rated cut and the Unrated Cut.

Trailers: The two-and-a-half-minute trailer is provided for Cutting Class. There are also trailers provided for Ghoulies, Vampire’s Kiss, Swamp Thing, Witch Trap, and Jack Frost.

Poster

Final Thoughts

Cutting Class is a somewhat unusual slasher film, as it takes a circuitous root to get to some of the heinous, gory kills. The atypical pacing at least allows it to stand out, even if it does not all completely work. The film has a unique sense of humor that is appreciated, but we wish a bit more care was put into the script. The performers do a fine job, although there is nothing in Brad Pitt’s performance that hints that he would be a future Oscar winner. This is a fun ride while you are taking it, but it is not a hidden masterpiece by any means. MVD Entertainment has provided the film with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release that offers up a terrific A/V presentation and a nice selection of special features. If you are a fan of the film, this is an A+ release. Recommended

Cutting Class is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack and Blu-Ray.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: MVD Entertainment has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.