Blending the suspense of classic horror with the irreverence of coming-of-age comedy, HELL OF A SUMMER brings a fresh perspective to the summer camp horror genre. Dubbed Friday the 13th meets Wet Hot American Summer, the film nods to the classics while carving its own path. The film follows Jason Hotchberg (Hechinger), a 24-year-old camp counselor who feels out of touch with his teenage co-workers. What he doesn’t know is that a masked killer is lurking on the campgrounds, brutally picking counselors off one by one.

For in-depth thoughts on Hell of a Summer, please see my colleague Dom Fisher’s review from its original theatrical release here.

Video Quality

Hell of a Summer comes to DVD with a 480p transfer that holds up favorably for the format. There is a Blu-Ray version of this title available, but it was not made available for review. This DVD offers a decent amount of detail from the environments to the costumes and makeup effects. The cinematography of the film captures the locales with an ideal pleasantness. Skin tones appear to be natural, and there are some notable facial details present, especially in close-ups. Compression artifacts are a minor part of this transfer without being a significant eyesore. Colors have a bit of vitality to them, especially in the vegetation and daytime illumination. Black levels should be stronger, but there is only a discrete amount of blocking. This presentation comes through within the limitations of a DVD. This is a fine option, but most should probably go with the Blu-Ray if given the chance.

Audio Quality

The DVD comes with a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track which brings the film to life within the limitations of the format. Environmental sounds are a key part of the soundscape which adds a dynamic touch to the proceedings. Dialogue is clear and balanced as it comes through without being clipped by the music or any sound effects. Directionality is effortlessly rendered so that sounds originate from all the natural spots. While the thrills are more intermittent, some moments ratchet up the tension and activity in the low end. There is a slight loss of power without a lossless track, but it holds up well overall. Optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles are included.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Co-writers/directors Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk, and actor Fred Hechinger

Blooper Reel: A seven-minute collection of laughing fits, flubbed lines, goofing around, and more.

Promotional Clips: A series of brief featurettes is provided in which the creative team finds some unique ways to speak about the film.

- Fireside Chat (2:57)

- Spoiler Alert (0:31)

- Rated Rizzler (1:10)

Pineway Bus Tour: A more in-depth 19-minute documentary that takes a look at the tour embarked upon in coordination with the premiere of the film which found the cast visiting numerous cities across the United States.

TV Spot (0:31)

Trailers: A Retro Trailer (1:08) and Redband Theatrical Trailer (2:12) are included.

Final Thoughts

Hell of a Summer is a really fun take on the slasher genre that earns points for mostly eschewing irony and meta-commentary for something genuine in its tackling of the material. This is not the most gnarly slasher that gorehounds will ever see, but some kills will have you cackling in twisted glee. The ensemble is filled with performers who win you over and make you excited to see more from them in the future. It is not perfect, but it is an impressive debut from these young artists. Decal Releasing has released a DVD featuring a pretty good A/V presentation for the format along with some great special features. Recommended

Hell of a Summer is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray, DVD, and Digital.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the DVD.

Disclaimer: Decal Releasing 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.