This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie being covered here wouldn’t exist.

You really are what you eat with Farmer Vincent’s smoked meat in this creepy horror yarn which “packs a punch that goes way beyond mere terror” (Boxoffice). Vincent’s popular products contain a special ingredient that the psychotic farmer and his sister would literally kill to keep a secret! Starring Rory Calhoun (Angel), Nancy Parsons (Porky’s), Nina Axelrod (Time Walker, Cobra) and John Ratzenberger (Cheers), and directed by Kevin Connor (From Beyond The Grave, At The Earth’s Core), this darkly funny flick “just might be your cup of meat” (L.A. Herald Examiner)!

For thoughts on Motel Hell, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

[youtube https://youtu.be/EXMMI2aDpio?t=1366]

Video Quality

Scream Factory presents Motel Hell with a terrific 2160p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio sourced from a new 4K scan of the Original Camera Negative with Dolby Vision/HDR. This film was originally released on Blu-Ray by Scream Factory nearly a decade ago which was derived from an older source. We do not have that older release to compare, and this new release comes with a Blu-Ray derived from the new 4K scan. Even judging these two sources against one another, the 4K UHD release shows some nice improvements, so we can only imagine it is a sizable step up from the previous source.

The utilization of Dolby Vision allows for a robust sense of depth even in the most restrictive conditions. This is not the most colorful film, but the HDR allows for the black levels to hold up with immense detail and no signs of crush or other artifacts. The same could be said for the highlights, which never veer into blooming in any lighting condition. The most dynamic hues come from the neon signage outside of the motel along with some daytime foliage. This disc captures the nuances of the palette that are there, but this is more aesthetically subdued than many features. The new presentation fine tunes the look of the film to its most ideal state.

It is incredible to see the natural film grain retained and resolved so well with subtle texture in the makeup, production design, outfits and more. This grain can be a bit thick at points, but it disperses evenly with nothing ever swarming or spiking. This transfer does a top notch job of eradicating most signs of print damage for a very clean source. This is buoyed by a strong encode which does not experience any dips in quality. This disc plays well with the changes in environment for a consistent experience. The effects work is not as gruesome as many traditional slashers, but there are some unique elements that make an impression. Scream Factory has once again done a standout job with their classic horror output.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track which delivers a problem-free listening experience. Environmental noises such as the revving of chainsaws or the struggle of victims come through with a respectable definition. Dialogue emanates with immense clarity even during kinetic sequences. The film delivers an audio experience that keeps its fidelity in every scenario. The low end of the track logs a bit of texture within its intention. The music sounds amazing without any indication of age-related wear and tear. It aids in conjuring a distinct atmosphere which works really well. Scream Factory provided a favorable sonic journey here. English SDH subtitles are provided for those who want them.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Director Kevin Connor provides a very thoughtful and insightful commentary track moderated by Filmmaker Dave Parker in which Connor discusses how he came to work on this project, his desire not to make a traditional slasher film, the casting process and the performances in the film, technical aspects of the production, the cinematography and so much more that is fun to take in.

It Takes All Kinds – The Making of Motel Hell: A nearly 25-minute making-of documentary featuring co-writers Robert Jaffe and Steven-Charles Jaffe, director Kevin Connor, and actor Marc Silver. In this piece, the subjects discuss their early years and entry into Hollywood, the development and tone of the story, the desire to have a British director for this project, the performances in the film, details about the filming of certain sequences, the shooting locations, early screenings and more.

Shooting Old School with Thomas Del Ruth: A 16-minute interview with cinematographer Thomas Del Ruth in which he discusses getting involved with the movie, a personal loss he suffered close to production, shooting on location, working with the performers, the legacy of the film and more.

Ida, Be Thy Name – The Frightful Females of Fear: An 18-minute analysis on female horror villains from writers Shelagh M. Rowan-Legg and Staci Layne Wilson, and actresses Chantelle Albers and Elissa Dowling. While the majority is not focused on Motel Hell, this is a really thoughtful addition which general horror fans will love.

From Glamour To Gore – Rosanne Katon Remembers Motel Hell: A nearly 12-minute interview with actress Rosanne Katon who discusses her early entry into performing, transitioning to model and film work, her experiences shooting on location in Motel Hell, her memories of first viewing the film and more.

Another Head On The Chopping Block – Interview with Paul Linke: A 15-minute interview with the actor who discusses how the role was essentially written for him, the evolving tone of the material, some of the stunt work, his initial disappointment with the film, the legacy of the feature and more.

Trailers & TV Spots: There is a five-minute selection of trailers and TV spots provided.

Galleries: This disc provides a Behind the Scenes Gallery and a Poster & Production Gallery.

Final Thoughts

Motel Hell is a truly distinct entry in the horror genre which embraces the humor and absurdity of its premise. The film has different intentions for its audience, leaving it to be a pitch black comedy which plays well to even the scaredy cats in the audience. The lead performances from the Smith siblings are a load of fun and bring so much character to the picture. Some hardcore horror fans may be disappointed to not see more guts and gore, but the horror of your imagination should do most audiences just fine. Scream Factory has provided this one with a 4K UHD Blu-Ray release that boasts a knockout A/V presentation and a great selection of special features. Fans of the film probably never dreamed of getting such a terrific release for this gem. Recommended

Motel Hell (Collector’s Edition) is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD + Blu-Ray Combo Pack.

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

Disclaimer: Scream Factory 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.