WELCOME TO HELL WEEK! Satantic secrets and telekenetic terror combine in this classic made-for-TV horror movie directed by Hammer Films alumnus Robert Day (She), from a story co-written by Tom Holland (Fright Night), featuring cinematography by Ric Waite (48 Hrs). Shy misfit Sarah Goodwin (Kay Lenz, House), has a secret gift: the ability to control — and destroy — with her mind. When Sarah goes off to college with her more outgoing and popular sister, Patty (Morgan Brittany, Sundown: The Vampire In Retreat), their plans to join the most prestigious sorority on campus are scuttled by snobby president, Jennifer Lawrence (Morgan Fairchild, Phantom of the Mall). Separated from her sister, Sarah is taken in by a rival, less popular sorority, whose mysterious house mother, Mrs. Hunter (Shelley Winters, The Night of the Hunter), is harboring a secret of her own: a scheme to harness Sarah’s terrifying power for revenge. Betrayed by Patty, humiliated by Jennifer, it can only be a matter of time before Sorority Hell Week erupts in flame! Making its Blu-Ray debut with an all-new restoration by Arrow Films from the original camera negative, The Initiation of Sarah has never looked better and comes packed with all new bonus materials.
For thoughts on The Initiation Of Sarah, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic here.
Video Quality
The Initiation Of Sarah comes to Blu-Ray courtesy of Arrow Video in its original 1.33:1 sourced from an excellent 4K scan of the original 35mm negative. TV movies were often made to feel kind of disposable once they aired back in the day, so it has been really heartening to see boutique labels coming through and rescuing them in recent years for a new generation. This presentation looks so incredible with the collegiate locations which sparkle in high definition with natural grain intact and nicely resolved. You get a stunning amount of detail throughout with immediate textures on the clothing and within the production design.
The transfer exhibits virtually no signs of print damage in even the most minor instances. What it does show off is a great amount of depth and enhanced detail. There is the rare moment that may take a bit of downturn in quality in terms of clarity, most likely due to the original elements, but mostly in brief transitional moments. Black levels are mostly deep with nothing too worrisome when it comes to crush. The contrast is well defined with strong white levels that do not veer into blooming. Arrow Video has once again knocked it out of the park while rescuing a forgotten gem.
Audio Quality
This Blu-Ray comes with a DTS-HD 1.0 Master Audio mono track in the original English (with optional English subtitles). With this being created for television, the sonic ambitions are not too daring but this track gets the job done all the same. Sound effects such as the crashing of waves on the beach or the smashing of a piano are given the appropriate weight within the mix. Dialogue sounds perfectly clear without sound effects or the score steamrolling important information. The film is largely dialogue-driven with things getting slightly more kinetic as Sarah is pushed to her limits. The score is forceful but is handled with great fidelity. This presentation presents everything as you might want without damage or other unwanted issues.
Special Features
The first-pressing of the Arrow Video Blu-Ray of The Initiation Of Sarah includes a booklet featuring the essays “‘We’re You’re Sisters Now’: Bonds Of Sisterhood In The Initiation Of Sarah and Sorority Horror Films” by author Lindsay Hallam, and “From Pariah To Power: Transgressive Abilities In The Initiation Of Sarah” by film critic Alexandra West. These both provide a great analysis of the film, its themes and more. The booklet also contains the details of the restoration. The on-disc special features are as follows:
- Audio Commentary: Film scholar and TV movie expert Amanda Reyes provides her typical fun and informative commentary track in which she discusses the landscape of television movies of this time, why this effort stands out and more that provides cultural context while also delving into the the performers and their backgrounds, shooting locations, the themes tackled within this one and more. Don’t skip this if you are a fan of TV movies!
- Welcome To Hell Week: A nearly 17-minute cheeky appreciation piece from critic Stacie Ponder and Queer Horror programmer Anthony Hudson, hosts of the Gaylords of Darkness podcast, who explore the film through a queer feminist lens. The two discuss the performers, the “mean girls” vs “outcast” tropes, the use of supernatural and more. This is unlike most Arrow Video supplements, but it is a fun, dishy time.
- Cracks In The Sisterhood: A 15-minute visual essay from film critic and historian Alexandra Heller-Nicholas who explores the film in the context of Second Wave Feminism. In this piece, there are discussions about the pull between the old and the new, the place of women’s rights in the 1970s, the use of ritual and hierarchy, focusing on internal growth and more.
- The Intimations Of Sarah: A 16-minute examination from film critic Samantha McLaren which focuses on the place of TV movies in storytelling, the portrayal of witchcraft, the queer undertones within the film, how this film compares to something like Carrie and more.
- The Initiation Of Tom: A nine-minute interview with filmmaker Tom Holland as he reflects back upon his first film writing credit and how he built up to this opportunity.
- Image Gallery: This disc provides an assortment of stills and promotional material.
Final Thoughts
The Initiation Of Sarah is one of the best made-for-television movies we have seen yet with its strong production value and distinct sense of unease throughout. The performances are dialed in to the perfect amount of camp without making the film seem like a parody – just a good time. As you might be able to tell from the multitude of video essays on the disc, the film has layers that can be dissected and interpreted various ways which helps further its legacy. Arrow Video has released a Blu-Ray featuring a very pleasing A/V presentation and an array of special features that really increase the value of the overall package. If you have a soft spot for TV movies or just want a well-made supernatural thriller, this is a great find. Recommended
The Initiation Of Sarah will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray on June 21, 2022.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Arrow Video 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.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.