Welcome, fellow horror hounds, to The Video Vault – your new online shrine to the forgotten, the notorious, and the simply hard-to-find gems of the VHS era! We’re kicking off our journey into the depths of horror history with a film that perfectly encapsulates the grime, the laughs, and the unforgettable practical effects that defined a generation of genre cinema.
Our inaugural pick is none other than:
Rabid Grannies (1988)
Synopsis: A group of wealthy relatives gathers to celebrate their aunts' birthday, unaware that a demonic force has possessed the elderly women. What follows is a descent into depraved madness, as the grannies transform into bloodthirsty, sexually aggressive monsters, turning the family reunion into a gory fight for survival.
Why it's a "Vault" Film: While a recent high-quality restoration has made Rabid Grannies more accessible to collectors than it has been in decades, for a long time, this film was a true VHS-era relic. Its initial release was limited, and finding uncut versions was a genuine challenge. Its over-the-top nature and association with Troma Entertainment kept it out of mainstream distribution channels for years, making it a badge of honor for those who sought it out. It's a film that, despite its newfound availability for physical media enthusiasts, still carries the mystique of a lost treasure and isn't available on typical streaming platforms.
Your In-Depth Review & Analysis: For many of us, the name "Troma" conjures images of low-budget brilliance, audacious gore, and a healthy dose of warped humor. And Rabid Grannies, while actually a Belgian/French production acquired by Troma for its infamous US release, is a prime example of why we love the house that Lloyd Kaufman built.
Do you remember those days? Before streaming, before Redbox, when the thrill of discovery came from dusty video store shelves or, in truly legendary fashion, from a mobile video van that literally went door-to-door? That’s exactly how this reviewer first encountered this particular brand of mayhem, a memory that sends a delightful shiver down the spine of any true VHS aficionado.
And what a discovery it was! Rabid Grannies delivers exactly what the title promises, and then some. It’s a film that knows precisely what it is: a chaotic, over-the-top ride of demonic possession, familial feuds, and, yes, truly disgusting practical effects. Director Emmanuel Kervyn crafts a world where the absurd is the norm, and where the line between horror and comedy is gleefully blurred. The film's low-budget origins are part of its undeniable charm, with the practical gore effects reaching levels of inspired lunacy. Be prepared for visceral, uncompromising practical effects and explicit gore that cemented its cult status and pushed boundaries for its time. The performances, while often intentionally hammy, add to the film's overall sense of anarchic fun. It's a film that's both shocking and hilarious, a testament to the power of practical effects and a reminder of a time when horror films weren't afraid to be truly outrageous. As we fondly recall, it’s a film that’s "gross in parts and funny in others," a perfect balance of visceral horror and tongue-in-cheek absurdity.
It’s no coincidence that Rabid Grannies landed in the late 80s. As our insight points out, it came out around the same time as other legendary exercises in practical FX excess like Bad Taste (1987) and Street Trash (1987). Indeed, with Rabid Grannies making its mark in 1988, that period truly felt like the 'Year of the Gross!' This was an era where filmmakers, unfettered by CGI, pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with rubber, slime, and gallons of fake blood. These films reveled in their visceral impacts, often pairing shocking visuals with a subversive, dark humor that mainstream Hollywood wouldn't dare touch.
Rabid Grannies embodies that spirit perfectly. It’s a chaotic, unforgettable piece of cult cinema history that, despite its recent (and much-needed) restoration, still feels like a secret handshake among those who remember its grimy VHS glory days.
Labels: Video Vault, Lost Films, Cult Classic, Obscure Horror, VHS Horror, Rabid Grannies, Emmanuel Kervyn, Troma
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