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FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 3 (1982) Director: Steve Miner. Hacktors: Dana Kimmell, Paul Kratka, Richard Brooker. Rating/5: The lowdown: Will the real Jason Voorhees please stand up? After the classic first Friday made millions and its sequel did the same, Paramount had a horror phenomenon on its hands. Despite the success the producers felt that something different was needed for Part 3, a new angle. What better way than jumping on the early '80s 3D bandwagon? Sadly, due to the chosen 3D process being impossible to transfer to DVD, most of us will never get the chance to see this film as it was intended. It did, however, give the world the defining motif of the franchise, the infamous hockey mask. So does it stand up after 23 years or is it just another faded sequel, tarnished by its ever increasing successors? Good points: The film looks great. Not only is the DVD transfer fantastic, but the production obviously had plenty of money on tap. It's a glossy, well acted exploitation flick with some great gore effects. The move to 3D obviously inspired all concerned and the specific effects, while glaringly obvious at times, all have a quirky charm. The gory death scenes pack a real punch, and jaded as I am I was hitting the rewind button to check out some of those gags again! True, it was pre-cut by the studio, but still, this will satisfy most gorehounds. I actually liked most of the cast as well - an element which is normally a major failing in slasher films - so it had a certain tension which was appreciated. Bad points: Some of the 3D effects are so brazen they become distracting! There is a constant barrage of bats, machetes, pitchforks and more being dangled in front of the audience's eyes. This must have looked great in the cinema, and makes you pine for the chance to watch this properly. The Cheech and Chong inspired couple are a bit distracting too! A sign of the stoner times, indeed… DVD Details: The DVD reviewed is the Region 3 Chinese disk from Paramount. This looks identical to the single disk available in the UK and USA. It has a 2.35:1 transfer with a Dolby Digital mono soundtrack. As always with this series, this comes with a trailer only, a lone, singular, lonely old extra in need of his old buddies, Mr Commentary and Mrs Documentary! Overall: I really enjoyed this film, it totally stands up. It has a fast pace, doesn't take itself seriously and gives fans of the series what they want: Voorhees mayhem! The use of 3D, while lost to us now, actually helps the film no end as the filmmakers push the boat out to stick as many cool effects on the screen as they can. Also, true fans finally get the real Jason, with no silly bag on his head this time. The hockey mask defines this iconic horror character. As an aside this movie would make a fantastic drinking game, just chug a shot back whenever a 3D effect comes along. Oh man, you'll be wasted! Release Date: The single disk is available now in the UK and US. Fans willing to take the plunge should check out the Region 1 box-set Friday the 13th: From Crystal Lake To Manhattan, which contains the first eight films in the franchise and some actual, real honest to goodness extras! Reviewer: Jon Kelly. [Check out the Friday box-set] [Check out the single-disc at Amazon US] [Check out the single-disc at Amazon UK] [Reviews Menu] [Home] © Copyright Slasherama 2002-present