Shock Waves

Shock Waves has been lying undiscovered in the cult movie ocean for decades, much like the undead Nazi soldiers in the film itself. Even Blue Underground’s original 2003 release on DVD didn’t generate the sort of attention the film deserved for creating a fever-dream atmosphere quite unlike any zombie film before or since. But with zombies still firmly in command of our movies, TV and video games, director Ken Wiederhorn’s prune-faced corpses are rising from the depths in a brand-new Blu-ray edition that’s destined to win over new fans.

Shipwrecked on a small island off the Florida Keys, a group of tour boat passengers and her crew search for shelter in an abandoned hotel only to be greeted by a former German SS commander (Peter Cushing) who tries to scare them off. His warning, however, comes too late as some sort of natural disaster has awoken his troop of super soldiers just offshore. Now these unstoppable killing machines are stalking everyone on the island, intent on dragging their victims to a watery death.

Shock Waves first 15 minutes or so are an awkward, poorly directed affair, even with horror legend John Carradine contributing a short cameo. But from the moment the undead begin rising en masse from tidal pools and stagnant lagoons, the film creates a unique mood without spilling a drop of blood. Wiederhorn’s shot compositions are chillingly effective, letting his monsters loose in full-on tropical sunlight and still managing to make them appear mysterious and menacing.

He shares the credit with make-up designer Alan Ormsby whose disturbing Aryan creations hide behind a pair of signature strap-on sunglasses. As well as composer Richard Einhorn whose minimalist keyboard accompaniment sets a pitch-perfect mood. Actress Brooke Adams, whose appearance in this and the 1978 remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers cemented her status a minor scream queen, gets pulled from one danger to the next without contributing much, but her acting is well above the pay scale for such a low budget film. Wiederhorn also gets the most out of his five shooting days with Cushing, who classes up every production he sets foot upon.

The new Blu-ray is apparently culled from the same private print used the first time around, blown up from Super 16 and looking just as grainy as you might expect. But it’s a lovely grindhouse sort of grain that suits the film well and has an appealing textural feel. All the extras from Blue Underground’s previous DVD are ported over (including a featurette with actor Luke Halpin) along with three new contributions: Nazi Zombies on a Budget (interview with producer/cinematographer Reuben Trane), Notes for the Undead (with composer Richard Einhorn) and Sole Survivor (with Brooke Adams). Trailers, TV and radio spots go along with a filmmaker commentary in which Wiederhorn sounds almost embarrassed of his own film. Trust us, Ken, you done real good!