In Search of Darkness: Part III

In Search of Darkness: Part III plunges audiences headfirst into the often-overlooked realm of 1980s straight-to-video horror. This third installment in the "In Search of Darkness" trilogy delves into the lesser-known cornerstones of the VHS era, a collection of low-budget masterpieces that once sat hidden in the depths of local video rental stores. This film is an ode to the forgotten gems that continue to captivate horror enthusiasts and film aficionados alike. Director Jim Vorel, along with writers David Hartman and Jim Vorel, guide the narrative through a carefully curated selection of straight-to-video horror classics. Beginning with a nostalgic trip down VHS lane, the documentary revisits the era's most iconic video rental stores, where the unwary and the daring would venture to uncover the hidden treasures buried amidst the crowded shelves. Here, the line between high and low art is perpetually blurred, as cult classics, low-budget masterpieces, and notorious stinkers all vie for attention amidst a cluttered landscape of dusty tapes. As we venture deeper into the heart of the 1980s video landscape, "In Search of Darkness: Part III" sheds light on numerous underappreciated gems, many of which are ripe for modern rediscovery. Standouts include "Chopping Mall," a sci-fi horror staple that cleverly combines prom antics with robot mayhem, and "Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama," an infamous entry in the '80s slasher canon that somehow manages to combine elements of comedy, sexploitation, and gore with unsettling efficiency. Meanwhile, some lesser-known entries also make an appearance in this final chapter. "Night of the Demons 2," a follow-up to Keane's 1988 cult classic, takes a gleeful trip into the abyss of '80s gore and excess. As this offbeat sequel hurtles through its plot, an increasingly erratic and entertaining array of demonic possession, demonic possessions, and even demonic exorcisms, only the sturdiest of stomachs will endure. With such a staggering variety of films, the creators of "In Search of Darkness: Part III" skillfully juggle each selection to create a visually stunning tapestry that encapsulates the spirit of the VHS era. The documentary's focus extends beyond simple film critique, however. By examining the broader social context that enabled these low-budget, straight-to-video horror staples to flourish, the filmmakers illuminate key concerns about the commodification of horror, the blurring of the lines between high and low culture, and the role of women within this nascent film landscape. These observations reveal the far-from-neutral implications of the VHS boom, which not only offered new avenues for low-budget filmmakers but also presented unique opportunities for women to explore the boundaries of creative expression. Moreover, the film also shines a spotlight on some of the lesser-known personalities who emerged during this era of video production. Many of these women and men – such as, notably, cult horror icon Linnea Quigley – were instrumental in shaping the aesthetic of 1980s straight-to-video horror, as well as in shaping the culture surrounding the VHS boom. This spotlight on the industry's marginalized figures provides valuable insight into the complexities of a rapidly changing entertainment landscape, where VHS culture intersected with the emerging new world of cable television and the burgeoning home video revolution. Ultimately, "In Search of Darkness: Part III" is an exhaustive, entertaining, and thought-provoking conclusion to the trilogy, a final testament to the enduring legacy of 1980s straight-to-video horror culture. The documentary's meticulously crafted selection of low-budget horrors and VHS curiosities not only serves as a reminder of the often-neglected yet captivating treasures buried within this oft-maligned era, but it also reminds audiences of the importance of preservation and celebration of these lost gems, and encourages new generations to experience for themselves the raw energy, irreverence, and sheer audacity of '80s straight-to-video horror.