Side Effects May Vary Blu Ray Review (Tempe Digital)

Side Effects May Vary is a 2024 horror film shot, edited, produced, and directed by J.R. Bookwalter (The Dead Next Door, Robot Ninja, Kingdom of the Vampire, Zombie Cop, Shock Cinema, Maximum Impact, The Sandman, Humanoids from Atlantis, Witchhouse franchise, and Ozone). It was written and produced by James L. Edwards (Psycho Sisters, Trivial, Her Name Was Christa, Killer Campout, and Fiendish Fables). The estimated budget was $22,000. The world is gripped by a dangerous pandemic, science denier Glenn Rollins (played by: James L. Edwards from Hell Van, Shriekshow, Robot Ninja, Skinned Alive, Ozone, WrestleMassacre, and Bloodletting) turns to an experimental vaccine as treatment for a lingering sickness.The remedy immediately fixes what ails him. Everything starts to drastically change for him as recovers. Unfortunately, Glenn discovers the only thing more fatal than the actual virus… is the cure!!!! This is cult director J.R. Bookwalter’s first film in 23 years and it’s a nice return to the genre. He proves that he still has it with Side Effects May Vary. James L. Edwards is one of the better writers when it comes to the independent horror scene. This script deals with a virus and outbreak that makes all hell break loose for a small town. Since Covid lasted awhile a few years ago and it caused some chaos around the world, this subject is somewhat relatable. I thought the best friend rumor subplot stuff was very random and it didn’t really fit the feature but besides that it was a blast. The influence of The Incredible Melting Man is all over this and it’s a cool modern take on it. James L. Edwards really surprised me as the lead Glenn Rollins in this. Most of the time when a writer or a known director puts themselves in front of the camera, they are honestly awful but Edwards doesn’t disappoint as the unlucky guy. Sleaze Queen Tina Krause (Sorority Slaughter franchise, Sixteen Tongues, Witchhouse 3, Limbo, Hunters, The Profane Exhibit, and Psycho Sisters) plays the wife of Glenn and it’s awesome to see her in a quality independent production. She’s great as Janelle, she tries to make the best out of a bad situation but it backfires on her. She isn’t shy to show off her body but that’s not a surprise if you are familiar with her past work. This is one of her best performances so far. Scream Queen Brinke Stevens (The Slumber Party Massacre, Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama, Nightmare Sisters, Body Double, Grandmother’s House, Haunting Fear, and Slave Girls from Beyond Infinity) is always impressive, she’s the horny Mrs. Jackson that enjoys spying on her neighbors. She makes a big mistake by being nosey and she suffers because of it. Brinke elevates any project that she’s in. The rest of the supporting cast includes Debbie Rochon (Terror Firmer), Jason Paul Collum (October Moon franchise), Drew Fortier (Her Name Was Christa), Floyd Ewing Jr. (The Dead Next Door), Sasha Graham (Trivial), Tom Hoover (Ozone), Wendy Zier (Friday the 13th Vengeance 2: Bloodlines), J.R. Bookwalter (Day of the Dead), Michael Todd (Robot Ninja), and Tim Novotny (Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack). Side Effects May Vary is a solid addition to the body horror sub-genre. This low budget production uses their small budget wisely especially when it comes to the special fx. I love seeing old school practical fx, this is loaded with all kinds of nasty gore that will impress any horror fan. Bookwalter returns to familiar territory with this considering his biggest feature was The Dead Next Door back in the day. Side Effects May Vary has body horror, dark comedy, drama, tension, suspense, and pure madness when it all falls apart. It’s very entertaining and it’s lots of fun, it’s definitely worth checking out. RECOMMENDED!!!! Let’s discuss this high definition presentation and special features from Tempe Digital! This unrated director’s cut (1.78:1) transfer looks better than expected on blu ray especially for being shot on an IPhone. It has a few different audio options which includes English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and English: Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks on the disc. The crazy moments and it’s score really stand out here when it comes to the audio. All of the dialogue is crystal clear, the infection is elevated, and the music has a huge boost to it. It has English SDH subtitles. It has an “Audio Commentary” with director J.R. Bookwalter. He shares plenty of information and inside stories about Side Effects May Vary. Everything from production design, special fx, the concept, characters, cast, difference between his director’s cut, and guides you through the entire feature with his input. It has the little over 22 minute “Road Show Opening Night”. It’s a question and answer at the Harris Theater in Pittsburgh, PA with J.R. Bookwalter, James L. Edwards, and Floyd Ewing Jr. moderated by Art Ettinger from Ultra Violent Magazine. The director chats about how he got into filmmaking. He talks about the S.O.V. movement. He goes over his long absence from making movies. He goes on the old school process to get this out there. They discuss the project in great detail. The script went through major changes before it went into production. They answer questions from the crowd after the screening. It has the “Roadshow Promo”, “Teaser Trailer”, and “Theatrical Trailer”. It’s available everywhere right now including MakeFlix.com, CHECK IT OUT!!!!