Generation Dead

'Sword of Independence' are a new DVD company that I knew nothing of until recently and it is with their debut release that I first get to savour their delights - 'Generation Dead' will be highly anticipated by our German readers as not only is this the sequel to the popular 'Mutation' but this release sees the film presented in its directors cut version with an additional 10 minutes of footage.

'Generation Dead' follows on from the first feature and looks to be a story of epic proportions but sadly being new to the series and having no understanding whatsoever on the German language I have to admit that I completely bewildered and lost by the dialogue heavy storyline contained therein. What I did sorta pick up though was that there is a gangster on the run with a contract on his head with a multitude of hitmen seeking to get hold of his bounty. Somewhere amongst all this there's some sort of demon scenario with hints of apocalyptic mayhem. As the film develops things settle down nicely though for non German speakers with some lovely set piece moments of gun blasting mayhem and extreme gory carnage, so all is not lost for Anglophiles like myself. But it is this that will probably be the most off putting element for folk outside of the German market and sure it is entirely selfish but you'll be continually wishing that there had been the inclusion of some English subtitles to let you enjoy what looks to be a well thought out plot.

The first half an hour or so follow this dialogue heavy story but it is around 40 minutes in that the language barrier is unnecessary as the film goes into the universally welcome language of gleeful gore! This also marks the only scene with English dialogue in a hilarious moment where an English speaking actor is on the phone to his agent decrying that he's non too pleased that he's been booked for a part in this film as he understands no German. In an amusing move by the film's director Timo Rose the poor guy is then the victim of perhaps the goriest scene to be seen in a splatter movie in quite some time. And it is with this key scene that you'll be sitting up in delight as the amazing carnage unfolds with some of the most stunning splatter carnage which is very much in the vein of the old Hellraiser films but here going into wild abandon. The remainder of the film mostly is a showcase for some Hong Kong stylee gang shoot em ups, with lots of bravado posturing and fist fights, with an inevitable 'to be continued' conclusion.

So is 'Generation Dead' the next big thing to come out of Germany? Maybe so, but only our German friends will know this for sure. The fact alone that the third part in the series is on the way indicates that the series is somewhat successful but until the language barrier has been broken down (a subtitled release would be very welcome) the 'Mutation' series will be the exclusive pleasure of our German chums. Timo Rose is a confident director and even with the tiniest of budgets and using videotape manages to deliver a slick looking production. He is also supported on the special effects here by SGM favourite Olaf Ittenbach (of 'Premutos' fame) which probably explains the showstopping Hellraiseresque mayhem half way through the movie.

This debut DVD release from Sword of Independence is a fine start also. Outside of my selfish wish that they had included some subtitle options the print on show looks as good as you'll get with the video master matted into the letterbox format with a decent enough rocking stereo audio track. But it is with the extras that SOI have done the filmmakers proud with just about everything a fan of the film would ever need. There's a long look at the making of the film with some fun behind the scenes moments as well as a collection of out-takes from the production and also a short clip of the films theatrical premiere. Finally there's a couple of trailers for the mind numbingly cheesy 'Rout City' (a sort of South Park for Slasher fans) and SOI's other debut release 'Hunting Creatures' (check out our review elsewhere).

'Generation Dead' is an enthusiastic debut release from Sword of Independence and although perhaps until someone licenses the series for the English market this may only be of great interest to our German readers. But if like myself you're prepared to sit bewildered for 86 minutes then you'll find some nice eye candy to keep you entertained. One to watch!

Review by Alan Simpson

'Generation Dead' can be ordered direct from Sword of Independence by clicking here.