The Italians are known for a lot of things, among them is their unique brand of genre films particularly from the 70s-80s. While some may say that food or wine is the country’s greatest export, we would argue that their genre output is easily deserving of the number one or at least two spots on that list. We know not everyone is a fan, and your reasons are (mostly) valid; lack of coherent plot, exposition-heavy dialogue, poorly drawn characters, and absurd logic are all hallmarks of Italian Exploitation films, but those are also some of its most endearing traits. Operating on what feels like splices of movies strung together, with quick cuts and tonal shifts galore, they are high on style and occasionally low on narrative quality, but it is how they approach the most intriguing storytelling. It is as if these films operate on vibes of what looks cool rather than what makes sense, and for mindless entertainment, you’d be hard-pressed to find something as potent. One connoisseur in this arena is Joe D’Amato, whose brand of off-beat and low-budget films are as much an acquired taste as caviar, and Severin Films’ latest 4K UHD release of “2020 Texas Gladiators.” Is this Penne Post-Apocalyptic slice of HD mayhem worth carving out space on your crowded shelves?

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

In a post-apocalyptic Texas, a band of warriors fight against a fascist regime that is trying to take control of all surviving population.

HOW IS IT?

One has a certain level of expectation going into films that come from a certain time, place, and person. In this case, the time is the 80s, the place is Italy, and the person is Joe D’Amato (under one of his many pseudonyms). Those three pieces of information may mean nothing to the untrained eye. Still, for fans of Italian genre cinema, this combination is either going to send your eyeballs rolling backward or lighting up with glee. Consider us in the latter camp as it relates to these three things, and “2020 Texas Gladiators” is a perfect example of what some folks love and others hate about Italian genre films. This isn’t going to convert anyone away from their stance if they are entrenched but for those curious about how just how off-the-wall these films can get they are in for a treat.

There is a story in “2020 Texas Gladiators,” that just isn’t very cohesive and well-thought-out. Hell, the opening of the film shows a group of supposed allies attacking a group of bloodthirsty religious cult sex pests while the credits are rolling. It isn’t long before nuns are slitting their throats and knives are being perfectly lodged between eyeballs. This leads to Nisus meeting Maida, who he rescues from being raped, only to find the couple then working with a commune to restore some order before being attacked by a high-tech group of militants aimed at enslaving the group. From there, folks work salt mines as genres are blended to create the ideal “Penne Post-Apocalyptic” recipe of barely there plot with explosive (literally and figuratively) amounts of carnage and action. This one is somewhat tamer than other iterations of the formula when it comes to the blood, but that may be on account of just how strung together the whole thing is. There are scenes where characters have different weapons for no reason, some people get squibs and some don’t when they get shot, and that’s where the magic is; the amateur-level high-concept production is akin to “Troma’s WAR” if it had an even lower budget.

If you read the above and found yourself thinking, “That sounds awful,” then there isn’t much to say that’s going to convince you otherwise. Similar to SOV horror films, these kinds of absurdist films have a target audience that loves and adores them, warts and all. This isn’t one of the better examples of “Penne Post-Apocalyptic” cinema, but it is a fun addition that is essential for fans of the genre as a whole. Severin has curated a distinct group of films, of which this enters, that offer up a wildly imaginative and fun blending of trends, tropes, and genres that fans of 80s cinema should give a chance. Hell, they are no more cornier than some of the stuff we made here in the States, but they also aim a helluva lot higher when it comes to ideas and concepts. That alone should pique your interest if you consider yourself a fan of the genre and someone adventurous enough to explore outside your comfort zone.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Severin’s 4K UHD transfer is yet another stellar restoration of what many considered to be a lost film, at least in its complete and uncut format. The 2160p resolution with HDR10 preserves the grain of the original camera negatives while cleaning up a lot of frames to the best of their ability. There are some artifacts from what is likely just a rough camera negative they had to work with, but that shouldn’t discount just how good this thing looks overall. The colors contrast even amongst a lot of dust and earthy tones, and it is certainly the best version of this film to exist. Images from this release are used throughout this review.

HOW DOES IT SOUND?

The audio options are reasonable and not too flashy. Both English and Italian mono tracks along with supporting English subtitles for both. It’s nice to have separate closed captioning for the Italian version, and the mono soundtrack is crisp and clear even if it is limited in terms of sound scope. The music is what becomes the most noticeable as the driving score will have you tapping your feet while things explode on the screen.

ANYTHING SPECIAL?

This is one of the “lighter” Severin releases on the special features front, some of which may have to do with Aristide Massaccesi (Joe D’Amato’s birthname) having passed in 1999 and many of the surviving crew are hard to reach. Still, we immediately put on Shoot Me: The Real Story Of The Italian Texas Gladiators a 16-minute collection of interviews both newly produced and archival explaining how “2020 Texas Gladiators” came to be. Contrary to what some may believe, these “behind-the-scenes” sessions for Italian films often don’t talk much about filmmaking and more about everything else around it. In this case, how little some folks were paid to work on this and how so many, including the screenwriter Luigi Montefiori, were reluctant to participate in Aristide’s productions once he decided to go full-on with ripping off American movies. Not only did he not pay well, he was a control freak, so there wasn’t a lot of draw to doing this unless one needed the money or the work. Still, folks reflect on the process fondly despite it all, and it is great to have these recollections on film given the age of so many of this particular cast and crew. A full list of special features is listed below.

Bonus Materials

Disc 1: 4K UHD (Feature + Special Features)

Trailer

Disc 2: Blu-ray (Feature + Special Features)

Shoot Me: The Real Story Of The Italian Texas Gladiators – Archival Interviews With Director Joe D'Amato, Assistant Director Michele Soavi, Screenwriter Luigi Montefiori, And Actor Al Cliver
Gladiator Geretta – Interview With Actress Geretta Geretta
Trailer

Disc 3: Soundtrack CD

LAST RITES

“2020 Texas Gladiators” is peak Italian rip-off cinema, and depending on how those words resonate with you will surely dictate how much enjoyment you’ll get from this film. Severin, as always, have produced a stunning transfer that is probably overkill for a film such as this and a gift to fans of Italian Exploitation Cinema!

THE GORY DETAILS

Thank you to the fine fiends over at Severin for providing a review copy for the crypt! 2020 Texas Gladiators is available NOW and can be purchased via Severin Direct!

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Nov 4, 2020

Matthew Orozco