Retribution (1987) (4K Ultra HD Review)
DIRECTED BY: Guy Magar
STARRING: Dennis Lipscomb, Leslie Wing, Suzanne Snyder
RATED: UR/Region: O/1:85/2160P/NUMBER OF DISCS 2
AVAILABLE FROM Severin Films
There are late-’80s horror movies, and then there’s Retribution (1987), directed by Guy Magar — a film that looked at the slasher boom, shrugged, and said, “What if we add supernatural possession, existential angst, and a man who seems permanently two seconds away from either weeping or murdering someone?”
Enter Dennis Lipscomb.
Lipscomb plays our troubled lead with the kind of intensity that suggests he either deeply understood the material or hadn’t slept in three days. Either way, it works. His performance is weird in the best possible way — twitchy, haunted, and completely committed. When the possession angle kicks in, he doesn’t just chew the scenery; he gnaws on it like it owes him money. It’s the kind of off-kilter performance that elevates the whole movie from “forgotten VHS oddity” to “actually kind of great.”
And make no mistake, this is peak ’80s supernatural slasher chaos. The tone bounces between psychological horror and revenge-from-beyond-the-grave melodrama, but somehow it sticks the landing. There’s real atmosphere here — neon-soaked cityscapes, shadowy interiors, and that distinctly ’80s feeling that everything is slightly damp and morally compromised.
Is it subtle? Of course not.
Is it stylish? Weirdly, yes.
Does it occasionally feel like two different horror movies wrestling for control? Absolutely — and that’s part of the charm.
The kills aren’t over-the-top splatter-fests, but they’re mean, deliberate, and laced with that moody supernatural edge that makes them linger. And the story actually tries. It’s not just body count for the sake of body count — there’s a genuine attempt at exploring guilt, trauma, and identity beneath the ghostly vengeance setup. Ambitious? Yes. A little messy? Also yes. But boring? Never.
Now let’s talk about the real glow-up: the 4K release from Severin Films.
This transfer is gorgeous. Like, “how does this movie look this good?” gorgeous. The grain is beautifully intact, colors pop without looking artificial, and the shadow detail finally lets you appreciate all that moody cinematography instead of squinting into murk. It’s the kind of restoration that makes you feel slightly guilty for ever underestimating the film.
And that slipcover? Chef’s kiss. Bold, stylish, and exactly the kind of shelf candy that makes physical media collectors feel validated in their life choices. Severin didn’t just dump this onto a disc — they gave it the royal treatment, complete with a stacked slate of extras that dig into the production, the performances, and the era. Interviews, retrospectives, context — the works. It’s the kind of package that says, “Yes, this slightly unhinged 1987 supernatural slasher deserves respect.”
Retribution is strange, moody, and powered by a performance from Dennis Lipscomb that feels like it might combust at any moment. It’s not a polished studio slasher. It’s better than that — it’s got personality. And in the crowded graveyard of ’80s horror, personality goes a long way.
Thanks to Severin’s phenomenal 4K release, this once-overlooked oddity now looks and feels like the cult classic it probably should’ve been all along.
Possessed anti-hero?
Moody revenge plot?
Glorious slipcover?
Now that’s retribution done right.
Extras
Disc 1: 4K UHD (Film + Special Features)
- Audio Commentary With Co-Writer/Director Guy Magar
- Trailer 1
- Trailer 2
Disc 2: Blu-ray (Film + Special Features)
- Audio Commentary With Co-Writer/Director Guy Magar
- Writing Wrongs – Interview With Co-Writer Lee Wasserman
- Shock Therapy – Interview With Actress Leslie Wing
- Angel’s Heart – Interview With Actress Suzanne Snyder
- Santa Maria, Mother Of God, Help Me! – Interview With Actor Mike Muscat
- Settling The Score – Interview With Soundtrack Composer Alan Howarth
- Visions Of Vengeance – Interview With Special Effects Artist John Eggett
- The Art Of Getting Even – Interview With Artist Barry Fahr
- Living In Oblivion – Interview With Production Designer Robb Wilson King
- Promotional Trailer Show Reel
- Trailer 1
- Trailer 2
- Stills & Poster Gallery
- BINGO – Student Short By Guy Magar With Optional Director Commentary
Disc Specs:
- Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
- Audio: English Stereo
- Closed Captions
- Region Free
- Run time: 109 mins
