Holliston: The Complete First Season Blu-ray review

Actors: Adam Green, Joe Lynch, Laura Ortiz, Corri English, Dee Snider

Directors: Adam Green, Sean Becker

Format: Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen

Language: English

Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1

Number of discs: 1

Rated: NR (Not Rated)

Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT

Release Date: October 9, 2012

Run Time: 223 minutes

            The premise for “Holliston” is clever and fairly original, though this does not always mean that it works. There are extra points awarded for the boldness of the concept. Creating a horror sitcom is certainly an achievement on its own, but that does not mean that I care to see any further seasons. These guys should stick to making horror movies instead, but I commend them for trying. If nothing else, horror fans with a sick sense of humor will enjoy the lower budget horror special effects used for the show.

            “Holliston” is a sitcom in the most traditional sense, with a simple apartment set that carries a majority of the action. There are the usual one-liners and laugh tracks, but where this sitcom varies is in the addition to this formula. Starring horror newcomers Adam Green (Hatchet) and Joe Lynch (Wrong Turn 2: Dead End), who both play characters with their own first names and a similar love for the horror genre. They essentially seem to be playing themselves, but versions which are not yet successful. They are broke roommates and aspiring filmmakers who spend most of their time dreaming up plans for their big break.

            When they aren’t planning their big chance to make it from Holliston, Massachusetts to Hollywood, Adam and Joe are struggling with women problems. The pilot is overlong and all about Adam’s attempt to hire a hooker to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. Adam’s ex-girlfriend Corri (Corri English) is a regular member of the cast, along with Joe’s ditzy girlfriend, Laura (Laura Ortiz). There are also the more than occasional horror icon cameos, and a re-occurring imaginary friend played by Dave Brockie of GWAR and a glam rock boss played by Twisted Sister member Dee Snider.

            This Fear.net original series is unique and worth checking out for horror fans. All of season one is fit onto Blu-ray disc, with a running time of just under four hours. There are cast commentaries on select episodes, as well as bloopers and deleted scenes. There are also some making of featurettes and behind-the-scenes footage.