I’m going to state for the record that Llyod Kaufman aka Uncle Llyod may be one of the original punk rock filmmakers along with John Waters and Buddy Giovinazzo (whom Kaufman helped produce Govinazzo’s amazing Combat Shock) who pushed against filmmaking norms to create spaces for the disenfranchised. Each did it their own way, with Kaufman taking the most commercial of troupes and turning them inside out to create something so uniquely wildly strange that many outright reject it.
The Toxic Avenger is the prime case for what Troma and Kaufman do so well. Take a well-worn genre and add its flavor and taste(less) to create something you know well – a superhero origin story ala Superman: The Movie. Adding so much gore, nudity, politically incorrect humor, and silliness that it becomes something you have never seen. Even Melvin (Mark Torgl) is such an offense that many will be done with film as soon as he appears. Melvin is a gym janitor who’s constantly bullied by the gym rats with the sort of hatred that’s reserved for the bullies in Stephen King novels. They hate Melvin because he exists.
The cruelty these gym rats perpetrate against Melvin yes is outrageous but there’s a sense of grounded reality of how bullies work that is the key to the original’s success. The fact that no one cares the gym rats manage to throw Melvin out the window and dump him into toxic waste is almost a critique of society and how many lack empathy for the disenfranchised. In fact, as Melvin survives this and turns into “the creature” (he’s not the Toxic Avenger yet) he becomes the defender of those that society deems unworthy.
It’s through his “heroics” that he begins to find his voice and purpose. First taking on low-level hoods and getting his vengeance against those who have wronged him. The film never forgets to show you just how terrible these people are – though through the most deliriously cartoonish way (Paul Bartell I’m sure would have loved the original film). Making sure that there is something bigger on the horizon beyond gym rats.
Co-directors Kaufman and Michael Herz lay so much B-movie trash into the proceeding anything that many will miss some of the biggest critiques about society like the corruption of police, politicians, corporations, the way we treat the environment (yes, forty years ago Uncle Lloyd and Troma were trying to make you greener both environmentally and pigmentation). Never shying away from the fact that The Toxic Avenger is a huge dollop of nonsense. Though, that nonsense is some of the most entertaining and satirical of the 1980s that’s on par with another bit of violent satire ROBOCOP.
The Toxic Avenger Part II
Bigger isn’t necessarily better. Such is the case with The Toxic Avenger Part II which many will recognize as a truly TROMA PRODUCTION. I put it in caps because TAII is what everyone thinks of Troma films. It’s stupid. It’s silly. It’s hyper-violent. The nudity is uncalled for. The acting is at points questionable (to put it nicely). Yes, of the four Toxie films, this is by far and away the worst.
The film opens with Toxie retired from the superhero business working with Claire/Sarah (Phoebe Legere) in a home for the blind. Any subtly with this originally sweet relationship is all but gone and replaced with … well one has to see it to believe it. It’s all an excuse to put Toxie back into action. This first thirty minutes is rough, to put it mildly. It feels like a wrong turn in every respect. The action is goofy but without what one saw in the original that respected its action scenes. The entire film feels like a cartoon in the worst way.
That being said … when Toxie gets to Japan. It’s some of the best storytelling in the series. The notion that the Apocalypse Corporation figures that they’ll gaslight Toxie into going to Japan to find his father is ingenious. The fact they film on-location in Japan, doubly so. The fact that it has none of the usual stupid racist jokes of the era, is another check in favor of. The action is cleaner and funnier than the first 30-minutes of this film. The character work is better and more focused here.
One wishes that the story that’s wrapped around Toxie’s trip to Japan to find his dad was as sharp. It isn’t and feels more like a retread of the original’s story. Though the ending car chase is appropriately fun and expertly executed.
The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie
I mean Toxie vs the Devil isn’t a bad notion. It’s interesting how they execute everything. You have to love the audacity of Kaufman and Herz with the crass reference to the Scorsese film (something I’m sure a New Yorker such as Scorsese was tickled pink by). In fact, that’s in a word that describes the entire enterprise – crass. Though entertainingly crass.
The film is ingeniously about selling your soul to corporate America. Something that it has in common with another Scorsese film, The Wolf of Wall Street, though fortunately there isn’t any sort of hero-worship because the casting ensures maximum disgust for these assholes. Kaufman and Herz make it a point that everyone but Toxie understands just what a terrible idea it is for him to join the very corporation that has tried to destroy him – the Apocalypse Corporation.
Of the satires and critiques within the series, Part III is the best. Kaufman and Herz find the right tone and story having Toxie join the working world to get Claire/Sarah’s sight back. A bargain he doesn’t even realize is with the actual Devil. That deal becomes a great focal point for the film and it’s ending. Having Toxie go through trials like some insane version of Dante’s Inferno is the kind of genius stroke that Kaufman and Torma do not get credit for enough. Though the masterstroke of the entire film is bringing back Melvin (in his non-Toxie form) in a way that both honors the first film but also gives Toxie something to play more than just “fan service”.
One will be delighted by the far superior sequel as it is exactly what was needed in the series. Of course, the gore has come back in a huge way that will delight anyone who loves gore in the way that Troma loves their gore.
Citizen Toxie: Toxic Avenger Part IV
Welcome to the multi-verse. Well before the MCU and Everything Everywhere and All at Once, there was Citizen Toxie. As the film begins there’s the same sort of sarcastic streak towards conventional storytelling. Citizen Toxie proposes that the two sequels before it was nothing and even goes as far as to apologize and announce this was the official sequel.
Barring a troubling bit of casting Citizen Toxie is as well-meaning as the other films. Though in the way that Troma films are well-meaning. Which, this reviewer has already warned of what many will see as a lack of taste in the way that Kaufman and Company build their film’s humor and stories. What people see as tasteless and crass this reviewer sees as a taunting of sorts.
Kaufman has always stuck his thumb in the eye of popular culture. Look at the original which is essentially a punk rock version of a superhero story that says “fuck you” in the sweetest but goriest way possible to pillars of society. Here Citizen Toxie with its switcheroo of two Melvin’s/Toxies from different realities – prime hero Toxie and evil bad Toxie – switching places in their respective universe.
This is after a school shooting at a school for special needs children. One that’s shown in graphic detail. Though done in the Troma way that’s graphic. This isn’t for those that be easily offended. Well, even those not easily offended will have a hard time with the film. Though rest assured these “children” are played by actors in their 20s and 30s. It is a savage critique of our culture at the time and what was happening with the rise of school shooters. However in our era of murder and gun control, many will find this just too much.
Though, how that all ties to Toxie and the Multiverse is fairly ingenious. If one can get beyond the first thirty minutes, they’ll find … more to be offended by that all swells and rises to a truly delirious finale that has not only Good Toxie fighting Bad Toxie but the good and bad baby Toxies in Clarie/Sarah’s womb fighting in some ode to The Phantom Menance (you have to see it to believe it) all in a hospital bed room.
Citizen Toxie is as sharp as the original but with a lot more sex. A lot more sex.
The Transfer
The all-new 4K scan and restoration (from the film’s original camera negatives*) of each film presented in their original 1.85:1 aspect ratio in HDR are a minor miracle. The work done here is honestly revelatory. Most of the video life of each of the first four Toxic Avenger entries were spent as inferior subpar video transfers. That is not a dig but rather the fact that Troma’s home video entries have always been okay.
These new 4K UHD discs are swing for the fence’s grand slam hit! Time and care have been taken with each of the entries in the series. The result is an image unlike any before in any of these films. Beyond each being a razor-sharp transfers, there’s considerable care and time that’s gone into these restorations. There is nary a scratch, blemish, or fleck of dirt present in these four films. The image has been cleaned up but without sacrificing grain structure or the look of the films. In fact, one is willing to bet that these films have never looked more like 35mm prints in their lifetime.
The color reproduction alone is worthy of praise and awards throughout. Each film’s transfer has an almost hallucinatory dynamic color spectrums that look on par with Arrow Video’s recent Dario Argento UHD releases. One just needs to look at the various scenes in Toxie Avenger III and its use of red, a notoriously tricky color that can create all kinds of issues. The transfers handle it without any issues like color banding or artifacting. The HDR encoding has helped not only the color spectrum but also the black/contrast levels. Yes, the image is slightly darker, but there’s more detail in the blacks and no matter how dark the images get they never suffer from the dreaded “crushing of blacks”. More can be said and will be said by others, but one needs to see these for themselves to truly understand the considerable and amazing work done to bring The Toxic Avenger films to 4K.
*The original negative of The Toxic Avenger Part II, while complete, was missing several short dialogue sequences in the opening third, which had been removed for pacing reasons. Although no film materials for these sequences could be located, in order to present the most complete version possible, these short segments were inserted from the highest quality digital master.
The Extras
They include the following;
THE TOXIC AVENGER [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman
Audio Commentary with Cast Members Robert Prichard, Gary Schneider, and Dan Snow
Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman
THE TOXIC AVENGER [Unrated Director’s Cut] Blu-ray
Introduction by Director Lloyd Kaufman
Audio Commentary with Cast Members Robert Prichard, Gary Schneider, and Dan Snow
Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman
Interviews with Cast Members Jennifer Baptist, Robert Prichard, Mitch Cohen, and Dan Snow
Interview with Co-Director Michael Herz
“Mark Torgl Talks About The Toxic Avenger” featurette
Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery
Trailers
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman
Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II [Unrated Director’s Cut] Blu-ray
Introduction by Director Lloyd Kaufman
Audio Commentary With Director Lloyd Kaufman
“At Home with Toxie”
A Word form Villainess Lisa Gaye
Toxie on Japanese TV
Original DVD Intro
“Radiation March”
The American Cinematheque Honors 40 Years of Troma
Trailers
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman
Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman
Audio Commentary with Cast Member Joe Fleishaker
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE [Unrated Director’s Cut] Blu-ray
Introduction by Director Lloyd Kaufman
Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman
Audio Commentary with Cast Member Joe Fleishaker
“Tromoma”
The American Cinematheque Honors 40 Years of Troma
“Make Your Own Damn Horror Film”
“A Halloween Carol”
“Rabid Grannies: The Informercial”
“Radiation March”
Trailers
CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART IV [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman
Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman
Audio Commentary with Editor Gabriel Griedman
Audio Commentary with Cast Member Trent Haaga
CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART IV [Unrated Director’s Cut] Blu-ray
Introduction by Director Lloyd Kaufman
“Apocalypse Soon: The Making of Citizen Toxie”
Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman
Audio Commentary with Editor Gabriel Friedman
Audio Commentary with Cast Member Trent Haaga
Tribute to Lemmy Kilmister
The American Cinematheque Honors 40 Years of Troma
Trailers
THE TOXIC AVENGER [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Extras
Note: the extras except the Audio Commentaries reside on the Blu-ray Disc.
Introduction by Llyod Kaufman (1:35) – on the 4K Disc
Introduction by Llyod Kaufman (4:22) – on the Blu-ray disc, including an appearance by “Michael Herz”. This introduction is from 2014.
The archival Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman begins with how he and co-director Michael Herz came up with the idea for The Toxic Avenger. Some of the other details how much toxic waste and various chemical issues were present during the early 80s and late 70s; how they met and worked with screenwriter Joe Ritter – the famous director who introduced them; a detailed discussion of how they created the various make-up FX; how Preston Sturges inspired his work; TA being the first film that was based in Tromaville; the work of Mark Torgl; what makes the best “Troma Acting Person” in Kaufman’s eyes; the shooting of the toxic dumping of Melvin that turns him into the Toxic Avenger; the battle with the MPAA on the film; the release theatrically of the film series; the home video success of the film series; the cartoon series that eventually was released the Toxic Crusaders; and more.
The second archival Audio Commentary with Cast Members Robert Prichard, Gary Schneider, and Dan Snow begins by discussing who they played in the film. Some of the other details include the audition process to get their respective roles; how long the production used the gym for; working with Mark Torgl; some great anecdotes about Llyod Kaufman on set, as a director, and more; some anecdotes about Michael Herz as a director – who was more of the technical and producer duties; how many discovered the film through home video; Kaufman’s evolution as a director since the original film; a discussion about Toxie’s voice and how it’s not Mark Torgl’s voice; the various reactions of the actor’s family members upon seeing the film; and much more.
Interviews
Jennifer Baptist (18:59) – In this archival interview with Baptist the actor discusses how she got involved with Troma; how she was cast in the Toxic Avenger; the audition process; her thoughts on Kaufman and Herz; and more.
Robert Prichard (2:37) – In this brief archival interview with the actor who played Slug he discusses his impressions of the script and the audition process.
Mitch Cohen (8:41) – this archival interview with the actor who plays the Toxic Avenger discusses how he got the role; the audition process; his experience with the application of 4 hours of make-up prosthetics; and much more.
Dan Snow (4:38) – this archival interview with the actor who plays Cigar Face discusses how he got the role; how he spent his time between Troma and the Royal Shakespeare Company in America over the summer during the “heydays of Troma”; how he got the name “Cigar Face”; and much more.
Michael Herz (15:23) – this archival interview with the Co-Director/Co-Founder of Troma “Michael Herz” begins very cheekily with Kaufman in the office beginning with how they met in college and how they were tied together over the next three decades.
Mark Torgl’s Special Video (6:18) – the archival bonus feature has Torgl discussing the original, original props, and more. Look for a special appearance of Diana Prince from Joe Bob Brigg’s Drive-In and others do show up.
40 Years of Troma (2:03) – a trailer from the American Cinematheque for their series honoring Troma.
Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery (4:19) – this animated gallery is a collection of production photos, behind-the-scenes photos, and more. The gallery is set to the song “Body Talk” which plays over the credit sequence in the film.
Rounding out the discs special features include trailers for The Toxic Avenger (3:11), The Toxic Avenger II (2:19), The Toxic Avenger III (3:00), Citizen Toxie (3:28), Return to Nuke ‘Em High (2:34)
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Extras
Note: the extras except the Audio Commentaries reside on the Blu-ray Disc.
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman
Introduction by Director Lloyd Kaufman (3:06) – Kaufman introduces the film for Blu-ray in lovely Copenhagen Denmark, why? Well, I’ll let Uncle Lloyd give you the details.
The archival Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman opens with he’s joined by Troma Editors Gabe Freeman and Brian McNulty. Some of the details include the fact that the original DVD was the R-Rated Cut; a discussion of the various cuts of the film and the MPAA required cuts – including something called “the holy boy’s version” which Kaufman should explain; this leads to a fascinating conversation about the MPAA and the double standards – which also leads to the discussion of nepotism and elitism that’s in direct opposition to his independent filmmaking; the work of Phoebe Legere; the work Michael Jai White; the various actors and stunt performance that play Toxie in the film; the themes and satire that they wrote into the film and how misunderstood these films; a hilarious comment about his commentary and his recommendations for other commentary tracks; the issues with Toxie’s mechanical eyeball; and more. Kaufman delivers another informative, entertaining, and hilarious track. One should note there is a huge amount of silence throughout (a few minutes at a time), one will have to exercise some patience though Kaufman makes it worth it with his honest track.
“At Home with Toxie” (3:51) – this mockumentary about the rise to fame of Toxie. This “all access” to the legend that is known as the Toxic Avenger.
A Word from Villainess Lisa Gaye (2:15) – is an archival interview with actor Lisa Gaye is all too brief, discussing her work with Troma and being a part of the Troma Family. Some of the details include how she got the role in Toxic Avenger Part II; and more.
“Toxie on Japanese TV” (3:07) – an archival Japanese News Report on the filming of The Toxic Avenger Part II. In Japanese without Subtitles so there isn’t really much context but it does feature some great b-roll footage of Kaufman and the crew filming.
Original DVD Introduction (0:41) – the intro done by Lloyd Kaufman featuring a lot of Toxie Merch.
“Radiation March” (0:56) – a truly “Short Film” Directed by Lloyd Kaufman a modern art dance about the dangers of pollution – I think.
40 Years of Troma (2:03) – a trailer from the American Cinematheque for their series honoring Troma.
Rounding out the discs special features include trailers for The Toxic Avenger (3:11), The Toxic Avenger II (2:19), The Toxic Avenger III (3:00), Citizen Toxie (3:28), Troma’s War (2:46), Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 1 (3:24), Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 2 (1:48)
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Extras
Note: the extras except the Audio Commentaries reside on the Blu-ray Disc.
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman (3:43) – the introduction done by Kaufman in Denmark at “Hamlet’s Castle” and confirming that it’s as Troma employees have told Uncle Lloyd that it’s the happiest place on earth.
In this archival Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman he is joined by Troma Editors Ronnie Thomas and Sean McGrath begins with why Part III was created out of the huge amount of footage shot for Part II. Some of the details include how the rise of “yuppie-ism” played a huge part in the creation of Part III, a truly deranged anecdote about Red Neck Zombie director and Part III actor Pericles Lewnes; the various actors and stunt performers who played Toxie in this film; the music in film; a discussion about the Marvel Comics Adaptation; the problems with the make-up FX in the film; and much more. Kaufman delivers another informative, entertaining, and hilarious track.
In this second archival Audio Commentary with Cast Member Joe Fileshaker who plays “Michael Herz” on DVD/Blu-ray special features opens with the various roles and acting roles he’s played. Fileshaker’s commentary track is filled with good information but there’s a lot of the man joking about every “fat” actor not being him; the various actors that appear in this and other Troma productions – with various anecdotes about them, most very unflattering; and more but it’s not really focused on this particularly scene specific to the film itself. There is a great amount of information just be ready for silences and more asides than actual info for the film.
“Tromoma” (11:40) – this archival behind-the-scenes look at the Return to Nuke ’em High Vol. 1 screening at MOMA back in 2014. The featurette is done as only Troma can do which is a combination of semi-seriousness and silliness that they’re known for – which also includes footage from the actual screening. Including comments by Kaufman, actress Asta Paredes, director Doug Sakmann, actor Mark Quinnette, and others.
40 Years of Troma (2:03) – a trailer from the American Cinematheque for their series honoring Troma.
“Make Your Own Damn Horror Film” (11:26) – Behind the Scenes of Old 37 hosted by Producer/Actor of the film Lloyd Kaufman featuring Kane Hodder, Bill Moseley and various below-the-line crew. The featurette is interesting to anyone who wants to make a film and their un-understanding of a professionally run set. Though it’s a little goofy there’s some truly great look at behind the scenes.
“A Halloween Carol” (9:54) – a Short Film that remakes A Christmas Carol for Halloween starring Kaufman as Scrooge in the way that Troma can.
“Rabid Grannies: The Informercial” (1:56) – a hilarious commercial for the Blu-ray Release for Rabid Grannies featuring the various Troma Employees and Stars, including an appearance by Uncle Lloyd (of course).
“Radiation March” (0:56) – a truly “Short Film” Directed by Lloyd Kaufman a modern art dance about the dangers of pollution – I think.
Rounding out the discs special features include trailers for The Toxic Avenger (3:11), The Toxic Avenger II (2:19), The Toxic Avenger III (3:00), Citizen Toxie (3:28), Troma’s War (2:46), Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 1 (3:24), Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 2 (1:48)
CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART IV [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Extras
Note: the extras except the Audio Commentaries reside on the Blu-ray Disc.
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman (3:15) – this time our intro/prologue is done “Live” with Uncle Lloyd at Stan Lee’s Comikaze. Kaufman is joined by Transgender Toxie, and Troma Editor/Writer Gabe Friedman.
The archival Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman opens with the fact that the film opened a little over a month after the 9/11 attacks. Some of the other details include why Citizen Toxie was made; how he developed the script pulling from news headlines at the time – which are still very relevant aka gun control and abortion; the troubles with the production he had throughout; how his insistence on filming in sequence order – and why he does that on all of the Troma productions; the cameos in the film – including Eli Roth pre-Cabin Fever; Lemmy’s contributions to not just this film but Troma films in general; the issues with make-up FX and how he dealt with it; and much more.
The second archival Audio Commentary with Editors Gabriel Friedman and Sean McGrath opens with the reasons why they got a commentary track on this. Some of the details include the very famous narrator and why the narration was created; the problems the online community had with the voice actor changes to Toxie; some of the great cost-cutting measures taken to create sets, costumes, and other props/items in the film; the school shooting and some of the issues that came up because of the script; the original cut of the film being close to three hours – and how Kaufman wanting to cut it in half to make Toxie 4 and 5; Kaufman’s reaction to a 4-hour cut; and much more. Friedman and McGrath deliver a solid “nuts and bolts” pragmatic commentary track about making a Troma film.
The last archival Audio Commentary with Cast Member Trent Haaga who was both screenwriter and actor begins with how Kaufman gave him the chance to write the script after a failed screenplay. Additionally, there are comments by Michael Budinger who plays Tito (one of the two main special needs “kids” in the film). Some of the other details include how he was also a part of the cast and how that worked; the challenges they faced during the production and more. Much of this commentary track is similar to Joe Fileshaker on Toxie Part III where there are a lot of “bits” filled in with truly good information about the production and the difference between Troma productions and larger productions and Haaga comparing Troma to “a twisted fun summer camp for adults” which seems like the perfect summarization of Troma in general.
“Apocalypse Soon: The Making of Citizen Toxie” (2:17:38) – this is the crown jewel of all special features of this set. This epic feature-length Behind the Scenes Documentary is an over-the-top insightful, stupid, hilarious, and inappropriate look at the making of Citizen Toxie. One would think that this is modeled after Elanor Coppola’s documentary Heart of Darkness but this is more akin to Mark Rance’s That Moment: Magnolia Diary. The documentary is a fly-on-the-wall video journal of the calamity of making the film as told by the crew, Kaufman, the actors, and others as they attempt to make Citizen Toxie. What’s beautiful is how much pure chaos it is on a set no matter the budget, time, and professionalism (Troma has been doing productions for thirty years at the point Citizen Toxie is made). If anyone wants to know the life of a PA and the abuse, they go through should watch this documentary. Anyone trying to become a below-the-line crew member for that matter should watch this as it does give a true clear picture.
Tribute to Lemmy Kilmister (8:14) – in this very fitting tribute to Lemmy (of Motorhead infamy) begins with exactly what the musician asked for whenever he appeared in a Troma Film. The rest is a beautifully Lemmy-centric scenes, b-roll footage, gags, and other bits of great. Anyone that’s a Lemmy fan will love this if they haven’t seen it already.
40 Years of Troma (2:03) – a trailer from the American Cinematheque for their series honoring Troma.
Rounding out the discs special features include trailers for Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 1 (3:24), Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 2 (1:48), Pro-Wrestlers vs. Zombies (1:47)
The Final Thought
Troma has outdone itself with its first foray into 4K UHDs. One can only hope this does well so we can get Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D.,Tromeo and Juliette, and the whole Tromaville universe. Highest Recommendations!!!
Troma has pulled out all the stops for The Toxic Avenger Collection Tox Set in 4K Ultra HD. The result is one of the best box sets of 2023.
The Film(s)
The Toxic Avenger
I’m going to state for the record that Llyod Kaufman aka Uncle Llyod may be one of the original punk rock filmmakers along with John Waters and Buddy Giovinazzo (whom Kaufman helped produce Govinazzo’s amazing Combat Shock) who pushed against filmmaking norms to create spaces for the disenfranchised. Each did it their own way, with Kaufman taking the most commercial of troupes and turning them inside out to create something so uniquely wildly strange that many outright reject it.
The Toxic Avenger is the prime case for what Troma and Kaufman do so well. Take a well-worn genre and add its flavor and taste(less) to create something you know well – a superhero origin story ala Superman: The Movie. Adding so much gore, nudity, politically incorrect humor, and silliness that it becomes something you have never seen. Even Melvin (Mark Torgl) is such an offense that many will be done with film as soon as he appears. Melvin is a gym janitor who’s constantly bullied by the gym rats with the sort of hatred that’s reserved for the bullies in Stephen King novels. They hate Melvin because he exists.
The cruelty these gym rats perpetrate against Melvin yes is outrageous but there’s a sense of grounded reality of how bullies work that is the key to the original’s success. The fact that no one cares the gym rats manage to throw Melvin out the window and dump him into toxic waste is almost a critique of society and how many lack empathy for the disenfranchised. In fact, as Melvin survives this and turns into “the creature” (he’s not the Toxic Avenger yet) he becomes the defender of those that society deems unworthy.
It’s through his “heroics” that he begins to find his voice and purpose. First taking on low-level hoods and getting his vengeance against those who have wronged him. The film never forgets to show you just how terrible these people are – though through the most deliriously cartoonish way (Paul Bartell I’m sure would have loved the original film). Making sure that there is something bigger on the horizon beyond gym rats.
Co-directors Kaufman and Michael Herz lay so much B-movie trash into the proceeding anything that many will miss some of the biggest critiques about society like the corruption of police, politicians, corporations, the way we treat the environment (yes, forty years ago Uncle Lloyd and Troma were trying to make you greener both environmentally and pigmentation). Never shying away from the fact that The Toxic Avenger is a huge dollop of nonsense. Though, that nonsense is some of the most entertaining and satirical of the 1980s that’s on par with another bit of violent satire ROBOCOP.
The Toxic Avenger Part II
Bigger isn’t necessarily better. Such is the case with The Toxic Avenger Part II which many will recognize as a truly TROMA PRODUCTION. I put it in caps because TAII is what everyone thinks of Troma films. It’s stupid. It’s silly. It’s hyper-violent. The nudity is uncalled for. The acting is at points questionable (to put it nicely). Yes, of the four Toxie films, this is by far and away the worst.
The film opens with Toxie retired from the superhero business working with Claire/Sarah (Phoebe Legere) in a home for the blind. Any subtly with this originally sweet relationship is all but gone and replaced with … well one has to see it to believe it. It’s all an excuse to put Toxie back into action. This first thirty minutes is rough, to put it mildly. It feels like a wrong turn in every respect. The action is goofy but without what one saw in the original that respected its action scenes. The entire film feels like a cartoon in the worst way.
That being said … when Toxie gets to Japan. It’s some of the best storytelling in the series. The notion that the Apocalypse Corporation figures that they’ll gaslight Toxie into going to Japan to find his father is ingenious. The fact they film on-location in Japan, doubly so. The fact that it has none of the usual stupid racist jokes of the era, is another check in favor of. The action is cleaner and funnier than the first 30-minutes of this film. The character work is better and more focused here.
One wishes that the story that’s wrapped around Toxie’s trip to Japan to find his dad was as sharp. It isn’t and feels more like a retread of the original’s story. Though the ending car chase is appropriately fun and expertly executed.
The Toxic Avenger Part III: The Last Temptation of Toxie
I mean Toxie vs the Devil isn’t a bad notion. It’s interesting how they execute everything. You have to love the audacity of Kaufman and Herz with the crass reference to the Scorsese film (something I’m sure a New Yorker such as Scorsese was tickled pink by). In fact, that’s in a word that describes the entire enterprise – crass. Though entertainingly crass.
The film is ingeniously about selling your soul to corporate America. Something that it has in common with another Scorsese film, The Wolf of Wall Street, though fortunately there isn’t any sort of hero-worship because the casting ensures maximum disgust for these assholes. Kaufman and Herz make it a point that everyone but Toxie understands just what a terrible idea it is for him to join the very corporation that has tried to destroy him – the Apocalypse Corporation.
Of the satires and critiques within the series, Part III is the best. Kaufman and Herz find the right tone and story having Toxie join the working world to get Claire/Sarah’s sight back. A bargain he doesn’t even realize is with the actual Devil. That deal becomes a great focal point for the film and it’s ending. Having Toxie go through trials like some insane version of Dante’s Inferno is the kind of genius stroke that Kaufman and Torma do not get credit for enough. Though the masterstroke of the entire film is bringing back Melvin (in his non-Toxie form) in a way that both honors the first film but also gives Toxie something to play more than just “fan service”.
One will be delighted by the far superior sequel as it is exactly what was needed in the series. Of course, the gore has come back in a huge way that will delight anyone who loves gore in the way that Troma loves their gore.
Citizen Toxie: Toxic Avenger Part IV
Welcome to the multi-verse. Well before the MCU and Everything Everywhere and All at Once, there was Citizen Toxie. As the film begins there’s the same sort of sarcastic streak towards conventional storytelling. Citizen Toxie proposes that the two sequels before it was nothing and even goes as far as to apologize and announce this was the official sequel.
Barring a troubling bit of casting Citizen Toxie is as well-meaning as the other films. Though in the way that Troma films are well-meaning. Which, this reviewer has already warned of what many will see as a lack of taste in the way that Kaufman and Company build their film’s humor and stories. What people see as tasteless and crass this reviewer sees as a taunting of sorts.
Kaufman has always stuck his thumb in the eye of popular culture. Look at the original which is essentially a punk rock version of a superhero story that says “fuck you” in the sweetest but goriest way possible to pillars of society. Here Citizen Toxie with its switcheroo of two Melvin’s/Toxies from different realities – prime hero Toxie and evil bad Toxie – switching places in their respective universe.
This is after a school shooting at a school for special needs children. One that’s shown in graphic detail. Though done in the Troma way that’s graphic. This isn’t for those that be easily offended. Well, even those not easily offended will have a hard time with the film. Though rest assured these “children” are played by actors in their 20s and 30s. It is a savage critique of our culture at the time and what was happening with the rise of school shooters. However in our era of murder and gun control, many will find this just too much.
Though, how that all ties to Toxie and the Multiverse is fairly ingenious. If one can get beyond the first thirty minutes, they’ll find … more to be offended by that all swells and rises to a truly delirious finale that has not only Good Toxie fighting Bad Toxie but the good and bad baby Toxies in Clarie/Sarah’s womb fighting in some ode to The Phantom Menance (you have to see it to believe it) all in a hospital bed room.
Citizen Toxie is as sharp as the original but with a lot more sex. A lot more sex.
The Transfer
The all-new 4K scan and restoration (from the film’s original camera negatives*) of each film presented in their original 1.85:1 aspect ratio in HDR are a minor miracle. The work done here is honestly revelatory. Most of the video life of each of the first four Toxic Avenger entries were spent as inferior subpar video transfers. That is not a dig but rather the fact that Troma’s home video entries have always been okay.
These new 4K UHD discs are swing for the fence’s grand slam hit! Time and care have been taken with each of the entries in the series. The result is an image unlike any before in any of these films. Beyond each being a razor-sharp transfers, there’s considerable care and time that’s gone into these restorations. There is nary a scratch, blemish, or fleck of dirt present in these four films. The image has been cleaned up but without sacrificing grain structure or the look of the films. In fact, one is willing to bet that these films have never looked more like 35mm prints in their lifetime.
The color reproduction alone is worthy of praise and awards throughout. Each film’s transfer has an almost hallucinatory dynamic color spectrums that look on par with Arrow Video’s recent Dario Argento UHD releases. One just needs to look at the various scenes in Toxie Avenger III and its use of red, a notoriously tricky color that can create all kinds of issues. The transfers handle it without any issues like color banding or artifacting. The HDR encoding has helped not only the color spectrum but also the black/contrast levels. Yes, the image is slightly darker, but there’s more detail in the blacks and no matter how dark the images get they never suffer from the dreaded “crushing of blacks”. More can be said and will be said by others, but one needs to see these for themselves to truly understand the considerable and amazing work done to bring The Toxic Avenger films to 4K.
*The original negative of The Toxic Avenger Part II, while complete, was missing several short dialogue sequences in the opening third, which had been removed for pacing reasons. Although no film materials for these sequences could be located, in order to present the most complete version possible, these short segments were inserted from the highest quality digital master.
The Extras
They include the following;
THE TOXIC AVENGER [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD
THE TOXIC AVENGER [Unrated Director’s Cut] Blu-ray
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II [Unrated Director’s Cut] Blu-ray
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE [Unrated Director’s Cut] Blu-ray
CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART IV [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD
CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART IV [Unrated Director’s Cut] Blu-ray
THE TOXIC AVENGER [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Extras
Note: the extras except the Audio Commentaries reside on the Blu-ray Disc.
Introduction by Llyod Kaufman (1:35) – on the 4K Disc
Introduction by Llyod Kaufman (4:22) – on the Blu-ray disc, including an appearance by “Michael Herz”. This introduction is from 2014.
The archival Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman begins with how he and co-director Michael Herz came up with the idea for The Toxic Avenger. Some of the other details how much toxic waste and various chemical issues were present during the early 80s and late 70s; how they met and worked with screenwriter Joe Ritter – the famous director who introduced them; a detailed discussion of how they created the various make-up FX; how Preston Sturges inspired his work; TA being the first film that was based in Tromaville; the work of Mark Torgl; what makes the best “Troma Acting Person” in Kaufman’s eyes; the shooting of the toxic dumping of Melvin that turns him into the Toxic Avenger; the battle with the MPAA on the film; the release theatrically of the film series; the home video success of the film series; the cartoon series that eventually was released the Toxic Crusaders; and more.
The second archival Audio Commentary with Cast Members Robert Prichard, Gary Schneider, and Dan Snow begins by discussing who they played in the film. Some of the other details include the audition process to get their respective roles; how long the production used the gym for; working with Mark Torgl; some great anecdotes about Llyod Kaufman on set, as a director, and more; some anecdotes about Michael Herz as a director – who was more of the technical and producer duties; how many discovered the film through home video; Kaufman’s evolution as a director since the original film; a discussion about Toxie’s voice and how it’s not Mark Torgl’s voice; the various reactions of the actor’s family members upon seeing the film; and much more.
Interviews
Mark Torgl’s Special Video (6:18) – the archival bonus feature has Torgl discussing the original, original props, and more. Look for a special appearance of Diana Prince from Joe Bob Brigg’s Drive-In and others do show up.
40 Years of Troma (2:03) – a trailer from the American Cinematheque for their series honoring Troma.
Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery (4:19) – this animated gallery is a collection of production photos, behind-the-scenes photos, and more. The gallery is set to the song “Body Talk” which plays over the credit sequence in the film.
Rounding out the discs special features include trailers for The Toxic Avenger (3:11), The Toxic Avenger II (2:19), The Toxic Avenger III (3:00), Citizen Toxie (3:28), Return to Nuke ‘Em High (2:34)
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Extras
Note: the extras except the Audio Commentaries reside on the Blu-ray Disc.
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman
Introduction by Director Lloyd Kaufman (3:06) – Kaufman introduces the film for Blu-ray in lovely Copenhagen Denmark, why? Well, I’ll let Uncle Lloyd give you the details.
The archival Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman opens with he’s joined by Troma Editors Gabe Freeman and Brian McNulty. Some of the details include the fact that the original DVD was the R-Rated Cut; a discussion of the various cuts of the film and the MPAA required cuts – including something called “the holy boy’s version” which Kaufman should explain; this leads to a fascinating conversation about the MPAA and the double standards – which also leads to the discussion of nepotism and elitism that’s in direct opposition to his independent filmmaking; the work of Phoebe Legere; the work Michael Jai White; the various actors and stunt performance that play Toxie in the film; the themes and satire that they wrote into the film and how misunderstood these films; a hilarious comment about his commentary and his recommendations for other commentary tracks; the issues with Toxie’s mechanical eyeball; and more. Kaufman delivers another informative, entertaining, and hilarious track. One should note there is a huge amount of silence throughout (a few minutes at a time), one will have to exercise some patience though Kaufman makes it worth it with his honest track.
“At Home with Toxie” (3:51) – this mockumentary about the rise to fame of Toxie. This “all access” to the legend that is known as the Toxic Avenger.
A Word from Villainess Lisa Gaye (2:15) – is an archival interview with actor Lisa Gaye is all too brief, discussing her work with Troma and being a part of the Troma Family. Some of the details include how she got the role in Toxic Avenger Part II; and more.
“Toxie on Japanese TV” (3:07) – an archival Japanese News Report on the filming of The Toxic Avenger Part II. In Japanese without Subtitles so there isn’t really much context but it does feature some great b-roll footage of Kaufman and the crew filming.
Original DVD Introduction (0:41) – the intro done by Lloyd Kaufman featuring a lot of Toxie Merch.
“Radiation March” (0:56) – a truly “Short Film” Directed by Lloyd Kaufman a modern art dance about the dangers of pollution – I think.
40 Years of Troma (2:03) – a trailer from the American Cinematheque for their series honoring Troma.
Rounding out the discs special features include trailers for The Toxic Avenger (3:11), The Toxic Avenger II (2:19), The Toxic Avenger III (3:00), Citizen Toxie (3:28), Troma’s War (2:46), Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 1 (3:24), Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 2 (1:48)
THE TOXIC AVENGER PART III: THE LAST TEMPTATION OF TOXIE [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Extras
Note: the extras except the Audio Commentaries reside on the Blu-ray Disc.
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman (3:43) – the introduction done by Kaufman in Denmark at “Hamlet’s Castle” and confirming that it’s as Troma employees have told Uncle Lloyd that it’s the happiest place on earth.
In this archival Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman he is joined by Troma Editors Ronnie Thomas and Sean McGrath begins with why Part III was created out of the huge amount of footage shot for Part II. Some of the details include how the rise of “yuppie-ism” played a huge part in the creation of Part III, a truly deranged anecdote about Red Neck Zombie director and Part III actor Pericles Lewnes; the various actors and stunt performers who played Toxie in this film; the music in film; a discussion about the Marvel Comics Adaptation; the problems with the make-up FX in the film; and much more. Kaufman delivers another informative, entertaining, and hilarious track.
In this second archival Audio Commentary with Cast Member Joe Fileshaker who plays “Michael Herz” on DVD/Blu-ray special features opens with the various roles and acting roles he’s played. Fileshaker’s commentary track is filled with good information but there’s a lot of the man joking about every “fat” actor not being him; the various actors that appear in this and other Troma productions – with various anecdotes about them, most very unflattering; and more but it’s not really focused on this particularly scene specific to the film itself. There is a great amount of information just be ready for silences and more asides than actual info for the film.
“Tromoma” (11:40) – this archival behind-the-scenes look at the Return to Nuke ’em High Vol. 1 screening at MOMA back in 2014. The featurette is done as only Troma can do which is a combination of semi-seriousness and silliness that they’re known for – which also includes footage from the actual screening. Including comments by Kaufman, actress Asta Paredes, director Doug Sakmann, actor Mark Quinnette, and others.
40 Years of Troma (2:03) – a trailer from the American Cinematheque for their series honoring Troma.
“Make Your Own Damn Horror Film” (11:26) – Behind the Scenes of Old 37 hosted by Producer/Actor of the film Lloyd Kaufman featuring Kane Hodder, Bill Moseley and various below-the-line crew. The featurette is interesting to anyone who wants to make a film and their un-understanding of a professionally run set. Though it’s a little goofy there’s some truly great look at behind the scenes.
“A Halloween Carol” (9:54) – a Short Film that remakes A Christmas Carol for Halloween starring Kaufman as Scrooge in the way that Troma can.
“Rabid Grannies: The Informercial” (1:56) – a hilarious commercial for the Blu-ray Release for Rabid Grannies featuring the various Troma Employees and Stars, including an appearance by Uncle Lloyd (of course).
“Radiation March” (0:56) – a truly “Short Film” Directed by Lloyd Kaufman a modern art dance about the dangers of pollution – I think.
Rounding out the discs special features include trailers for The Toxic Avenger (3:11), The Toxic Avenger II (2:19), The Toxic Avenger III (3:00), Citizen Toxie (3:28), Troma’s War (2:46), Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 1 (3:24), Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 2 (1:48)
CITIZEN TOXIE: THE TOXIC AVENGER PART IV [Unrated Director’s Cut] 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray Extras
Note: the extras except the Audio Commentaries reside on the Blu-ray Disc.
Prologue by Director Lloyd Kaufman (3:15) – this time our intro/prologue is done “Live” with Uncle Lloyd at Stan Lee’s Comikaze. Kaufman is joined by Transgender Toxie, and Troma Editor/Writer Gabe Friedman.
The archival Audio Commentary with Director Lloyd Kaufman opens with the fact that the film opened a little over a month after the 9/11 attacks. Some of the other details include why Citizen Toxie was made; how he developed the script pulling from news headlines at the time – which are still very relevant aka gun control and abortion; the troubles with the production he had throughout; how his insistence on filming in sequence order – and why he does that on all of the Troma productions; the cameos in the film – including Eli Roth pre-Cabin Fever; Lemmy’s contributions to not just this film but Troma films in general; the issues with make-up FX and how he dealt with it; and much more.
The second archival Audio Commentary with Editors Gabriel Friedman and Sean McGrath opens with the reasons why they got a commentary track on this. Some of the details include the very famous narrator and why the narration was created; the problems the online community had with the voice actor changes to Toxie; some of the great cost-cutting measures taken to create sets, costumes, and other props/items in the film; the school shooting and some of the issues that came up because of the script; the original cut of the film being close to three hours – and how Kaufman wanting to cut it in half to make Toxie 4 and 5; Kaufman’s reaction to a 4-hour cut; and much more. Friedman and McGrath deliver a solid “nuts and bolts” pragmatic commentary track about making a Troma film.
The last archival Audio Commentary with Cast Member Trent Haaga who was both screenwriter and actor begins with how Kaufman gave him the chance to write the script after a failed screenplay. Additionally, there are comments by Michael Budinger who plays Tito (one of the two main special needs “kids” in the film). Some of the other details include how he was also a part of the cast and how that worked; the challenges they faced during the production and more. Much of this commentary track is similar to Joe Fileshaker on Toxie Part III where there are a lot of “bits” filled in with truly good information about the production and the difference between Troma productions and larger productions and Haaga comparing Troma to “a twisted fun summer camp for adults” which seems like the perfect summarization of Troma in general.
“Apocalypse Soon: The Making of Citizen Toxie” (2:17:38) – this is the crown jewel of all special features of this set. This epic feature-length Behind the Scenes Documentary is an over-the-top insightful, stupid, hilarious, and inappropriate look at the making of Citizen Toxie. One would think that this is modeled after Elanor Coppola’s documentary Heart of Darkness but this is more akin to Mark Rance’s That Moment: Magnolia Diary. The documentary is a fly-on-the-wall video journal of the calamity of making the film as told by the crew, Kaufman, the actors, and others as they attempt to make Citizen Toxie. What’s beautiful is how much pure chaos it is on a set no matter the budget, time, and professionalism (Troma has been doing productions for thirty years at the point Citizen Toxie is made). If anyone wants to know the life of a PA and the abuse, they go through should watch this documentary. Anyone trying to become a below-the-line crew member for that matter should watch this as it does give a true clear picture.
Tribute to Lemmy Kilmister (8:14) – in this very fitting tribute to Lemmy (of Motorhead infamy) begins with exactly what the musician asked for whenever he appeared in a Troma Film. The rest is a beautifully Lemmy-centric scenes, b-roll footage, gags, and other bits of great. Anyone that’s a Lemmy fan will love this if they haven’t seen it already.
40 Years of Troma (2:03) – a trailer from the American Cinematheque for their series honoring Troma.
Rounding out the discs special features include trailers for Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 1 (3:24), Return to Nuke ‘Em High Vol. 2 (1:48), Pro-Wrestlers vs. Zombies (1:47)
The Final Thought
Troma has outdone itself with its first foray into 4K UHDs. One can only hope this does well so we can get Sgt. Kabukiman N.Y.P.D., Tromeo and Juliette, and the whole Tromaville universe. Highest Recommendations!!!
Troma’s 4K UHD The Toxic Avenger Collection Tox Set 4K Ultra HD is out October 24th
Share this:
Like this: