Hide and Go Shriek

Screened on Terror Vision blu-ray (2026).

The 80s vibes are strong in this late-decade, super low-budget horror slasher, from the editor of Halloween II (prestige = ✓). In some ways Hide and Go Shriek reminds me of Chopping Mall from 1986. While that - surprise, surprise - takes place in a mall (the famous Sherman Oaks Galleria in southern California's San Fernando Valley), it's also set inside a furniture store within that mall for establishment scenes. Here, it's grimier, with a downtown L.A. furniture warehouse and showroom setting - key to representing the 1980s from its neglected, urban decay clashing with post-modern/art deco furniture stylings that were so omni-present at the time. Waterbeds, anyone?

It took me awhile to get around to watching this. Although I owned previous home video releases, it was the adjective of "grim" I had heard used a few times when describing it that kept me away for a long time. Meaning that I knew I had to be in a specific mood to sit down with it. Much to my surprise, that grimy setting was well-balanced with the un-forced time capsule atmosphere, and the last word that would come to mind for me was "grim." More than anything, it was "fun"! It is a dark film, visually, in that it's in a warehouse in the evening with minimal lighting, but the actors and their portrayal of these Gen X teens added much life, silliness and humor (intentionally or not) to the entire film, making it far more digestable than I had anticipated.

If you love 80s slashers or authentic 80s, and Los Angeles 80s for that matter, I recommend this highly. Otherwise, perhaps start with Chopping Mall and decide from there.

RIP Bunky Jones. 1966 - 2015.