Lionsgate continues its relentless releases of fun and interesting films under its Vestron Video line.

This time it's with Stephen King, the master of horror literature's directorial debut in 1986 with "Maximum Overdrive," a film adaptation of his own short story, "Trucks." While the movie failed to impress critics upon its initial release, it has since gained a cult following for its unique blend of horror and dark humor. Now, with the Blu-ray release, fans have the opportunity to relive the chaos and carnage in high definition. In this review, we'll dive into the wild ride that is "Maximum Overdrive" and assess whether the Blu-ray release does justice to the film's campy charm.

"Maximum Overdrive" takes place in a small North Carolina town that falls victim to a mysterious cosmic event, causing machines and vehicles to develop a malevolent consciousness. Led by a rogue 18-wheeler named "The Green Goblin," the machines go on a rampage, terrorizing the surviving humans. Emilio Estevez stars as Bill, a short-order cook who finds himself in the middle of this nightmarish scenario.

Estevez delivers a solid performance as the reluctant hero, capturing the right balance of fear and determination. His chemistry with the rest of the cast, including Pat Hingle as the tough-as-nails gas station owner and Laura Harrington as the resourceful Brett, adds depth to the otherwise chaotic narrative. While the characters are not particularly complex, their interactions provide the film with moments of levity amidst the mayhem.

"Maximum Overdrive" thrives on its campy charm, and the Blu-ray release maintains the film's nostalgic appeal. The over-the-top performances, accompanied by a lively and at times whimsical soundtrack, evoke a sense of 80s B-movie nostalgia that is a joy to experience. The film's reliance on practical effects enhances its authenticity, even if some of the scenes come across as comically exaggerated.

Vestron Video released this Steelbook version of Maximum Overdrive on 1080p transfer in 2.35:1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. And for those AC/DC Fans out there, get ready to throw the Horns up and bang your heads.

The Blu-ray transfer successfully captures the vibrant color palette and gritty atmosphere of the film, ensuring that fans can fully appreciate the outrageous explosions, vehicular stunts, and mechanical mayhem in all their high-definition glory. The audio quality is equally impressive, with the screeching tires, roaring engines, and explosive crashes all contributing to the immersive viewing experience.

Despite its entertainment value, "Maximum Overdrive" does suffer from certain flaws that become more apparent upon repeated viewings. As a first-time director, Stephen King displays a certain rawness in his approach, resulting in occasional pacing issues. Some scenes feel unnecessarily drawn out, while others could benefit from more development and tension-building. However, these imperfections can be forgiven considering the enthusiastic energy they exude.

As for the Extras, Vestron usually delivers and this release is no exception, with multiple Commentary tracks, "Making of' short with Martha de Laurentiis, which was really insightful, as well as trailers, TV Spots, and a still gallery.

The Blu-ray release, unfortunately, does not address these pacing concerns and maintains the original cut of the film. While it would have been interesting to see any deleted scenes or director's commentary that shed light on King's vision, this missed opportunity is a disappointment for fans hoping to gain deeper insights into the making of the film.

"Maximum Overdrive" has endured as a cult classic due to its audacious concept and Stephen King's involvement. The film's themes of humanity's dependence on machines and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement remain relevant even today. The Blu-ray release provides an opportunity for both fans and newcomers to explore this peculiar entry in King's filmography and appreciate its place in horror cinema history.

The Blu-ray release of "Maximum Overdrive" is a must-have for fans of 80s horror and Stephen King enthusiasts alike. While I understand that another version was released some time ago, the Steelbook format really sells it for me, and if you don't already own this one you may want to fork over your hard-earned cash on this version.

Overall Score: B+

Audio Commentary with Writer Tony Magistrale, author of Hollywood's Stephen King is moderated by Michael Felsher, who probably does as much commenting as Magistrale. As Felsher gets into in his introduction, this is more of a career-spanning look at many King adaptations, rather than merely focusing on this particular film.
Audio Commentary by Actor and Comedian Jonah Ray and Blumhouse Film Executive Ryan Turek is a good deal "chattier" than the other commentary, and also kind of hilariously has moments where the two just shut up and watch the film for a while, only to break out in laughter at some ridiculous moment, where they pick things up again.
Truck Stop Tales (1080p; 15:39) offers producer Martha de Laurentiis, who seems to have a sense of humor about it all.
Rage Against the Machines (1080p; 9:57) is an interview with Laura Harrington.
Honeymoon Horrors (1080p; 18:18) features John Short and Yeardley Smith.
A Kid in King's Court (1080p; 17:10) offers both (brief) archival and contemporary interview footage of Holter Graham.
Maximum Carnage (1080p; 16:33) focuses on special make-up effects artist Dean Gates and his work on the film.
The Wilmington Factor (1080p; 29:32) is an interesting longer-form piece that features a number of Wilmington-based technicians who worked on the film and have become part of that city's film production community.
Who Made Who? (1080p; 6:32) is an ode (sorry) to AC/DC.
Goblin Resurrectus (1080p; 9:49) features Tim Shockey of The Goblin Project.
Behind the Scenes Footage (1080i; 8:44)
Still Gallery (1080p; 8:49)
Theatrical Trailer (1080p; 2:06)
TV Spots (1080p; 1:06)