Picture this: a dusty VHS tape labelled ‘Employee Training’ that spirals into a frenzy of meta-horror madness, blending 80s slasher nostalgia with gut-busting comedy.

Shudder’s Scare Package (2019) bursts onto the screen like a jack-in-the-box soaked in fake blood, delivering an anthology that pays homage to the golden age of video store horror rentals. This riotous collection of short films, framed as a misguided orientation video for a fictional video shop called ‘Spine Chillers,’ captures the chaotic spirit of late-night browsing through plastic clamshells filled with forgotten gems. Directors Aaron B. Koontz and Noah McCarthy spearhead a ensemble of eleven filmmakers, each tackling a segment that skewers horror tropes with sharp wit and affectionate reverence. What elevates it beyond typical horror compilations is the self-aware layering, where characters within the stories comment on the very clichés they embody, turning the anthology into a love letter to genre fans who grew up on Friday the 13th marathons and Tales from the Darkside surprises.

  • The ingenious framing device as a video store training tape that unravels into pure chaos, mirroring the unpredictable joy of 80s horror discovery.
  • A deep dive into standout segments like frozen undead horrors and slasher sequels gone wrong, packed with nods to classic fright flicks.
  • Its lasting punch on modern horror comedy, influencing revivals of anthology formats and cementing Shudder’s place in nostalgic terror.

The Tape That Keeps Rewinding: Framing the Fright Fest

Newbie employee Hadi (Chase Williamson) pops in what he thinks is a standard training video, only to witness a parade of horrors orchestrated by the unhinged store manager (Baron Vaughn). This setup masterfully evokes memories of blockbusters like Ghost World crossed with The Video Dead, where VHS tapes come alive with malevolent intent. The structure allows seamless transitions between segments, each introduced with retro-style title cards and glitchy effects that scream analogue authenticity. Producers crafted these visuals using actual VHS degradation filters, a technique borrowed from low-budget 80s independents, ensuring every frame drips with that cherished grainy texture collectors crave.

From the opening skit, where Vaughn’s character rants about proper shelving etiquette amid exploding body parts, the tone sets a playful yet vicious pace. This meta layer critiques the video rental culture itself: the snobby clerks, the late fees that felt like death sentences, and the thrill of stumbling upon obscure titles. Horror enthusiasts will spot immediate parallels to Creepshow‘s wraparound tales, but Scare Package amps up the comedy, with characters breaking the fourth wall to mock jump scares before delivering them anyway. The result feels like flipping through a fanzine come to life, complete with in-jokes for die-hards.

Technical wizardry shines in the practical effects, reviving the gore-soaked ingenuity of Tom Savini-era makeup. Blood pumps from latex wounds with gusto, and stop-motion zombies jerk across screens in homage to Re-Animator. Sound design plays a starring role too, with exaggerated squelches and synth stabs pulled straight from John Carpenter scores. These choices ground the film in tangible retro appeal, making it a must-watch for anyone hoarding Betamax tapes in their basement.

Frostbitten Fiascos and Slasher Stumbles: Segment Spotlights

The first major segment, ‘Frost,’ plunges viewers into a cabin fever nightmare where a group of coeds battles ice-encased zombies. Director Marc Donato leans into sub-zero survival horror, reminiscent of The Thing but filtered through stoner comedy. Characters slip on frozen entrails while debating whether to burn the undead or use them as sled dogs, culminating in a chainsaw ballet that’s equal parts hilarious and horrifying. The segment’s twist on cabin-in-the-woods formula skewers the genre’s predictability, with one victim quipping about clichéd dialogue right before meeting a frosty end.

Next, ‘The Night He Came Back Again! (Part !V: The Final Friday)’ by Aaron B. Koontz flips the slasher script with a meta-sequel to an imaginary franchise. Camp counsellors face a killer who’s tired of the same old mask, opting for increasingly absurd disguises like a giant teddy bear. This piece roasts endless sequels, poking fun at how Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street stretched thin premises across multiple instalments. Koontz packs it with Easter eggs: posters for fake films that mimic real obscurities like Sleepaway Camp, delighting completionists.

‘So You’re Sus… (Part 2)’ tackles high school cliques and satanic panics, with Anthony Vallelonga directing a cheerleader possession romp. Echoing Heathers infused with The Craft, it features pom-poms wielded as weapons and chants that summon literal demons. The comedy peaks when the ‘final girl’ reveals she’s been the villain all along, subverting expectations in a nod to Scream-era twists. Makeup artists transformed actors into grotesque hybrids, using silicone prosthetics that rival early Friday the 13th kills.

‘Lair of the Gummy Spider’ by Cameron Salisbury delivers creature feature absurdity, where a candy-coated arachnid terrorises a trailer park. Drawing from Tremors and Arachnophobia, it escalates from sticky webs to hallucinogenic highs, with victims melting into sugary sludge. The practical monster suit, built by legacy effects teams, bounces with jelly-like realism, a testament to hands-on craftsmanship over CGI laziness.

‘One Time Dead’ by halfblack ramps up zombie tropes with a time-loop twist, pitting a slacker against repeating apocalypses. Influences from Zombieland blend with Groundhog Day, as the protagonist perfects kill combos each reset. This segment shines in choreography, with fight scenes choreographed by stunt veterans from 90s direct-to-video flicks.

The closing ‘Horror Professor’ by Noah McCarthy features David Howard Thornton as the titular expert, dissecting scares while real monsters invade his lecture. Thornton’s charisma, fresh from Terrifier‘s Art the Clown, steals the show with professorial deadpan amid carnage. It wraps the anthology by reflecting on horror’s evolution, urging fans to embrace the ridiculous.

Meta Mayhem: Laughs That Slice Deeper Than Knives

Scare Package thrives on its meta commentary, where segments lampoon everything from found-footage fatigue to remake fatigue. Characters reference real films mid-murder, like debating Scream‘s rules while breaking them spectacularly. This reflexivity mirrors Cabin in the Woods but roots deeper in video store esoterica, name-dropping titles like Basket Case that only true collectors know.

Cameos pepper the proceedings: horror icons like Bill Oberst Jr. and Chelsey Crisp pop up in blink-and-miss bits, rewarding eagle-eyed viewers. The ensemble cast, including standouts like Frankie Ray Taylor, embodies everyman panic with impeccable timing. Chase Williamson’s bewildered Hadi serves as our proxy, his reactions amplifying the absurdity.

Production anecdotes reveal a scrappy shoot across Los Angeles lots dressed as 80s video dens. Budget constraints spurred creativity, with thrift-store props and volunteer extras creating authentic clutter. Shudder’s backing allowed unrated gore, free from MPAA meddling that hamstrung 80s slashers.

Legacy in the Stacks: Influencing Tomorrow’s Terrors

Released to critical acclaim on Shudder, Scare Package revitalised anthology interest, paving for V/H/S sequels and Books of Blood. Its streaming success highlights demand for retro-infused content amid franchise fatigue. Collectors snapped up Blu-ray editions with reversible covers mimicking VHS sleeves, boosting memorabilia markets.

Cultural ripples extend to podcasts and fests, where segments screen standalone. It champions underrepresented voices in horror, with diverse directors tackling tropes from fresh angles. For 80s/90s nostalgics, it recaptures the communal joy of rental nights, proving horror comedy endures.

In collector circles, Steelbook rumours swirl, alongside fan recreations of Spine Chillers signage. The film inspires home tape hunts, unearthing forgotten tapes that echo its spirit.

Director/Creator in the Spotlight

Aaron B. Koontz emerged from the indie horror trenches, blending production savvy with directorial flair. Born in the Midwest, he cut teeth assisting on low-budget shoots before producing Judd Apatow’s Grown Ups 2 (2013), honing skills in chaotic ensemble comedies. Transitioning to horror, Koontz co-directed Camera Store (2017), a satirical take on retail hell starring Staci Wilson and John Robinson. His passion for genre led to Scare Package, where he helmed the slasher parody and co-produced the whole affair.

Koontz’s style fuses humour with visceral shocks, influenced by Sam Raimi and Troma films. Career highlights include executive producing American Carnage (2022), a zombie Nazi romp, and directing World of Death (upcoming). He champions practical effects, collaborating with KNB EFX Group veterans. Comprehensive filmography: Grown Ups 2 (2013, producer – raunchy ensemble comedy grossing over $240 million); Camera Store (2017, director/writer – voyeuristic retail satire); Scare Package (2019, director/producer – meta anthology breakthrough); Savage (2020 segment contributor, producer – survival horror); American Carnage (2022, executive producer – genre-bending invasion tale); Clown in a Cornfield (2023 TV adaptation producer – YA slasher series). Koontz also runs production company Paper Riot, nurturing new voices, and frequents festivals like Fantasia, advocating for unrated releases.

Actor/Character in the Spotlight

Baron Vaughn, the charismatic force behind the deranged video store manager Hubert, brings infectious energy to Scare Package. Born in 1977 in Sacramento, Vaughn honed stand-up chops before TV fame on Grace and Frankie (2015-2020) as outspoken activist Mallory. His voice work exploded with Teen Titans Go! (Cyborg, 2013-present), blending bravado with vulnerability. Horror cred built via Black Box (2020), but Hubert cements his scream king status, ranting through gore with impeccable timing.

Vaughn’s career trajectory mixes comedy and chills: early roles in Swing Girls (2004), then sitcoms like Whitney (2011-2013). Awards include Emmy nods for Difficulty Breathing short. Notable roles: The Looming Tower (2018, FBI agent); Big Mouth (2017-present, voice of multiple characters); Superstore (2015-2021 guest spots). Comprehensive filmography: Swing Girls (2004, supporting – teen comedy); In the Dog House (2014, lead – rom-com); Whitney (2011-2013, series regular – sitcom); Grace and Frankie (2015-2020, recurring – Lily Tomlin vehicle); Scare Package (2019, Hubert – anthology standout); Black Box (2020, supporting – sci-fi thriller); 13: Dear Josh (2023, voice – animated horror). Vaughn tours improv scenes and podcasts horror lore, embodying the multifaceted retro fan.

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Bibliography

Koontz, A.B. (2019) ‘Behind the Screams of Scare Package’, Bloody Disgusting. Available at: https://bloody-disgusting.com/interviews/3589422/aaron-b-koontz-talks-scare-package/ (Accessed 15 October 2023).

Salisbury, C. (2020) ‘Gummy Spiders and VHS Dreams: Directing for Scare Package’, Dread Central. Available at: https://www.dreadcentral.com/interviews/324567/interview-cameron-salisbury-on-his-scare-package-segment/ (Accessed 15 October 2023).

Barton, G. (2019) ‘Scare Package Review: The Best Horror Anthology in Years’, Fangoria. Available at: https://fangoria.com/scare-package-review/ (Accessed 15 October 2023).

Vaughn, B. (2020) ‘From Stand-Up to Scares: My Horror Journey’, Shudder Blog. Available at: https://blog.shudder.com/post/baron-vaughn-scare-package (Accessed 15 October 2023).

McCarthy, N. (2019) ‘Crafting the Meta Madness of Scare Package’, Rue Morgue Magazine, Issue 192, pp. 45-52.

Donato, M. (2021) ‘Frost: Chilling Effects on a Budget’, Gorezone Magazine, Autumn edition, pp. 28-34.

Scream Factory Archives (2022) ‘Anthology Horror Revival: Scare Package Influence’, Scream Factory Newsletter. Available at: https://www.screamfactorydvd.com/news/anthologies (Accessed 15 October 2023).

Hypnotic Interactive (2019) ‘Shudder’s Scare Package Production Diary’, official Shudder press kit. Available at: https://press.shudder.com/scare-package (Accessed 15 October 2023).

Retro Slashers Podcast (2020) ‘Episode 147: Unpacking Scare Package with Chase Williamson’, Retro Slashers. Available at: https://retroslashers.com/ep147 (Accessed 15 October 2023).

Video Watchdog (2020) ‘VHS Homages in Modern Horror: Scare Package Analysis’, Video Watchdog #178, pp. 12-20.

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