Nerdly » ‘Candy Apple’ Blu-ray Review (Anchor Bay)

16th Oct2025

‘Candy Apple’ Blu-ray Review (Anchor Bay)

by Jason Lockard

Stars: Dean Dempsey, Texas Trash, Neon Music | Written and Directed by Dean Dempsey

Punk Rock Cinema isn’t just about making movies – it’s about creating them by any means necessary. These films carry a raw, lived-in energy that blurs the line between fiction and reality. In 2015, Dean Dempsey both directed and starred in Candy Apple, a striking example of this DIY spirit. Now, the newly revived Anchor Bay Entertainment has brought the film back into the spotlight with a fresh Blu-ray release.

CANDY APPLE follows Texas Trash as he struggles to get sober while his son Bobby attempts to launch a career in filmmaking. Meanwhile Trash has all but abandoned landing a job or reigniting his band as planned, and has fallen at the heels of local eccentric, Roxy. With the help of hallucinogens, the two embark on regular adventures through New York and other worlds. When Bobby hears of Trash’s relapse and near fatal overdose, his confidence and belief in his father is broken. As the cast’s relationships weaken, CANDY APPLE ends where it begins, with the father and son struggling to balance desire with reality but never getting it right.

Candy Apple offers a gritty, unflinching portrait of addiction that can be difficult—and often uncomfortable—to watch. Dempsey refuses to soften the edges, delivering a story that feels painfully authentic. The cast of mostly unknown actors adds to that realism, making it seem less like a movie and more like a window into real people’s lives unravelling before your eyes.

Anchor Bay have transferred Candy Apple to Blu-ray in 1080p, and it is presented in widescreen format. The film’s Blu-ray transfer is beautiful. In addition to a wonderful transfer, there are bonus features of a Theatrical Trailer and a short featurette entitled, “What is Punk Rock Cinema?” which really does help you understand what Punk Rock Cinema really is!