‘Full Moon High’ Blu-ray Review (Eureka Classics)

Stars: Adam Arkin, Roz Kelly, Ed McMahon, Joanne Nail, Bill Kirchenbauer, Elizabeth Hartman, Louis Nye, Jim J. Bullock, Alan Arkin, Pat Morita, Laurene Landon | Written and Directed by Larry Cohen

Full Moon High is a wonderfully absurd mix of horror and comedy, now available on UK Blu-ray through Eureka Classics. Directed by Larry Cohen, best known for offbeat genre hits like It’s Alive and The Stuff, this film stands apart as his only full-fledged attempt at pure comedy. It’s a chaotic, eccentric ride that gleefully embraces its own weirdness.

The story follows a high school football star (played with charm by a young Adam Arkin) whose trip to Eastern Europe takes an unexpected turn when he’s bitten by a werewolf. Immortal and forever youthful, he returns to his hometown years later, disguising himself as his own son in an effort to relive his glory days and finally finish that all-important football game.

Cohen’s approach here is fast-paced and intentionally over-the-top. The film doesn’t aim for nuance – instead, it dives headfirst into outlandish gags, surreal scenes, and broad satire. Some jokes hit the mark with surprising sharpness, while others lean heavily into the film’s intentionally rough and ridiculous tone. Regardless, there’s an infectious energy throughout, fueled by Cohen’s signature flair for turning familiar tropes on their head.

The movie’s satire touches on everything from Cold War fears to teenage identity crises and American high school culture, all delivered with a sense of knowingly unrefined humour. It’s not always coherent, but that chaotic charm is part of the film’s offbeat appeal.

Eureka Classics’ Blu-ray release is a treat for fans of cult cinema. The package includes a crisp 1080p transfer, insightful audio commentaries, and a limited-edition slipcase featuring new artwork by Mute, and a collector’s booklet with new writing on Full Moon High by film historian and disc producer Craig Ian Mann, author of Phases of the Moon: A Cultural History of the Werewolf Film. These extras provide excellent context and celebrate the film’s unique place in horror-comedy history, and also include:

Special Features:

• New audio commentary by Steve Mitchell, director of the 2017 documentary King Cohen
• Archival audio commentary with director Larry Cohen, moderated by Steve Mitchell
• Today’s Teenage Werewolf – a new interview with film writer Michael Doyle, author of Larry Cohen: The Stuff of Gods and Monsters
• Growing Pains – a new video essay on the history and evolution of the teenage werewolf on film by werewolf expert Kaja Franck, author of The Ecogothic Werewolf in Literature
• Original theatrical trailer

While undeniably rough around the edges, Full Moon High is a curious and entertaining relic of early ’80s genre filmmaking. It may not be for everyone, but those who appreciate cult oddities and unorthodox storytelling will find plenty to enjoy. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself seriously and invites you to do the same.

**** 4/5

Full Moon High is out now on Blu-ray from Eureka.