Play Dead (aka Satan’s Dog, Killer Dog) appeared in 1982, towards the end for the trend in both killer animal films, and satanic encounter movies. It was directed by one Peter Witman- who has only one other directorial credit to his name in the form of 1984's Ellie- seemingly a redneck flavored soft-core comedy. Though he also produced lo budget 80’s Dungeons and Dragons themed slasher Skullduggery. His directing is competent, though as mentioned in my introduction there is very much a TV movie feel here, though very un-TV movie like we get some female flesh, and the odd slightly more intense killings.
 
The film focused in on obnoxious, yet at time quite creepy well do-to aging widow Hester- played by 1940’s/ 50’s starlet Yvonne De Carlo. She has very much been distanced from the rest of her family due to her bitchy/ hurtful manner- but one day she starts getting in contact with them again, seemingly a changed and nicer person. But in reality it’s a ploy to get her Rottwellier into situations where she can control it via dark satanic spells, to knock off family members. So we get the dog knocking people in front of cars, dropping hair straightens ino baths to electrocute victims, poisonings, dog chain strangulations, etc. The killings are mostly fair tame, though one or two are a little intense. But most surprising, and downright cringe-inducing is a stand up the living room make-out session- where we get multiple shots of breasts, and other flesh- all soundtrack by this truly awful blend of strutting and funky acoustic guitar and easy listening string jive. We also near the start get some fairly unsettling moments when Hester is creepily caressing her scarf while talking to her dead husband in the mirror.
 
When the killings aren't going on we get a lot of very soapy-to-down right bad acting, and silly overfraught dramatics, these are injected by a few fairly moments of old hag bitch-ness and just downright amusing dialogue. Though the pacing/ plot seems a little dragging and muddled. I’m a big, big fan of bad 1980’s film, and especially if it’s horror or action tinged- so I must say Play Dead very much split me- yes there are great moments of campness, ridiculous murders, and amusing flesh bound encounters- but there is also a lot of padding & blade-ness too.  I’m usually very much love or hate with my bad movies- but Play Dead has really left me unsure- so I’d say if you look bad film, pick it up- but if you're looking for a straight killer animal and stannic movie-it’s best looking elsewhere.
 
 
Extra wise we get around half-an-hour worth of stuff- first we get a five minute on-camera interview with the film's director, this is a little underwhelming as sadly he can’t recall an awful lot about the film. Next, we get an audio-only interview with actress Stephanie Dunnam- who played one of the key roles in the film. This is much more interesting and substantial- she talks about getting this her second film role, the films original title Killer Poddle, and other worthy tidbits about the film. She also goes onto discuss her career in  general as well- so this interview is well worth a listen. We get an original trailer, and a reversible cover taking in the original Play Dead poster artwork, and on it’s reverse the artwork for its alternative title Satan’s Dog.
 
 
 
As I finish off this review- I still feel very undecided if I like Play Dead or not, as at times the 80’s blandness does threaten to overwhelm the great & effective moments of horror campness, bitchy dialogue, and satanic silliness- I’m hoping by now you’ll be able to make your mind up if it’s for you or not. Never the less VS have done their usual great job with the films new scan, and interesting enough extras- and if you’re a follower of this great label you’ll no doubt be picking this up anyway.