By MICHAEL GINGOLD
See the saga of one of horror’s most infamous sequels on a limited-edition disc set.
Distributor Synapse Films has opened pre-orders on Red Shirt Pictures’ two-disc region-free Blu-ray release of HEARTS OF DARKNESS: THE MAKING OF “THE FINAL FRIDAY,” streeting April 14. Directed by Michael Felsher, the documentary chronicles the making of JASON GOES TO HELL by then-23-year-old director Adam Marcus. According to the PR, “Featuring never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, rare photos, and brand-new interviews with cast and crew (including Kane ‘Jason’ Hodder), this documentary explores the creative risks, unexpected drama, and rocky reception of a film that defied audience expectations—and still sparks debate 30 years later.”
The limited-edition (1,500 units) set includes a double-wall O-card slipcover and six double-sided collector’s cards featuring writing and illustrations by Marcus. This edition will only be available via the Synapse website and a few other genre-specific outlets like DiabolikDVD and Orbit DVD. Once it’s sold out, the nationally distributed standard version will be a single-disc edition without the second Extras Blu-ray and collector’s cards. The complete specs of the limited edition are:
Disc One (The Film):
- High-definition 1080p (1.78:1) transfer with English DTS-HD MA 5.1 Stereo Surround and English 2.0 Stereo tracks
- Audio commentary by director Michael Felsher and producer Adam Marcus
- Audio commentary by producers Adam Marcus, Allie Rivera Quiñonez and Debra Sullivan, editor Eric Beetner and writer Peter M. Bracke
- Original “R-rated” trailer
- Optional English subtitles
Disc Two (Extras):
- Secrets & Lies: The cast and crew reflect on producer Sean S. Cunningham’s complicated history with JASON GOES TO HELL
- Hellish Melodies, with composer Harry Manfredini
- Almost Steven, with actor Jonathan Penner
- Cut to the Bone, with editor David Handman and assistant editor Patrick Don Vito
- Never Say Dead, with producers Adam Marcus and Debra Sullivan and editor Eric Beetner
- Ward’s Big Break, with actor Adam Cranner
- Perfect for the Part, with casting director David Giella
- EXTRA BITS: Baby Stephanie, Creighton Duke, Getting the Credit, The Missing Creature, On-Set Stories, Set Design & Locations
- Artwork gallery
- Alternate titles
- Fan testimonials
- Footage from the 2025 Gardena Cinema premiere event with Q&A highlights
Retail price is $39.95.
