First watched this when it was released in 1989. At the time, it was a fascinating docu charting the "evolution" of exploitation films as they mutated from drive-in(or grindhouse) fare to straight-to-video releases. (Then-pertinent examples being Empire/Wizard "hits" like PSYCHOS in LOVE and FROM BEYOND). Now in the 21st century, DRIVE-IN MADNESS seems like an artifact from a (very) long-gone era, as even the video rental habit is moribund. Sounds sad? It is. There is irony in the idea that this tape, a lament/ tribute to the bygone era of drive-in schlock can now be seen as a wistful tribute to the time when there seemed to be a video store on almost every corner.
Oh, yeah, the video itself? Much of it chronicles Sam Sherman's Independent International Pictures, as well as the conception and success of Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. (John Russo, actor, author and writer, provides the link between the two entities.) Some of this stuff is priceless (Romero and Savini talking about the "disposable" nature of D-I movies, Russo and Russ Streiner on NIGHT, Sherman talking about the extremes of weather that D-I patrons faced), and the trailers just flippin' rule (GREEN SLIME, HUMAN DUPLICATORS, Dracula, PRINCE OF DARKNESS / PLAGUE OF ZOMBIES combo, DON'T OPEN THE WINDOW, GIRLS FOR RENT, etc).
NOTE: The version known as SCREEN SCARIES is not the same as D-I MADNESS. Judging from the review, there are more? but different trailers and it's about half the running time. Find this if you can.
