The year of the stitch up has had a couple of misfires for Dave's picks, with Chris unfortunately declaring Cloud City's for both sword and sorcery adventures - Gor and The Barbarians. So this is the time to roll out the cult classic sci-fi movie from 1984, Trancers.
Trancers was a low-budget sci-fi film produced by Charles Band’s Empire Pictures, a company known for its B-movie output during the 1980s. Directed by Charles Band and written by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo, the film was conceived as a time-traveling noir with a futuristic twist, inspired by Blade Runner and classic detective stories. The production had limited financial resources, so the filmmakers cleverly set much of the movie in present-day Los Angeles rather than the distant future, allowing them to save on costly futuristic sets and effects. The film starred Tim Thomerson as the grizzled, time-traveling cop Jack Deth and a young Helen Hunt in one of her early roles. Despite its modest budget, Trancers managed to craft a unique cyberpunk atmosphere using creative cinematography and neon-lit cityscapes.
Empire Pictures, known for churning out cult classics, ensured the movie had a quick and efficient production, utilizing familiar locations and a mix of practical effects to bring its sci-fi elements to life. The film’s pulpy, hard-boiled dialogue and time-travel premise helped it stand out in the crowded landscape of low-budget sci-fi, leading to a small but dedicated cult following. Trancers performed well enough on the home video market to spawn multiple sequels, solidifying its place in the annals of ‘80s cult cinema. The movie’s mix of noir and sci-fi influences, along with Thomerson’s performance, kept it alive long after its initial release, proving that even a low-budget indie film could leave a lasting impact on the genre.
If you enjoy the show we have a Patreon, so become a supporter.www.patreon.com/thevhsstrikesback
Trailer Guy Plot Summary
In a world where the future is on the brink of collapse, one man must travel back in time to stop an unstoppable evil. Jack Deth is a hard-nosed cop on the hunt for Martin Whistler, a madman who turns people into mindless, murderous Trancers. But when Whistler escapes to 1985, Deth is forced to follow, leaping into the body of his own ancestor. With the help of a fiery young woman, Leena, he’ll have to fight his way through an army of mind-controlled killers, stop Whistler, and save the future… before time runs out!
Popular Podcasts
Cold Case Files: Miami
Joyce Sapp, 76; Bryan Herrera, 16; and Laurance Webb, 32—three Miami residents whose lives were stolen in brutal, unsolved homicides. Cold Case Files: Miami follows award‑winning radio host and City of Miami Police reserve officer Enrique Santos as he partners with the department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit, determined family members, and the advocates who spend their lives fighting for justice for the victims who can no longer fight for themselves.
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.