Surf Nazis Must Die is an attention grabbing title but as a movie soon loses interest. Made in 1987 and seen as a cult curiosity ever since, Peter George’s film is just too aimless and weird to ever really deliver a fun genre experience. It’s the type of picture you laugh at rather than laugh with (an important distinction). And all this despite comic dialogue, cartoon character villains and a general premise that is crazy.

In a post-apocalyptic California, surfers rule the beaches and one gang in particular follow the ideology of the Third Reich. The beach, a place for families and fun, is turned into a combat zone and a virtual no-go area. When her son is viciously murdered by thugs, an elderly lady from a nearby retirement home decides to get some payback.

Even at eighty-three minutes, Surf Nazis feels dragged out and all over the place. The dialogue doesn’t really cut it on a foul-mouthed pulp fiction level and more daft without reason. The performances, too, are crummy and although George gets some good visuals here and there, this movie really is for die hard cult fans only.

How’s the picture and sound?

Surf Nazis Must Die has had a DVD transfer but it still looks pretty basic. Frame wobbles and scratches are evident and when it comes to this sort of picture, the quality adds to the experience. It was never designed to look like a million dollars.

Any extras?

Lloyd Kaufman delivers the usual aggrandising introduction claiming how it went down a storm at Cannes. There are two interviews with director Peter George and the producer. A handful of deleted scenes, with commentary, are informative regarding the film’s production. Calum Wadell also provides a booklet and there’s reversible sleeve art by the ever ace Graham Humphrys. Rounding things off is an original trailer.


Summary

Surf Nazis Must Die is an unusual entry in the beach or surfing genre. It boasts a great title but that’s all it ever is. Silly without being funny or involving, George’s film is a disappointment despite having a – potentially – fun concept.

Film Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Extra Features Rating: ★★★☆☆

When’s it out?

Monday 6th August