Director – Mark Hartley (Electric Boogaloo, Machete Maidens Unleashed)
Starring – Phillip Adams (Dallas Doll, Road to Nhill), Glory Annen (Felicity, Prey), and Christine Amor (Chopper Squad, Cop Shop)
Release Date – 2008
Rating – 3/5
Blu Release – 4.5/5
I never realized ozploitation was a thing until a few years back when I became friends with the fine folks over at Umbrella Entertainment. I had seen several Australian horror films over the years with my favorite being Razorback but I never realized how different and unique filming in Australia was. When I saw that Umbrella was releasing the 2008 documentary Not Quite Hollywood on blu I was extremely curious. I love documentaries so I reached out to them and they were kind enough to send over a review copy. Thanks guys!
**Spoiler Alert** The documentary is a comprehensive look at the history of Australia cinema, aka ozploitation, going from the early films before moving into more sexually explicate cinema, to comedies, and the popular horror titles that came out of there from the late 70s until today. **Spoiler Alert**
I went into this looking to learn a lot and god damn did I. I had no idea how deep the Australian cinematic history was until I spun this one. I, also, wasn’t aware that Americans were hated. Regardless, this was a very informative and enjoyable documentary that I wish I would have seen when it was originally released.
The interviews in this one go deep with producers, cast members, and long-time fan Quintin Tarantino. They go into great detail with all the struggles, dangers, and trends of the times while giving those unfamiliar with the films a lot of basic information that was new to me. The topics discussed are in chronological order which makes it easy for the viewer to see the whole picture. For someone who is not too familiar with the history of ozploitation like myself I found myself really enjoying the approach each topic was discussed and how it pertained to a specific year or film from their history.
Finally, the editing and transitioning in this one is great. We move from topic to topic and person to person very smoothly while still keeping the important information in focus. Overall, Not Quite Hollywood is a fantastic documentary that not only covers Australia’s important horror films but many other films that most of us love. It’s a great look at the history of their cinema and why many of us love these films so much. I highly recommend snagging this blu from Umbrella Entertainment.
Special Features:
EXCLUSIVE 16 page booklet.
ALL NEW 1080P master of the feature film.
ALL NEW more from QUENTIN TARANTINO on Ozploitation.
Audio commentary from Ozploitation auteurs
Deleted and extended scenes.
More from Tarantino on Ozploitation
The lost interview: Chris Lofven.
A word with Bob Ellis.
Quentin Tarantino and Brian Trenchard-Smith interview
MIFF Ozploitation panel. MIFF red carpet footage
Behind the scenes footage from the crew
UK interview with director Mark Hartley
THE BAZURA PROJECT segment
THE MONTHLY conversation
THE BUSINESS interview
Extended Ozploitation trailer reel
John D. Lamond: CONFESSIONS OF AN R-RATED FILMMAKER
Richard Franklin on-set interview
Terry Bourke’s NOON SUNDAY reel
INSIDE ALVIN PURPLE documentary
TO SHOOT A MAD DOG documentary
Ozploitation stills and poster gallery
NQH production gallery
NQH pitch promos
Original theatrical trailer
