Stepfather II – DVD Review
The Film:
Make Room for Daddy! I guess 1987’s The Stepfather didn’t need a sequel, but remember this was a product of the ’80s, and in the era, well any era in horror actually, but more so then, a successful horror flick will get a sequel. Stepfather II is very similar to Psycho II for a variety of reasons. Both Norman Bates in that film and Stepfather here open their sequels in a mental institution, both are sequels to successful suspense films deemed classics, and both must cleverly get to what makes a sequel a sequel: out doing the previous film.
Now, neither out done the firsts, and how could they? In fact, both played their cards straight and didn’t deviate from the suspenseful structure that work for the first films. Where most sequels get bloodier and more outrageous, outside of some humorous elements, Stepfather II is a nice film. O’ Quinn returns to the role as the Stepfather and still finds some interesting angles to play with, much like Anthony Perkins did. Good actors do that, and based off of what we know about his character in the first film, it’s a hoot to see him wince when watching these dating service videos. None of the women fit his ideals on making the perfect family, and O’ Quinn’s reactions are great. Also great, are scenes of him watching Thunderbirds, a not so subtle nod to his own marionette life he has made, and seeing him play with his Crispy Rice cereal.
Stepfather II plays the franchise’s formula pretty safe, outside of some reshoots Miramax forced, camping up the violence. I’d say it’s a safe slasher, because that’s what the film became: a slasher. It really doesn’t add to the first film’s study of failed American ideals and the crazed pursuit of how far one man will go to keep it intact. Instead, it plays it by the numbers. That’s not a bad thing, because even with some flaws, Stepfather II is pretty fun, with some great little moments, especially the climax at the chapel, and fun performances by O’ Quinn, Meg Foster, and Caroline Williams.
The DVD:
Audio/Video: Don May’s Synapse Films have always been superb in restorations and presentations, no matter what the film. Not their best transfer to date, but a solid one nonetheless. Image is sharp, colors decent, little print damage, and due to its low budget, it looks pretty good on DVD. The audio certainly feels dated, but the stereo track handles the score, the effects, and the dialogue without any issues.
Commentary: Director Jeff Burr and his producer for the film offer a candid listen, that should make for a good time for the film’s fans. It always seems rare to hear directors open up about issues on set or whatnot, so these types of tracks are great to listen too. Honest with some humor, even with a few dead air moments, it’s a great listen.
The Stepfather Chronicles: Daddy’s New Home: Running 30 minutes, this documentary was made along with the first film’s by Red Shirt Production and it is equally as great. Again, no Terry O’ Quinn, but everyone else is here chatting up on their experiences, and the Miramax issues. Another solid feature for fans.
Deleted Scenes: Wow! 30 minutes of various bits, including some alternative death sequences, with Optional Commentary make these a must watch, if only to see a possible different version of Stepfather II.
A bunch of Trailers and a Still Gallery finish off the selection of extras.
Conclusion: By no means the classic the first film was, Stepfather II has some merits, and it worth a look for horror fans. Synapse gives us a superb disc, though.
The Film: Rating: 
The DVD: Rating:
