If there is one thing to strike fear into a large unsuspecting audience the top choice would be the friendly face of a clown. Nothing is more sinister than the sight of a mindless killer hidden behind the largest of smiles and brightest of clothes. Before ‘House of 1000 Corpses’, ‘Clownhouse’ and the infamous ‘It’ there was a different bunch of killer clowns.

 

The year, 1988. The place, mid town America. The story, Killer clowns arrive from outer space to consume human life in the cocoons of floss with bubblegum guns and vacuum cleaners. Are you being serious I hear you say? Hell yeah!

 

‘Killer Klowns from Outer Space’ is the cult movie of all cult movies and Arrow video have given it a much needed new lease of life. The innocent charm of the alien clowns who seem so innocently sweet literally knock the block off the next person to walk in their way. From tricycle wielding juniors to a Godzilla like creature in its closing chapter, these freakshow favourites may not be the most gory or violent but they certainly pack a punch.

 

Despite it’s bright lights and cosy group of friends, there are moments to actually be terrified of these clowns. The sinister charm, the killer popcorn and the massacre of a small town through bubble guns surprisingly strays away from the blood and boobs of the era but comes out well for it. And if you have a fear of clowns, this won’t help, and especially don’t order a pizza.

 

Everything from the set design of the alien craft to the cheesy one liners and crazy sheriff of the small town scream 1980’s and in our house, we cannot argue with a vintage cheese fest. Whether at the time of release this was intentional or not is a different argument but for those looking for the best slab of midnight entertainment, there is no finer choice than ‘Killer Klowns’, just make sure you have plenty of candy floss at the ready.

 

In addition a special mention needs to be made that despite being released in a stylish steelbook, the sexy artwork from UK artist God Machine is just too irresistible to deny.