“A Glorious Return for the Franchise”: First ‘V/H/S/94’ Reviews From the Fantastic Fest World Premiere!

Brad Miska

It’s been an incredibly tough film to make, but we finally finished V/H/S/94 and were so excited to World Premiere it over the weekend at the ongoing Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas.

Since we don’t review our own films here on Bloody Disgusting (that would be weird), I compiled a bunch of reviews out of the screening to get you hyped for the October 6 premiere on Shudder. At the time of writing this article, we’re proud to note, V/H/S/94 is currently standing tall with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with six reviews submitted thus far!

Here’s what the film community is saying…

– V/H/S/94 – Photo Credit: Shudder

The Playlist: “When V/H/S/94 opens with the familiar ephemera of the analog video experience – the blue screen, the tracking lines, blocky “PLAY” text in the upper left corner – we lean in,” writes Jason Bailey who adds: “…even its weakest pieces are still entertaining, and the good stuff is exceptionally so.”

On Chloe Okuno‘s story: “Okuno draws out the set-up just enough, carefully building dread that pays off handsomely; this one gets good and gory, with a crowd-pleasing conclusion.”

Jason also highlights Ryan Prows‘ segment: “The resultant mixture of bloodshed and absolutely pitch-black comedy is indescribably satisfying; rarely have you rooted so hard for a monster in a horror movie.”

Screen Anarchy: On Simon Barrett‘s short: “‘The Wake’ leverages the universal fear of death, dying, and decay into an effectively horrific bit of horror,” explains Mel Valentin. “It doesn’t hurt (except when it does) that Barrett delivers one of V/H/S 94’s most memorable, memorably grisly images that even the most hardened horror fan will find creeping around the edges of their dreams.”

He calls Timo Tjahjanto‘s “The Subject” an “all-out, video game-inspired melee, complete with dismembered and/or decapitated bodies, and more blood-and-guts than even the most extreme entries in the genre.”

– V/H/S/94 – Photo Credit: Shudder

Film Pulse: “Examining V/H/S/94 as a package and comparing it to the others in the series, this is the most consistent of the bunch,” writes Adam Patterson who also hypes Prows’ segment: “…this fresh spin on a grungy vampire story is energetic, fun and chock full of crazy violence.”

Flickering Myth: Shaun Munro explains, “First and foremost, V/H/S/94 is a sensory triumph; the wrapped-in-clingfilm aesthetic of VHS tape is perfectly captured here, while the series’ signature glitching video conveys skips between “scenes.” It all feels real rather than smacking of high-def digital video that’s been downgraded in post-production, with the filmmakers reportedly using of-the-era video equipment to make it as authentic as possible.”

He adds, “It’s all tremendously effective in generating the desired mood.”

Cinapse: Critic Dan Tabor says that V/H/S/94 is “a glorious return to form for the franchise,” also calling it a “rare example of a necessary sequel.” Tabor continues, “Seven years have passed since Viral, but this film shows there’s plenty of stories to tell in this static laced world and more dark corners to be explored. This is no doubt also thanks to the more inclusive roster that also gives a new perspective on terror.”

– V/H/S/94 – Photo Credit: Shudder

What to Watch: “Every segment leaves its mark,” Matt Donato writes in his review. “Jennifer Reeder’s “Holy Hell” wraparound keeps chapters moving as SWAT grunts maneuver through this funhouse of upside-down crucifixes, severed hands and glowing television sets that one-by-one lure in officers who watch each video unfold (a death sentence).”

Donato adds, “The standout sewer creatures, disintegrated flesh practical effects and showings of diabolical incompetence in American rebel culture make V/H/S/94 a midnight massacre treat that continues a worthwhile tradition.”

Dread Central: Writing for Dread Central, Drew Tinnin calls V/H/S/94 a “total blast from start to finish,” noting that the film contains “the most consistently thrilling group of shorts since the original V/H/S hit screens back in 2012.” Drew also notes, “There’s a great balance of technical artistry and funhouse fright that keep the momentum building through every story.”

Geek Vibes Nation: Mike Vaughn explains, “It’s been a whopping seven years since the last movie in the franchise. Fans are no doubt wondering, has it been well worth the wait? I am happy to report that yes, this was a hell of a lotta fun.” Vaughn highlights Tjahjanto’s segment, “The third and possibly my favorite segment, “The Subject,” is a blood and oil-soaked cyberpunk nightmare that gets more and more frenzied until it feels like a meth-fueled first-person shooter. It’s not the most narratively complex, but it was never dull and was always upping the insanity.”

IGN: Siddhant Adlakha wasn’t a huge fan of the movie overall, but he did also offer up praise for Tjahjanto’s “The Subject.” Adlakha writes, “Not only does The Subject take a hilariously twisted approach to found footage, it also finds several excuses — good ones, at that! — to transform from a seedy body-horror film into an all-out action splatter-fest that resembles a first-person shooter video game. At nearly half an hour in length, it’s easily the longest segment in V/H/S/94, and the film is better for it, because Tjahjanto peppers his lunatic visual approach with a number of surprising ethical dilemmas as well. It’s a work of transhumanistic madness that’s as thoughtful as it is maniacally exciting.”

– V/H/S/94 – Photo Credit: Shudder

Below you’ll also find some social media thoughts we’ve come across over on Twitter…