Review of Scream Greats, Volume I: Tom Savini

This nifty and engrossing little 50 minute documentary centers on legendary 80's splatter horror movie make-up icon Tom Savini, who comes across as a really smart, witty (Savini compares himself to an assassin at the start of the film, explaining that he's always hired to kill folks in movies), passionate and personable guy who's extremely dedicated to his craft, highly supportive of up and coming make-up artists, and exceptionally nice to his many fans. Among the things Savini enthusiastically discusses are how he was inspired by Lon Chaney Sr., his tour of duty in Vietnam, his eagerness to perform stunts in pictures, love for acting, ambitions as a director, his status as a great practical joker, and the positive and negative feedback he hears from people about his work. Other folks interviewed for the documentary include George Romero, fellow make-up artist and protégé Greg Nicotero, and 80's "Fangoria" editor Bob Martin. We also see choice gruesome clips from "Dawn of the Dead," "The Burning," "The Prowler," the first and fourth "Friday the 13th" features, "Martin," "Creepshow," "Maniac," and "Day of the Dead." Better still is the fascinating behind-the-scenes footage of the maestro at working doing such things as squibbing actors and casting molds of their heads. While not the truly definitive and comprehensive documentary on Tom Savini (his early gigs on "Deathdream" and "Deranged" are glossed over), this honey nonetheless qualifies as absolutely essential viewing for Tom Savini buffs.