Director’s Note
“I don’t want to achieve immortality through my work; I want to achieve immortality through not dying.” – Woody Allen
Spoken like a true camper!
When James Hendsbee, the British Columbia webmaster (Sleepaway Camp Lives), first contacted me more than two years ago to ask if I’d do an interview for his site about the making of Sleepaway Camp 2: Unhappy Campers and Sleepaway Camp 3: Teenage Wasteland, I was more than a little surprised to discover that these movies from the golden age of slasher horror had developed a devoted following.
Since then, I’ve received emails from webmasters and fans stretching from Europe to Asia who want to discuss Angela’s exploits. They all speak with great passion about the popular cult franchise and often seem to know more about the movies and how they were made than I do.
I’m often asked the question: What do I think the attraction of these films is?
The short answer is I don’t have a clue.
What I do know is that movies are made for the people who enjoy them and I’m grateful that a new generation of fans has discovered Unhappy Campers and Teenage Wasteland and will now be able to view them on DVD.
Anchor Bay and Crest National did an excellent job authoring the DVDs. I worked closely with them to make sure all the extras that fans have clamoured for would be on these releases and they are. Numerous bonus features are included, many of which are available to campers for the first time. The new low-con prints that were transferred to digital beta now allow you to bask in every frame of Angela’s off-beat adventures.
Creating the world’s first transsexual psychopath, a crucial step away from the somber, Psycho-esque cross-dressing narrative of the first tale, was the brainchild of writer Fritz Gordon, as was the pop-culture humor that infuses the sequels. Taking up the challenge of creating this unique character, Pamela Springsteen brought a pitch perfect take to the character of Angela, effortlessly blending the dark humor and morbid action.
The talented cast and crew had great fun making these two movies and it’s my hope that you’ll have as much enjoyment watching them.
So pack your bag and don’t forget your flashlight. It’s time to go to camp!
Michael A. Simpson
May 2002
Disc 1: Sleepaway Camp
Audio Commentary with Director Robert Hiltzik, Star Felissa Rose & Moderator Jeff Hayes
Theatrical Trailer
Theatrical Poster Replica
Disc 2: Unhappy Campers
Audio Commentary with Director Michael A. Simpson, Writer Fritz Gordon & Moderator John Klyza
Behind-The-Scenes Footage and Outtakes
Teaser Trailer for Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland
Video-Market Trailer
Still Galleries
Poster Replica
Disc 3: Teenage Wasteland
Audio Commentary with Director Michael A. Simpson , Writer Fritz Gordon & Moderator John Klyza
Behind-The-Scenes Footage and Outtakes
Deleted Scenes from Director’s Cut Featuring Additional “Gore” Footage
Video-Market Trailer
Still Galleries
Poster Replica
Disc 4: The Survivor Production Footage
Contained in Best Buy edition only
Unedited Dallies Footage
Promotional Trailer
Introduction Text by John Klyza
Easter Eggs
Disc 1: There are no eggs on the USA Disc One unless you count getting to hear “Angela’s Theme” if you wait at the menu long enough. The UK version however, contains all the deleted scenes they didn’t bother to reinstate for that release – just highlight Play with your remote and press Up, it will reveal a bloody fingerprint. Press enter and you’re in business.
Disc 2: Go to the Extras section and click on the Commentary section. Once there, highlight the “No Trespassing” icon. “More Love” by Ravenstone will play. It is the finished version of the legendary lost alternate end-titles track which was originally deemed too tongue-in-cheek when the film was made. An informative bio and rare photos will also play with the song.
Disc 3: There are two. First, on the Extras Menu, move the remote and highlight Angela’s shirt and click on it to see a special behind the scenes feature from an Atlanta News team. The second egg is in the Commentary section – on the left side of the screen highlight Bobby Stark’s shirt and click on it and you’ll see the advance poster art for Sleepaway Camp 4: The Survivor.