Review: A 17 minute documentary from 1986 sounds more like two men’s attempt to meet drunk girls at a metal concert then a legit film worth remembering, but in all honesty, watching Heavy Metal Parking Lot is well worth anyone’s time. It’s no surprise this has become a cult hit and it’s unfortunate it isn’t a longer film. John Heyn and Jeff Krulik never mock the people they cover but instead take audiences on a tour of fellow metal heads as they tailgate befor a Judas Priest concert. I’m sure most documentary film lovers are a bit too snobbish to appreciate a good tailgate walk through, but this is the perfect time capsule for this era and breed of rockers. There’s great hair, great clothes, great language and so many one-liners it’ll give you and your friends something to quote for months. It’s not that its great filmmaking, but it is honest filmmaking and the honesty is what keeps you entertained (though I’m sure many in this documentary regret being so- how should I say this- enthusiastic about their passion for metal music). Of course, the 17 minute film is not the only thing worth watching on this DVD. It is chock full of extras that are well worth your time and just as equally entertaining as Heavy Metal Parking Lot. It’ll take a long while for you to get through them all, but unlike most DVD extras, nothing is a waste of time. Make an extra effort to check out some of the other short films, especially Harry Potter Parking Lot, which is just about the opposite of the main attraction as one can get. John Heyn and Jeff Krulik’s film is not award winning, but like any cult hit, it’s not meant to be. It is pure, unfiltered fun that will leave you and your friends cracking up. Review by Matthew Abshire Informative: 2- no investigation here, just honesty and one-liners Entertainment: 5- there’s a reason it’s a cult hit Technical: 2- making it out with their camera intact is probably the only filmmaking goal they had in mind Overall: 3- I’m willing to bet that after you’ve watched this, you’ll buy it
 
Format: DVD Year: 1986 Running Time: 17 Min Distributor: Factory 515 Producer: John Heyn and Jeff Krulik Director: John Heyn and Jeff Krulik Date Reviewed: 4-7-2009 Story: Shot in 1986 in the parking lot of a Maryland arena before a Judas Priest concert, this cult classic captures some of the most devoted metalhead fans in all their unbridled, mulleted splendor. In addition to its quotable musings on the rock 'n' roll lifestyle's allure, the profanity-peppered film also serves as a time capsule of bad 1980s fashion, complete with acid-washed jeans, Spandex, teased-out perms and badass muscle cars (NetFlix).