Spell 1981 Exclusive - Come Under My

Unlocking the Vault: The 1981 "Come Under My Spell" Exclusive

The intersection of cult cinema and home video history often produces strange artifacts that linger in the memories of collectors and cinephiles. One such curiosity is the 1981 exclusive presentation of "Come Under My Spell," a film that serves as a bizarre time capsule of late 70s and early 80s exploitation cinema. Directed by the prolific and often eccentric Carlos Tobalina, the film has undergone various re-releases, but its 1981 presence remains a specific point of interest for those tracking the evolution of "Peekarama" and adult-oriented cult classics. The Plot: Hypnosis and Hilarity

At its core, "Come Under My Spell" follows the misadventures of Fernando (played by Fernando Fortes), a bumbling and libidinous foreign exchange student struggling to find success in the dating world. His luck changes when his best friend, Dave (Blair Harris), gifts him a secondhand book on the art of seduction through hypnotism.

What follows is a series of "unintentionally enjoyable" vignettes where Fernando attempts to put women under his spell. Critics have often noted that the film's lead is "completely believable as an awkward loser because it doesn't feel like acting". The movie is famous among cult fans for its technical oddities, including: come under my spell 1981 exclusive

Visible Crew Members: In some scenes, crew members are clearly visible in the shot.

Production Oddities: Much of the film appears to have been shot in a rented motel room despite being set in "hip and swinging San Francisco".

Bizarre Soundtrack: The film features tracks like "Fernando’s Blues," which have since appeared on niche compilations of 70s and 80s cinema audio. The 1981 Exclusive Context Unlocking the Vault: The 1981 "Come Under My

While the film is often cited as a 1979 release, the 1981 exclusive window refers to its significant distribution push during the burgeoning home video market. This era saw a massive influx of independent and adult-leaning titles being packaged for the first time for a global audience. Come Under My Spell (1981) - VideoSpace

How to Identify an Authentic 1981 Exclusive

For the serious collector, here is the checklist to identify a genuine “Come Under My Spell (1981 Exclusive)”:

1. The Matrix Number: Look for GRAV-812-B etched into the dead wax. The “B” is always slightly crooked.
2. The Label: A white label with black text. No logo. The track time is hand-stamped: “4:32.”
3. The Glitch: At 1:14, the synth holds a G# for two seconds too long before the verse drops. This was a mixing error. The 1983 version fixed it. The 1981 Exclusive celebrates it.
4. The Sleeve: Only the first 50 copies came with a lyric sheet printed on vellum paper. If you find that, you have found the Holy Grail.

Collectibility & Rarity

• Early 1981 pressings are considered collectible among new wave vinyl enthusiasts, especially if marked as "exclusive" or limited-run pressings.
• Value depends on condition, edition (promo vs. commercial), and regional release; rare exclusives can fetch higher prices among collectors.

The "Exclusive" Factor

Why is this film considered an "exclusive" find in collector circles? The Matrix Number: Look for GRAV-812-B etched into

1. Limited VHS Run: Like many films from independent distributors like New World Pictures or Roger Corman’s ventures, the VHS release was limited. Finding an original clamshell case in good condition is a holy grail for tapeheads.
2. The Scare Factor: During the "Video Nasty" panic era, films dealing with hypnosis and mind control often skirted the line of censorship, making certain versions of the film rare cuts.
3. Director Legacy: As Cirio H. Santiago’s work gains more retrospective appreciation (including nods from Quentin Tarantino, a noted fan), his deeper cuts like this are being re-evaluated not just as trash cinema, but as competent, crafty B-movies.

Notable Influences & Comparisons

• Early-80s new wave and synth-pop acts: e.g., Blondie (synth era), Ultravox, Duran Duran (early), Japan — combining pop structure with moody electronics.
• Production aesthetic resembles works produced with analog synths (Roland Jupiter-8, Prophet-5), drum machines (Linn LM-1, early Roland units), and gated reverb on drums.

Musical Style & Production

• Genre: Synth-pop / New Wave / Post-punk
• Instrumentation: Prominent analog synthesizers, bass-driven rhythm, drum machine/percussion, guitar accents, and layered vocal harmonies.
• Production: Characteristic raw early-80s production with emphasis on synth textures and a danceable mid-tempo groove.

A Time Capsule of Early 80s Aesthetics

What makes Come Under My Spell a must-watch for cultists is the atmosphere. The cinematography is drenched in that specific early-80s grain—a texture that immediately signals you are watching something from a specific moment in time.

The fashion, the hair, and the synth-heavy score create a mood that is both sleazy and sophisticated. There is a voyeuristic quality to the direction; the camera lingers just a little too long on the subjects, making the audience complicit in the hypnotist’s gaze. It’s a masterclass in how to build tension on a shoestring budget.

Lyrical Themes & Imagery

• Core theme: The singer invites or warns another to "come under" their influence—romantic enchantment framed as both alluring and slightly dangerous.
• Imagery: Nighttime, neon light, smoky rooms, and cinematic metaphors (e.g., spells, eyes, mirrors, tides) to evoke enchantment and surrender.
• Narrative voice: Confident, coquettish narrator addressing a lover or potential admirer, alternating between entreaty and command.