Bad Taste

The premise centers on the extraterrestrial fast food franchise Crumb's Crunchy Delights, which targets the small New Zealand town of Kaihoro for human flesh harvesting. The brutal alien invasion triggers a response from the Astro-Investigation and Defense Service, a government agency tasked with tackling this bizarre threat. The narrative turns into a chaotic rescue and all-out assault, mixing absurd humor with gore and action.

Peter Jackson directed, co-wrote, and starred in the film, marking the start of his long career. Many of the cast and crew were friends and family, showcasing a grassroots filmmaking approach. The practical effects, including homemade gore and prosthetics, highlight early DIY special effects that have become a signature of Jackson's style.

Bad Taste was produced with funding from the New Zealand Film Commission and Jackson's WingNut Films. Its production stretched over several years, filmed mainly on weekends. This extended schedule was necessary due to the limited budget and the team’s amateur status. The film’s inventive use of practical effects and offbeat humor helped it gain a cult following internationally.

Collectors will find Bad Taste available on multiple physical formats including VHS, DVD, Blu-ray, and laserdisc. Each release reflects the film’s enduring appeal across generations of genre fans. Its status as Jackson’s debut and the start of his career adds historical interest for collectors of cult cinema and early works by major directors.

The film's mix of gore, slapstick, and sci-fi satire has influenced many independent filmmakers. It remains a notable example of New Zealand’s contribution to genre filmmaking and a touchstone for cult movie enthusiasts focusing on practical effects and underground cinema.