The result is a potent mix that affects both mind and body in a way few films can.
Cronenberg also predicted a generation in which violence and sex are indistinguishable. The sadistic fetishes on display in Videodrome, the show Max watches, seem positively tame when compared to what can be found on the internet today. Sadly, when I watch "Videodrome," I feel like Max when he saw Samurai Dreams (a soft-core porn program) and declared it "too soft."
How appropriate it is then, that "Videodrome" can now only be seen on television. I don't think even Cronenberg could have planned that. So be careful when you watch it. Pay particular attention to what O'Blivion says. Your life depends on it. And don't say I didn't warn you.
Video:
The DVD is presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Criterion´s newly restored high-definition digital transfer is another example of the company´s exceptional work. The picture quality is crystal clear, with hardly a blemish in site. Even better, the picture looks fuzzy when it´s supposed to; some scenes are meant to look like video.
Audio:
The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital Mono. This has to be one of the richest, fullest mono tracks I´ve ever heard. The remastered soundtrack is pristine, and the sound effects and music are so rich and full, it´s hard to believe it´s not in stereo. The dialogue is all clear, and both sound effects and music are well-mixed. Optional English language subtitles support the audio.
Extras:
The 2-disc special edition isn´t as loaded as some Criterion releases, but there´s still plenty for the "Videodrome" fan to enjoy.
Disc One:
There is, of course, the restored digital transfer which is accompanied by two commentary tracks, one by Cronenberg and another by D.P. Mark Irwin and leads James Woods and Deborah Harry.
Also on Disc One is a short film (6 min) called "Camera," directed by Cronenberg in 2000 and starring Les Carlson from "Videodrome." The movie is simple and you might wonder what the point is until the final, beautiful shot which explains it all.
Disc Two:
The features on this disc are aimed mainly at horror fans.
Forging the New Flesh: A short documentary (27 min.) recorded in 2004 for Criterion. The documentary discusses the extensive special-effects work involved in "Videodrome." Featuring horror effects uber-guru Rick Baker and other top effects artists.
Effects Men: An audio interview with Rick Baker and video effects supervisor Michael Lennick.
Bootleg Video: This offers longer versions of some of the videos we see only glimpses of in "Videodrome." Samurai Dreams is the 5-minute version of a soft-core porn video. Videodrome footage shows about seven minutes worth of the torture/snuff we only see a bit off in the movie. Helmet Cam (5 min.) shows some moderately interesting test footage from the film.
Fear on Film: A 1982 television round-table discussion (26 min.) hosted by Mick Garris with an all-star panel of horror directors including John Landis, John Carpenter (back when he cared), and Cronenberg. Carpenter discusses "The Thing" while Cronenberg discusses "Videodrome." This is the best feature on Disc Two, and will be a real treat for horror buffs.
The disc also contains trailers, a short publicity "Making of" featurette and extensive marketing galleries and still photos.
It´s also worth mentioning the great packaging on this collection. When I first got this one, I thought "Why did Criterion release a video?" The package looks like aVHS tape with the title "Videodrome" scrawled on the side in magic marker. Truly inspired design.
Closing Thoughts:
So what is Videodrome (the show)? Videodrome is an ultra-violent snuff film. Videodrome is a mass hallucination. Videodrome is a plot to take over the world. Videodrome isn´t a tape that you play, it´s a tape that plays you.
And now "Videodrome" (the movie) has changed form once again. Now it´s on DVD. Do you want to take a chance and put it in your player? You should because, above all, "Videodrome" is one of the most influential science-fiction/horror films of the 1980s, and it´s a movie you need to experience for yourself.
Long live the flesh!
How appropriate it is then, that "Videodrome" can now only be seen on television. I don't think even Cronenberg could have planned that. So be careful when you watch it. Pay particular attention to what O'Blivion says. Your life depends on it. And don't say I didn't warn you.
Video:
The DVD is presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Criterion´s newly restored high-definition digital transfer is another example of the company´s exceptional work. The picture quality is crystal clear, with hardly a blemish in site. Even better, the picture looks fuzzy when it´s supposed to; some scenes are meant to look like video.
Audio:
The DVD is presented in Dolby Digital Mono. This has to be one of the richest, fullest mono tracks I´ve ever heard. The remastered soundtrack is pristine, and the sound effects and music are so rich and full, it´s hard to believe it´s not in stereo. The dialogue is all clear, and both sound effects and music are well-mixed. Optional English language subtitles support the audio.
Extras:
The 2-disc special edition isn´t as loaded as some Criterion releases, but there´s still plenty for the "Videodrome" fan to enjoy.
Disc One:
There is, of course, the restored digital transfer which is accompanied by two commentary tracks, one by Cronenberg and another by D.P. Mark Irwin and leads James Woods and Deborah Harry.
Also on Disc One is a short film (6 min) called "Camera," directed by Cronenberg in 2000 and starring Les Carlson from "Videodrome." The movie is simple and you might wonder what the point is until the final, beautiful shot which explains it all.
Disc Two:
The features on this disc are aimed mainly at horror fans.
Forging the New Flesh: A short documentary (27 min.) recorded in 2004 for Criterion. The documentary discusses the extensive special-effects work involved in "Videodrome." Featuring horror effects uber-guru Rick Baker and other top effects artists.
Effects Men: An audio interview with Rick Baker and video effects supervisor Michael Lennick.
Bootleg Video: This offers longer versions of some of the videos we see only glimpses of in "Videodrome." Samurai Dreams is the 5-minute version of a soft-core porn video. Videodrome footage shows about seven minutes worth of the torture/snuff we only see a bit off in the movie. Helmet Cam (5 min.) shows some moderately interesting test footage from the film.
Fear on Film: A 1982 television round-table discussion (26 min.) hosted by Mick Garris with an all-star panel of horror directors including John Landis, John Carpenter (back when he cared), and Cronenberg. Carpenter discusses "The Thing" while Cronenberg discusses "Videodrome." This is the best feature on Disc Two, and will be a real treat for horror buffs.
The disc also contains trailers, a short publicity "Making of" featurette and extensive marketing galleries and still photos.
It´s also worth mentioning the great packaging on this collection. When I first got this one, I thought "Why did Criterion release a video?" The package looks like aVHS tape with the title "Videodrome" scrawled on the side in magic marker. Truly inspired design.
Closing Thoughts:
So what is Videodrome (the show)? Videodrome is an ultra-violent snuff film. Videodrome is a mass hallucination. Videodrome is a plot to take over the world. Videodrome isn´t a tape that you play, it´s a tape that plays you.
And now "Videodrome" (the movie) has changed form once again. Now it´s on DVD. Do you want to take a chance and put it in your player? You should because, above all, "Videodrome" is one of the most influential science-fiction/horror films of the 1980s, and it´s a movie you need to experience for yourself.
Long live the flesh!
Average user rating (1-5):
[release]12904[/release]