Thirty years ago, a documentary burst on to the scene featuring vignettes of animal cruelty, cannibalism, suicide, execution and accidental death. Today, the legend of this video remains strong, with many still believing in this alleged chronicle -- writer and director John Alan Schwartz's masterpiece banned in 43 countries! Of course, we know better than the average person that much of the footage was faked, something even more evident thanks to the new edition's audio commentary.
As a younger lad, maybe twelve or so, this was one of those films -- along with its sequels -- that was a necessary part of any good sleepover. Looking back, I'm not sure why my mother allowed us to rent so many films full of nudity, murder and cursing. Maybe if we had spent more time watching "The Last Unicorn" I wouldn't have ended up as demented and macabre as I did. Oh well. The film, a fond memory of mine, stands the test of time moderately well. While it's clearly dated with its dry, educational approach and video/sound quality, I see no reason gullible adults today or the youth of America couldn't enjoy this one as I did.
The electrocution scene? Classic! Monkey brains? Oh my! The San Francisco (where else) cult leader? Oddly appropriate. Even those who have never seen this film have a vague understanding of what it is... that's a reputation that ought to be respected. For those who are looking for true scenes of death, there is a fair share available. Particularly if you want to know how animal slaughterhouses work. One thinks that today in the world of PETA that some of the practices shown have been eliminated, but you may be surprised.
Any real student of the darker lessons in life needs to own a copy of this film. Now, thanks to Gorgon Video's DVD 30th Anniversary package, you get even more -- improving on what was already a solid investment. Feature-length commentary and a behind-the-scenes look at the movie's gore. Even deleted scenes, which I suspect few people even knew existed. This is the sort of film that can never be remade but only enjoyed as was originally intended. Pick it up today -- the perfect stocking stuffer for the precocious nephew who spends too much time in the basement.
As a younger lad, maybe twelve or so, this was one of those films -- along with its sequels -- that was a necessary part of any good sleepover. Looking back, I'm not sure why my mother allowed us to rent so many films full of nudity, murder and cursing. Maybe if we had spent more time watching "The Last Unicorn" I wouldn't have ended up as demented and macabre as I did. Oh well. The film, a fond memory of mine, stands the test of time moderately well. While it's clearly dated with its dry, educational approach and video/sound quality, I see no reason gullible adults today or the youth of America couldn't enjoy this one as I did.
The electrocution scene? Classic! Monkey brains? Oh my! The San Francisco (where else) cult leader? Oddly appropriate. Even those who have never seen this film have a vague understanding of what it is... that's a reputation that ought to be respected. For those who are looking for true scenes of death, there is a fair share available. Particularly if you want to know how animal slaughterhouses work. One thinks that today in the world of PETA that some of the practices shown have been eliminated, but you may be surprised.
Any real student of the darker lessons in life needs to own a copy of this film. Now, thanks to Gorgon Video's DVD 30th Anniversary package, you get even more -- improving on what was already a solid investment. Feature-length commentary and a behind-the-scenes look at the movie's gore. Even deleted scenes, which I suspect few people even knew existed. This is the sort of film that can never be remade but only enjoyed as was originally intended. Pick it up today -- the perfect stocking stuffer for the precocious nephew who spends too much time in the basement.