Videodrome Criterion 4K UHD Review
“Videodrome” is one of David Cronenberg’s best films.
In 1983’s “Videodrome,” the story revolves around Max- the President of a trashy small-time Toronto Cable TV station (CIVIC-TV) that specializes in violent and pornographic content. In his search for new programming, Max and satellite dish operator Harlan uncover a broadcast of a show called Videodrome that features torture and murder videos that are apparently real. As Max looks into what Videodrome is and who created it, he discovers that watching the videos gives its viewers a tumor that creates hallucinations. Moreover, Videodrome is now being weaponized by a company called Convex and they are attempting to use Max to carry out their bidding.
Writer/director David Cronenberg takes the old adage “TV rots your brain” to a whole other level with “Videodrome.” Admittedly, the cult horror film’s takes on TV brainwashing, video cassettes, cable TV, and underground videos are very much a product of its time. With that said, the now retro subject matter still works thanks to the warped and unique vision of David Cronenberg.
In typical Cronenberg fashion, the Canadian filmmaker infuses his wild story with a mixture of body horror, nightmarish imagery, and vivid explorations on reality, mind control, sex and violence. Cronenberg has often explored the above listed themes in works like “Existenz” and “Crash,” but none of these films are alike. He always manages to tell a fresh story that shakes up the cinema world in the year they were released. He shows things we haven’t seen before and makes us look at the world through a different lens and view point. Above all else though, Cronenberg explores topics in an intelligent fashion through various genres (in this case horror).
While Cronenberg is a renowned visual artist in his own right, he gets a lot of collaborative help here from cinematographer Mark Irwin, legendary makeup effects artist Rick Baker and video effects master Michael Lennick. Together they create some now iconic visual images like the stomach wound and the stretching television to name a few.
“Videodrome” isn’t so much a character film as it is a story driven film, but this is James Woods movie through and through. Before he became a controversial figure, the actor was a movie mainstay in the 80s and 90s and it’s not hard to see why with his performance here. Woods really sells not only the story but the more fantastical elements. Debbie Harry (of Blondie fame) shines in a small role as the sultry radio show host who becomes a part of the plot (no spoilers as to how). Peter Dvorsky is superb as Harlan who isn’t quite what he seems. Sonja Smits and Jack Creley are the other stand-out performers.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? The 4K digital restoration maintains the grain of the original print while offering up crisper image quality and brighter colors. Worth upgrading for fans of the film.
Audio Track: Uncompressed Mono. How does it sound? The Mono track provides a satisfactory audio experience.
Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* A booklet with credits, essays by Carrie Rickey, Tim Lucas and Gary Indiana.
* A 2000 short film by Cronenberg titled “Camera.”
* 2 commentary tracks on the 4K and Blu-ray. One by David Cronenberg and DP Mark Irwin and one by cast members James Woods and Deborah Harry.
* 3 trailers and a vintage 1982 making of featurette
* Still gallery
* “Effects Visual Essay”- A series of still images from Donna Lucas and Robert Uth for Cinefantastisque magazine.
* “Forging The New Flesh”- A 28 minute 2004 documentary about the effects and production of “Videodrome.” Archival interviews with the cast and crew are included.
* “Effects Men”- 2004 audio interviews with special makeup effects artist Rick Baker and video effects artist Michael Lennick. Topics include David Cronenberg, James Woods, and making “Videodrome.”
* “Fear On Film”- A 25 minute 1982 roundtable discussion with horror icons David Cronenberg, John Carpenter, John Landis and Mick Garris (prior to his film career taking off). This is an utter delight (especially for horror buffs).
* “Bootleg Video”- 3 video sequences from “Videodrome” in their full form titled “Samurai Dreams,” “Transmissions From Videodrome” and “Helmet-Cam Test.” Commentary is provided for each of the 3 segments.
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