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Videodrome (Criterion Collection)(2 disc)

 

  Written and Directed by David Cronenberg

Canada 1982 / Horror / Science Fiction / 89 min / Color / Monaural / 1.85:1 Widescreen Anamorphic / NTSC /  In English  with Optional English Subtitles

James Woods, Sonja Smits , Deborah Harry , Peter Dvorsky, Les Carlson, Jack Creley, Lynne Gorman

Hardcore pornography, sadomasochism, mind control, and living televisions all play crucial roles in Videodrome, one of director David Cronenberg's explorations of dangerous sexuality and technological obsession. The morally questionable hero of the tale is one Max Renn (James Woods), a television executive searching for an intense new program for his sex-oriented network. He ultimately discovers an underground program called "Videodrome," which appears to broadcast pornographic snuff films of actual murders. Horrified but perversely intrigued, Renn sets out to find the truth behind the program. During his search, he meets alluring femme fatale Nicki (Blondie lead singer Debbie Harry), technology cult leader Bianca O'Blivion, and other mysterious figures. Things become even more disturbing for Renn as his addiction grows, and the program begins to infect the outside world -- or perhaps merely destroy own his sanity. Cronenberg mingles his cerebral concerns about the nature of reality in the video age with enough visceral gore (courtesy of Rick Baker) to satisfy the film's intended horror audience.

 
       

Bonus Features:

Commentary by: director David Cronenberg and director of photography Mark IrwinUnknown Format,actors James Woods and Deborah HarryUnknown Format
New digital transfer on unrated version with restored image and sound
Camera, a short film starring Videodrome's Les Carlson, written and directed by David Cronenberg in 2000 as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Toronto Film Festival
Farming the New Flesh, a new half-hour documentary featurette about the creation of Videodrome's landmark video and prosthetic makeup effects
Samurai Dreams, the complete and unedited faux Japanese AV feature seen in the film
Fear on Film, a 26-minute roundtable discussion from 1981 between filmmakers David Cronenberg, John Carpenter, John Landis, and Mick Garris
Stills Gallery
Original theatrical trailers and promotional featurette