Videodrome Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of David Cronenberg's "Videodrome" by Arrow Video presents the film in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, utilizing a 1080p transfer and the AVC codec, and is Region locked to B. This release sources the same master as the 2010 Criterion release, which was supervised by cinematographer Mark Irwin and approved by Cronenberg himself. The detail is commendable throughout, providing clarity and texture to skin and clothing. Even intricacies in Max's office are vividly discernible, although the once cutting-edge special effects now appear somewhat dated. The color palette leans towards earthy tones with reasonably rich primaries, particularly red, while skin tones are naturally rendered. Some makeup effects, however, appear slightly pale.

Brightness and contrast are set to enhance depth, although the film inherently lacks significant depth. Shadow details are reasonable, but there are occasional flickers in brightness and contrast, particularly towards the edges of the frame, which reveal the film's age and budget constraints. Digitally, the transfer shows no compression artifacts, with minimal edge enhancement and no posterization or banding issues. The grain maintains an organic look, reminiscent of the original filmic experience, free from aggressive digital manipulation. Despite minor defects, the original print has been well-preserved. Overall, Arrow Video's decision not to remaster the film further underscores the high-quality restoration work initially done by Criterion.

Grain distribution is mostly even, though it could be more finely resolved. Light halo effects are present but not overtly distracting. These minor issues do not detract significantly from the viewing experience and highlight the constraints of the source material rather than the transfer process. Overall, this release offers a faithful and pleasing visual rendition of "Videodrome," ensuring that Cronenberg's vision is preserved and enhanced for modern audiences.

The "Videodrome" Blu-ray audio features a single English LPCM 1.0 track that is impressively faithful to the original sound design. The dialogue is consistently clear and stable, blending naturally within the mix and ensuring it is never overshadowed by other audio elements. Howard Shore’s evocative score is rendered with precision, seamlessly enhancing the film's tense atmosphere without becoming shrill or overbearing. Noteworthy is the organic quality of the sound effects, particularly the ‘gloopy’ textures, which are presented with remarkable clarity. The lossless audio track remains free from any hiss, distortions, pops, or cracks, indicative of a top-tier cleanup effort.

Despite the limited bass inherent to the source material, occasional effects such as cancer bullets and explosions are adequately padded out by the subwoofer, contributing to a fuller audio experience. While it should be noted that the overall range of nuanced dynamics is restricted, this constraint is in keeping with the film's original audio design rather than a deficiency of the Blu-ray transfer. Optional English SDH subtitles are included for accessibility, rounding out this meticulously crafted audio presentation that pays homage to the film's visceral soundscape.

The Blu-ray release of "Videodrome" offers an astounding array of extras that provide an in-depth exploration of David Cronenberg's seminal work. The disc includes a comprehensive and slightly dry audio commentary by Tim Lucas, enriched with fascinating details about the production. Standout featurettes such as "Cinema of the Extreme" and "Forging the New Flesh" delve into Cronenberg's unique cinematic style and the film's groundbreaking effects. Additional highlights include the "Why Betamax?" feature and the early short films by Cronenberg like "Transfer" and "From the Drain," now beautifully restored.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Tim Lucas details production history and analysis.
• Cinema of the Extreme: Interviews with Cronenberg, Romero, Alex Cox.
• Forging the New Flesh: Effects supervisor Michael Lennick on the film's video and prosthetic effects.
• Fear on Film: Roundtable with Cronenberg, Landis, Carpenter.
• Samurai Dreams: Sequence with Lennick's commentary.
• Why Betamax?: Explains choice of Betamax tapes.
• Helmet Camera Test: Commentary by Lennick on digital effects.
• Promotional Featurette: Short comments from cast & crew.
• Interviews: New interviews with Mark Irwin, Pierre David, Dennis Etchison.
• Short Films: Includes "Transfer," "From the Drain," "Stereo," and "Crimes of the Future".
• Collector's Booklet: Exclusive illustrated 100-page hardback book.

David Cronenberg's 1983 cult classic "Videodrome" is a groundbreaking exploration of the intrusive and potentially destructive power of media. The film traces the journey of Max Renn (James Woods), a cynical television executive who stumbles upon a mysterious broadcast featuring raw visuals of torture and death. As Renn delves deeper into the origins and implications of this broadcast, he spirals into a harrowing descent marked by vivid hallucinations and psychological unravelling. His encounter with the enigmatic Nicki Brand (Deborah Harry), who is equally drawn to the macabre allure of Videodrome, further propels his journey into the dark recesses of body horror—a genre perfected by Cronenberg.

The narrative is strikingly prophetic, examining the symbiotic relationship between humans and technology, and critiquing the pervasive influence of television on society. The themes resonate even more profoundly in today's digital age, where screen-mediated realities are increasingly shaping human perception and behavior. This prophetic quality is underpinned by Cronenberg’s unique blend of visceral horror and philosophical depth, where each grotesque metamorphosis experienced by Renn is laden with symbolic meaning about identity, society, and media consumption.

Performance-wise, Woods excels as Renn, capturing both his initial bravado and subsequent disintegration with compelling authenticity. Deborah Harry adds an intriguing layer as Nicki, bringing a provocative mix of allure and menace to the screen. The supporting cast, including Jack Creley as Professor Brian O'Blivion and Sonja Smits as Bianca O'Blivion, significantly enhance the narrative complexity, although some performances are uneven. Notably, "Videodrome" earned critical acclaim, winning Genie Awards for Best Achievement in Direction (David Cronenberg) and Best Cinematography (Mark Irwin), solidifying its impact on both the horror genre and cinema at large. The film’s revolutionary prosthetic effects remain a highlight, resonating as disturbingly as ever.

David Cronenberg's "Videodrome," originally released in 1983, has found a resurgence in popularity due to its prophetic examination of media manipulation, body horror, and the desensitization of violence and sexuality. The film, starring James Woods as Max Renn, follows the protagonist's descent into madness as he uncovers the disturbing truths behind the mysterious Videodrome broadcast. The story's unsettling narrative, combined with Rick Baker’s exceptional prosthetic effects, ensures that it remains an influential and provocative watch even today.

As a Blu-ray release, Arrow has outdone themselves with this edition. The visual and auditory fidelity stem from the Criterion Blu-ray release of 2010, providing a vibrant and immersive experience with strong blacks and a rich, precise soundscape. Supplementary materials are abundant, featuring both widely known extras and several exclusive ones, enhancing the viewer's understanding and appreciation of Cronenberg’s vision. The inclusion of Cronenberg’s early films, remastered for high definition, is particularly noteworthy, offering an expanded look into the director’s formative works.

In conclusion, whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to Cronenberg's work, this Blu-ray set of "Videodrome" is an essential addition to your collection. It stands as a testament to Cronenberg’s ingenuity and foresight. The superior quality of the picture and sound, along with an extensive range of insightful extras and a meticulously crafted 100-page hardback book, make this release highly recommended for anyone interested in experiencing one of the defining pieces of cinema that continues to resonate profoundly in today's digital era.