Videodrome [Criterion Collection] [Blu-ray] [1982]

Back in 2010 Criterion upgraded their already seminal 2-disc DVD set of Videodrome to Blu-ray with thankfully flying colors. Videodrome tells the story of Max Renn (played by James Woods), executive at a controversial TV station out of Canada. When his tech wizard finds a broadcast featuring a brutal murder for an underground show called Videodrome Max gets interested and seeks it out with the help of a radio host played By Blondie's lead singer Deborah Harry. When Max starts to have violent and erotic hallucinations he finds himself in the middle of dark political conspiracy orchestrated by a shady government agent played by Leslie Carlson. Criterion's Blu-ray boast a solid transfer approved by director David Cronenberg and cinematographer Mark Irwin. Despite the disc's age the transfer holds up perfectly capturing Cronenberg's gray, industrial Toronto with no hiccups. Also solid is the restored Mono audio which is up to Criterion's usual standards. The release is packed with bonus features from an interesting short film featuring Carlson called Camera which Cronenberg shot in 2000, documentaries on the films special effects, a 1982 round table discussion with Cronenberg and Horror legends John Carpenter and John Landis, and two excellent commentary tracks one featuring James Woods and Deborah Harry and the other with the director himself. Both are never boring and worth a listen. The film comes package in Criterion's usual plastic box this time with a neat slipbox and 36-page booklet with multiple essays. Videodrome is a dark and sleazy classic with a lot to say about the rise of technology and it's effect on the human condition. Loaded with gore and sexuality but nevertheless an important and profound work that anyone interested with the stomach for it should see. Highly recommended.

this is kind of a mash of Dead Zones for shadowing and Scanners paranoia. I am a huge fan of cronenberg's early films, rabid is a fave. I even like watching Jason X just to see DC pop up in a weird cameo. Not a giant James Wood fan but this is probably one of his best. he falls into the arrogant role with ease and convinces when losing his mind.

Classic and creative. Cronenberg before the Fly. Essential viewing.

This masterful work created by the one and only David Cronenberg explores the boundaries of reality, and what isn’t. The Criterion Collection released this movie with a brilliant remaster, and it’s undoubtedly a classic, please watch it if you haven’t already.

David Cronenberg movies are not for everyone, but if you can stomach weird subject matter and enjoy experimental body horror movies, you may be able to endure this. It is fantastic.

Criterion goes above and beyond when it comes to packaging and extra goodies in their extras on the Bluray itself

Great movie and great price, couldn’t find anywhere else than Best Buy

Was able to find this old DVD, have it arrive on a timely basis and also have a good quality picture and sound DVD for a 1980's low budget film.