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Shivers DVD Released: January 6, 2003 Approximate Run Time: 84 minutes Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic 1.85:1 Rating: NR Sound: Dolby Digital Mono DVD Release: Metrodome Region Coding: Region 2, PAL Retail Price: $12.99
DJ Nock on April 7, 2003 |
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| Quick links: [video] [audio] [extras] [overall] |
| The Film |
| Exploding heads...talking
assholes...armpit parasites...a human fly...All this means one thing -
you've entered the bizarre and twisted world of Canadian auteur David
Cronenberg. For decades, this director of perverse horror has shocked and
entertained a mass cult audience. In the light of his most recent
accomplishment, the ambitious Spider, it seems like the
ideal time to get nostalgic, and seek out his first mainstream venture
into the world of cinema. Raiding the vaults once more, I turned to
Cronenberg's classic Shivers, a mostly-forgotten opus, which has been
released to all you gore-hounds on this pleasing DVD... For those already familiar with the director, you'll know that Shivers established a few of his most recognized themes. His obsession with "body horror" started here folks, using the chilling prospect of a dangerous disease to produce the films shocks. Cronenberg tapped into the fear we all have concerning our bodies, a concept that the director would take to a whole new level, with films like Videodrome, The Fly and eXistenZ. As a starting point for his professional career, Shivers is a surprisingly accomplished effort, making the best out of its micro-budget. In the tradition of all Cronenberg films to follow, the plot of this film is fairly unique. On the other hand, it is also remarkably silly. We are transported to the odd Skyliner Island, a place unlike any other. The residents seem to have an idyllic lifestyle - they live in a remote high-rise tower block with its own shopping complex, recreation facilities and even a private clinic. A deranged doctor (Fred Doederlein) is murdering a young teenage girl. As it turns out he's injected her with a rather nasty parasite to test the effects on her mind. Displeased with what he sees he kills her and then himself. Unfortunately the sexual favours she happily supplied to him were also available to others within this luxury block. Soon enough, the place is crawling with zombified sluts, seeking to spread the weird condition. As the terror unfolds, Dr St Luc (Paul Hampton) struggles to discover a remedy to the encroaching virus before the entire island is consumed in a wave of violence. See, I told you it was silly... While it may not be the most believable plot in movie history, it is Cronenberg's assured use of the material that makes this film enjoyable. His direction is spot-on for most of the key scenes, and tension is mounted in several sequences, showing his natural gift to set hearts pounding. Like so many other films of a similar ilk, it is the movies lack of gloss and eye candy which provides most of the atmosphere. In most respects, Cronenberg's style and verve transforms the poor concept into something entirely watchable. The resulting effect is nowhere near as hokey as it sounds on paper. Therein lies the talents of the director. However, the low-budget grain may turn away those who expect a more professional outing - just remember that he was still an amateur by this point, and his previous features (Crimes of the Future and Stereo) were "underground" efforts, which have yet to be released on domestic video. Shivers represents his first stab at the mainstream, and this fact alone will evoke interest from fans. While the film has a lot of good points, there is also a lot of bad points too. Lets start with the good. Gore-hounds are in for a treat here, since make-up effects man Joe Blasco does an excellent job, especially with the parasites. Acting, for the most part, is above-average for this kind of movie. An early role for cult actor Joe Silver is perhaps one of the more memorable in the film, and rises above some of the more awkward sequences. Barbara Steele is also good fun, providing that kinky edge all guys want from their movies. Unfortunately for her, most of her dialogue is straight from the trash. Paul Hampton manages to portray a doctor effectively, with an aura of coldness that works well. Film buffs will emit a slight chuckle, when they realize who is responsible for the films score. Learning his craft just like Cronenberg, is a young Ivan Reitman (yes, that Ivan Reitman), who would go on to direct such cinematic hits as Ghostbusters and Evolution. His score for Shivers is splendidly evocative, and it helps to shape dramatic tension. Cronenberg's screenplay varies from mildly inventive, to pure drivel. Some of the dialogue is a real problem, and you have to laugh at a few of these beauties. That isn't to say that the screenplay is garbage, since it isn't, as Cronenberg does manage to pull off some thought-provoking quotes. The problem is, the odd line manages to make an actor with talent look totally inept. Still, I consider it part of the charm! Also, not all of the effects work. A sequence in which a parasite moves from one body to the next is slightly overdone. Heck, there's only so much throat-bulging terror you can manage! |
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Despite its flaws (which aren't major), there is something oddly
compulsive about the film. No matter how preposterous things get, or how
shocking the effects are, you carry on watching to the climax. Repeat
viewings are no hardship, and Cronenberg's infectious humor helps to
lighten up the proceedings. It is a little known fact, that the film has
also been called Orgy of the Blood Parasites. Yep, there is a lot of great
nudity here, so you guys might want to freeze-frame at various points in
the movie. A scene with a sexy nurse is great, not to mention a lesbian
kiss delivered by Miss Steele. Call me a horny old dog, but what more
could you want! |
| Video | 3/5 | |
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| Audio | 2/5 | |
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| Presented in Dolby Digital Mono, the audio on this release is a mixed bag, and doesn't quite match the transfer. Oddly, the volume levels appear to drop every now and again, with segments of audio coming across clearly, followed by an almost inaudible sequence. Yet again, this is the fault of the original materials, and poor quality can't really be helped. Metrodome do their best to provide a decent audio experience, and it is a little more accomplished than the current VHS copy. Dynamic range is kept to a minimum, so there isn't much for your speakers to do here. Hiss is also evident. Despite all the problems, you know that Metrodome were trying their best. Perhaps we'll see a more robust track in the future, but don't hold your breath. |
| Extras | 2.5/5 | |
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| Metrodome have supplied us
with some interesting (if lacking) bonus materials for Shivers.
First off, we get a ten minute video introduction by Cronenberg himself.
Produced by FilmFour, this brief discussion is fairly engaging, and some
neat facts are raised, including his intentions behind the film, as well
as audience reaction. As always, Cronenberg is an interesting man to
behold.
Next, we get two Cronenberg trailers, one for Shivers,
the other for Rabid (also released by Metrodome). Both are worth a look,
since I always love to compare the advertising methods of today, with
times gone by. Suffice to say, they are amusing, but you should view them
after the movie. |
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| Overall | 3/5 | |
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| A great film featuring some decent effects, shocks and
Barbara Steele (yay!). It has flaws, but Cronenberg does a truly admirable
job. Not for everyone, but a rent is recommended before you buy. Fans of
the director should get this no questions asked, but the poor audio will
make you want to wait for a better edition, especially if you are new to
the director's warped world. The video is pleasing, but the extras leave a
lot to be desired. Still, the film is a treat for horror enthusiasts, so
it is worth a look. Plus, did I mention it has nudity and a lesbian kiss? To order this disc, check out www.xploitedcinema.com |
| Film Rating | DVD Rating | |||
| Directors: | David Cronenberg |
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| Writer: | David Cronenberg |
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| Released: | 1975 |
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| Cast: |
Paul Hampton, Joe Silver, Lynn Lowry, Susan Petrie, Barbara
Steele, Ronald Mlodzik |
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| © copyright DVD Maniacs 2001-2002 |
adequate
transfer, which is an improvement over past copies. Letterboxed at
1.85:1, this anamorphic widescreen transfer isn't too appealing.
However, this is due to the quality of the original materials, and is
no fault of Metrodome. Some of the image is dogged by grain, speckles
and lack of strength, though print damage is kept to a distinct
minimum. There is some digital artifacing, but it doesn't distract.
Ultimately, the picture is clear, and the colors are brighter than on
the VHS version. Detail is reasonable, and there isn't a lack of
clarity. Blacks are also pleasingly rendered, if not spectacular.
Being a charitable kind of guy, I still applaud Metrodome - this is
the best Shivers will ever look. Also, I think they
deserve half a point for improving over past releases, and providing
the best transfer of the film to date. Heck, it could have been
worse...
