Search - Bad Taste on DVD

Damian M. (ratchet)
Reviewed on 3/11/2009...

You know it. Peter Jackson's first. Outer-space aliens have invaded New Zealand for the express purpose of dining on human flesh. A crack government/military team (haha) is sent to investigate. They are soon in battle with the aliens in this hilarious gross-out scifi improvised delight. Don't expect LOTR, hell don't even expect Dead Alive - but this is still an absolutely wonderful film!

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A Great and Disgusting Time! (4.5 stars)

Michael Crane | Orland Park, IL USA | 09/18/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Peter Jackson's directorial debut, "Bad Taste," is a hilariously good time involving a whole lot of blood, guts, brains, the chugging of vomit and tons of laughs. Done in the true slapstick-horror fashion, this is a disgusting and pleasantly demented flick that refuses to take itself seriously. It's over-the-top in every way, and that's what makes it so fun to watch. It's not recommended for people with weak stomachs, but people looking for carnage and laughs will feel right at home with this.

It doesn't have the most scientific or complex plot, but why should it? It involves aliens from another planet that are disguised as humans--acting more like zombies, but they move a lot faster and are handy with automatic weapons. The aliens are here for one thing only... hamburger meat--made from humans! They have already completely massacred an entire town and plan to do the same to the rest of the world! Now, it's up to a couple of goofball assassins to save humanity and take these extra-terrestrial psychos head on... God help us all!

This was everything I was hoping it would be. It's completely over-the-top, ridiculous and a real gross-out event. What more could you want? This isn't a movie where you're looking for brilliant acting or directing. You just want to enjoy yourself. The movie is purposely goofy, as it is never afraid to make fun of itself in many ways. The best way I can describe this is it's "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" meets "The Evil Dead." It's not scary, but since it is slapstick-horror it doesn't really need to be. Considering how low of a budget Jackson and company had, it has some pretty cool and disgusting special effects. I could never make something like this, that much is for sure.

As I said in the beginning, it's not recommended for people with weak stomachs. Sure, it was made on a low budget, but the special effects are still disgusting enough to make you feel sick if you're not up for it. You also have to not take this seriously. If you try to take it seriously, then you will loathe every second. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the chaotic freak show. The limited DVD edition offers a really neat changing-cover. The picture and sound is as good as it can get (the sound is the real prize, allowing you to hear all the squishy-squishy joy of blood and brains splattering all over the place!). Special features include the theatrical trailer and a making-of documentary.

"Bad Taste" is for anyone who has a sick and twisted sense of humor, and who is in the mood for something extremely goofy. I think Peter Jackson should revisit the genera again in the near future, as he really shines in it with this movie. I'm sure he has a lot of fun with it, too. Again, not recommended for the weak, but if you're looking for all the blood and guts you can handle while laughing at the same time, it's all right here. A great gem that is bound to entertain you over and over again. -Michael Crane"

Wait!

NIVEK | 08/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wait! Anchor Bay is releasing a remastered version of this film later this year. They're probably remastering it, so I'd wait and get that version."

Perhaps the Definitive Cult Classic

Mr. Stuart Chandler | 07/25/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Absolutely crazy horror comedy and Peter Jackson's (who is now busy making 'Lord of the Rings')debut movie. Gore and blood abound as 'The Boys' are called in to get rid of an alien menace killing townspeople to use them as the latest fast-food taste sensation on another planet. At one point, one of our heroes, Derek, falls off a cliff and splits his head wide open - the rest of the time he has to wear either a hat or belt on his head to keep his brains in! Exploding sheep, aliens eating brains and vomit, 'The Boys' killing everything in site and a starship in the size of old house - this film has it all and twice over. All done with more than a hint of humour, this extremely black-comedy, blood drenched from beginning to end will make you laugh hysterically and feel a bit grossed out at the on-screen display. Directed with passion, made over four years' worth of weekends with a bunch of friends and virtually no-budget, this cult classic is essential viewing for all horror fans, especially those who enjoy cheesy humour. If you like 'Evil Dead 2' and the Monty Python films, you'll love this - watch it now!"