Search - Videodrome on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Violence, Nudity, Adult Situations, Strong Sexual Content, Not For Children, Adult Language, Profanity, Gore Movie Release: 1982 DVD Release: 09/08/1998 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French, Spanish SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 29 mins Studio: Universal Studios Members Wishing: 3 Genres: Science Fiction, Horror, Media Satire, Sci-Fi Horror See Also: Videodrome [Special Edition] [Criterion Collection]

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. ~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide

James Woods - Max Renn
Sonja Smits - Bianca O'Blivion
Deborah Harry - Nicki Brand
Peter Dvorsky - Harlan
Les Carlson - Barry Convex

Scares abound in director David Cronenberg's Videodrome. Universal has produced an only halfhearted 1.85:1 widescreen transfer that is sadly lacking and anamorphic enhancement. While the colors and black levels are all generally solid and intact, there is an alarming amount of dirt and other minor imperfections throughout the print. Fans will surely look forward to the day when this film receives a much needed new DVD edition. The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono in English. Much like the video portion of this disc the sound mix is often underwhelming and unimpressive. Directional effects are generally absent while the dynamic range is flat and lifeless. At the very least the dialogue, effects and music are generally clear of any excessive hiss or distortion. Also included on this disc are English, French and Spanish subtitles. The extra features for Videodrome are floating at the bare minimum -- all that's included on this disc is a short essay on director David Cronenberg, a theatrical trailer for the film, and some cast and crew information. ~ Patrick Naugle, All Movie Guide