Search - Altered States on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Content Advisory: Graphic Violence, Nudity, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Profanity Movie Release: 1980 DVD Release: 12/29/1998 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV,Pan and Scan Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 43 mins Studio: Warner Home Video Total Copies: 29 Genres: Science Fiction, Creature Film, Psychological Sci-Fi

In this 1980 sci-fi horror film, William Hurt plays Eddie Jessup, a scientist obsessed with discovering mankind's true role in the universe. To this end, he submits himself to a series of mind-expanding experiments. By enclosing himself in a sensory-deprivation chamber and taking hallucinogenic drugs, Jessup hopes to explore different levels of human consciousness, but instead is devolved into an apelike monster. Director Ken Russell helmed Altered States from a script by Paddy Chayefsky, who adapted his own novel of the same name. Unhappy with the finished product, Chayefsky had his name replaced with his pseudonym Sydney Aaron. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

William Hurt - Eddie Jessup
Blair Brown - Emily Jessup
Bob Balaban - Arthur Rosenberg
Charles Haid - Mason Parrish
Drew Barrymore - Margaret Jessup
Thaao Penghlis - Eccheverfia

A widescreen anamorphic transfer can be found on this DVD of William Hurt's debut from the novel by Paddy Chayefsky. English and French subtitles are included. The picture is naturally colored, but a bit hazy and dark. Although the remastered Dolby Digital Audio produces rich audio tones, the visual special effects are dated and look rather obviously matted over one another. Included as special features are brief cast biographies/filmographies (text only), two theatrical trailers, two TV spots (TV trailers basically) called "The Most Dangerous Experiment" and "Float Naked," and a text-only behind-the-scenes section. A small booklet included with the DVD case offers brief production notes. ~ Craig Chalquist, All Movie Guide