Arrow Video, out now

A programmer at a TV station that specializes in adult entertainment searches for the producers of a dangerous and bizarre broadcast. 

David Cronenberg’s body horror classic from 1983 has never looked so gloopy and felt as prescient as now – it’s still unsettling viewing, with an HDR upgrade.

Max Renn (James Woods) is looking for fresh new content for his TV channel when he happens across some illegal S&M style broadcasts called Videodrome. Involving his girlfriend Nicky (Deborah Harry) in his search for the source, his journey begins to blur the lines between reality and fantasy as he works his way through sadomasochistic games, shady organisations and body transformations.

This new 4K restoration is taken from the original camera negative by Arrow, offering both the full-length director’s cut and the US theatrical cut. The Dolby Vision (HDR10 compatible) transfer means that Rick Baker’s visceral prosthetic effects are remarkably bloody, from Renn’s video cassette stomach opening to his literal handgun. Arrow previously released a packed Blu-ray in December 2015, and that content is ported over here, from commentaries and interviews to behind-the-scenes featurettes. Those who bought that previous edition benefit here from the improved picture as well as limited edition packaging with reversible sleeve, an Illustrated booklet featuring new writing on the film, double-sided poster and postcard-sized lobby card reproduction art cards

Verdict: One of Cronenberg’s best, given the deluxe treatment to showcase its gore. 9/10

Nick Joy

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