The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)

'The Poughkeepsie Tapes' is a film with a history to say the least. Originally set to release back in 2007, the film just released today on Blu-Ray disc for the first time. So what happened? Was it so shocking, so disgusting and so vile that it was simply pulled? The truth is sadly more lackluster than that as it simply didn't make it to screens due to its studio MGM going bankrupt around the same time leaving the film to float away from memory rather quickly. However for many horror fans like me, we couldn't forget that memorable trailer and for many years we sought to find a copy of the film with only shady DVD-R or bootleg copies available until now. So, as one would likely expect the film has somewhat of a large hype to it as least for the horror fanatic so does 'The Poughkeepsie Tapes' live up to all the hype?

I'd be a lying scumbag to say that it does because really does any film? (be honest now). It is an effective and heavy film however but it's not exactly one I would widely recommend. This is not a fun horror film like your Freddy's or Jason's and I'm not kidding may keep some of you awake at night should you choose to pop it in. The film is shot like a crime documentary you'd see on cable and is played completely straight. It even has the somewhat questionable acting and recreations those shows do but the cheese goes right out the window when we cut to the 'tapes' in question. This stuff is fucked up pardon my language. I have to warn you folks now and several times again that this is not a horror film for the casual viewer. The tapes are grainy, warped, have disturbing piercing audio, and some of the most disturbing sequences of torture. Where were those idiots complaining about 'SAW' being torture porn?!

But as stated earlier, the disturbing and frank nature is an asset to the film if that's your sort of thing. It gives the viewer exactly what they came for and you come out feeling grimy and awful which is exactly what the filmmakers wanted. The director would go on to direct the excellent 'As Above So Below' and while the film has none of that style (in fact, the film seems like a cheap YouTube video rather than a major theatrical release) it has all of the disturbing horror times ten. In the end, I was satisfied with the film but it's definitely not for everyone. I have a fascination with lost media in all forms so to see a long lost horror film finally come to light is something I'm very happy to see and wish to share with everyone even if you don't like what you see.

( B )