Brain Damage (1988)

 

Happy October, it's once again that time of year where the weather becomes colder and I get to celebrate my favorite season with lots of movie watching. This year I'll be trying to get through 31 days of reviews starting today and I hope you all enjoy. Let's start out with a fun little gem from the late 80's that I'm willing to bet few have even heard of.

'Brain Damage' is directed by Frank Henenlotter and tells the bizarre tale of a young man who discovers a strange slug like creature named Aylmer, who slowly takes over the man's life after he becomes addicted to a drug that Aylmer injects in exchange for victims to feed on. Insanity, blood splattering, brain munching, and all out wild shit ensues. I found 'Brain Damage' at a local video store as they were beginning to sell off their old stock of VHS tapes. It was sun faded and at the bottom of the bin, but the poster alone was enough to get my 10 year old self to grab it and I wasn't disappointed.

The movie is absolutely crazy but that's what you'd expect if you're a fan on Henenlotter's work and while 'Brain Damage' is far from his most bonkers flick (I'd give that honor to 'Frankenhooker') it's such a unique and bizarre concept you'd never see these days which makes it stand out among your typical horror fare. Special effects are the film's biggest draw and if you like some goofy puppets and lots of over the top gore, then this will be a feast for you. Really the biggest flaw here is going to come off more like a nitpick but the acting is pretty poor and the camera work and set design is mediocre but let me explain.

 'Basket Case' and 'Frankenhooker' are also silly concepts by Henenlotter but they had their own distinct look and both had a cast that worked well with the material better than here. 'Basket Case' has that gritty 'Taxi Driver' look and everyone in it fits and 'Frankenhooker' is bright colorful and neon with over the top acting to fit. Here it feels like a bit more of a tug o war between those two film's tones. It seems like it's trying to be gritty and gory like the former but colorful and silly on the other making it a bit tone deaf at times.

'Brain Damage' is overall a fun 80's splatter flick that most horror fans will enjoy even if it's a bit too serious at times for its own good and the gore and acting is iffy. Still a high recommendation from your fellow horror critic.

B+

Psycho 60th Anniversary Edition (Blu-Ray) Review

 

 

 It's the 60th anniversary of Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' this year and this week movie lovers have been given a brand new edition on both Blu-Ray and the new 4K Video formats. Universal seems to always be a bit skimpy when it comes to 'Psycho' on video despite its significance and popularity and sadly 99% of this release is the same old same old. However, the biggest addition comes in the form of a 'Uncut' version of the film but just how much has this changed the overall product and is this worth another double dip?

 

SYNOPSIS:

  Marion Crane is on the run after stealing $40,000 from her employer in order to spend a new life with her lover Sam. While on her journey, she stops at a dark motel tucked away and meets a quiet but charming man named Norman Bates. The film then becomes a series of twists and turns until it reaches its infamous climax.

 

MOVIE REVIEW:

  'Psycho' for the longest time was my all time favorite film. It was the film that inspired me as a teenager to make my own movies and its influence is seen not just with myself but in the industry for decades now. A film that was once seen as a disgusting and offensive piece of trash has now become one of the most loved. 'Psycho' is not perfect nor is it even Hitchcock's best film however. It has dated dialogue in some places, the end monologue was necessary then but tedious and dull now, and aside from Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins the cast is hit or miss with their performances. 'Psycho' has aged very well overall however and I will always sit down and watch it all the way through every time. It's a perfect movie for any occasion.  (4.5/5)

 

VIDEO:

  This is the same Blu-Ray transfer from Universal's 50th anniversary edition but the film's black and white picture makes for a nice smooth presentation overall. Some scenes show some kind of blurring but this is likely on the film print itself. The image is nice and crisp and there's lots of details in the clothing, furniture etc. With a film this old, the high-def upgrade does age the back projection effects badly. The biggest example of this is when Arbogast is attacked on the staircase, which to be fair was always had a rather clunky look to it. Overall, this is a 'if it's not broke' scenario and both the uncut and cut film and kept the picture pretty much the same.  (4.5/5)

 

AUDIO: 

 Audio is the same as the 50th edition as well, coming in a Dolby 5.1 mix and the original Mono track. Bernard Hermann's score is great on both tracks, with that beautiful opening sucking you right in. It sounds sublime even on my little soundbar and the shower scene is by far the best scene to test your personal system with. The Dolby track also enhances some background effects such as cars driving or during a strong rainstorm. The original Mono track offers a more faithful version of how 'Psycho' was presented back in 1960. Great for film fans but most people will never change from the 5.1 mix.  (5/5)

 

SPECIAL FEATURES: 

The only new feature included in the 60th anniversary edition of 'Psycho' is the newly remastered 'uncut' version. This was the version that was seen back in 1960 and contains about a minute and a half of extra footage. When the film was re-released back in 1980 and after the acquisition of a number of Hitchcock films by Universal Pictures, it was strangely edited down and has been the print for every video, DVD, and Blu-Ray release until now. 

All the extras from the previous DVD/BD releases have been ported over for both this and the 4K release:

-'The Making of Psycho' 

-'Psycho' Sound

-'Hitchcock's Legacy'

-Hitchcock/Truffaut

-'The Shower Scene: Storyboards'

-Trailers, Radio & TV Spots, Lobby Cards, & Still Galleries

Overall, there is little reason to upgrade your current edition of 'Psycho' unless you are purchasing it as part of the Hitchcock box set. It is nice to see the full version for archival purposes it changes nothing to the overall film aside from some extra violence. The old special features are still the same from your old copy.    (3/5)

 

'Psycho' is as brilliant as ever, but for a 60 year celebration this is a pitiful display. I honestly don't know what it is with Universal. The studio responsible for some of the greatest films in history treat their major library with such disdain sometimes (Jurassic Park being a great example). I would recommend the 4K box set that comes with several of Hitchcock's works including the uncut print. That's a far better deal for those looking to add Hitchcock to their collection

3/5