Directed by
Michael Crichton
USA 1981
A plastic surgeon (Albert Finney) gets suspicious when models he has operated on begin to die in mysterious ways. With the help of Cindy (Susan Dey), the next in line to be killed, he traces the deaths to a mysterious corporation which develops new technologies.
***
Crichton once again swaps his novelist's chair for a director's one, writing and helming this frankly duff sci-fi howler about a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon (Finney) who begins to suspect something is up when his clients keep getting murdered. With its risible plot (you can't help wondering whether the nearby technology agency, run by bad guy Coburn, might just have something to do with it), far from adequate acting and script by a man who really should know better, this is the kind of shoddy time-filler that Oscar-calibre actors clearly do only to pay the rent. Plenty of unintentional giggles though.
Excerpt from Channel 4 located HERE.
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Theatrical Release: October 30th, 1981
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
DVD Review: Warner - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC
| DVD Box Cover |
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| Distribution | Warner Home Video - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC | |
| Runtime | 1:33:21 | |
| Video |
2.35:1
Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 5.62 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s |
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NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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| Bitrate: |
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| Audio | English (Dolby Digital 2.0), DUB: French (Dolby Digital 2.0) | |
| Subtitles | English, None | |
| Features |
Release Information:
Edition Details: • Introduction
and commentary by Michael Crichton |
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| Comments: |
Although made in 81' the film transfers a very 70's feel - it could be the synthesizer music track. The single-layered image is acceptable if unremarkable. Progressive and anamorphic with dullish colors but I have no reason to believe this is not how the film looked theatrically.
In the commentary director/writer Crichton explains his motivations behind making the film and further production details - working without the benefit of CGI - throughout the project. It's very good, if he does sound quite bored at times. He discusses the non-contemporary feel that the film now projects as well as the commonplace topic of plastic surgery in today's society. He also gives a 4 minute introduction and there is an un-restored theatrical trailer. I wasn't as down on the film as most critics and enjoyed it a bit more. The DVD is reasonably priced for what it offers. The film exports some nostalgic charm and it may appeal to you if you aren't expecting too much - the commentary helps with appreciation. |
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| DVD Box Cover |
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CLICK to order from:
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| Distribution | Warner Home Video - Region 1,2,3,4 - NTSC | |
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