David Cronenberg’s techno body horror classic Videodrome gets a 4K upgrade highlighting the evolution of technology in the time since. The tube TV lines for Civic TV and VHS clips retain their early ‘80s look.
But the screens showing those images are surrounded by the pure black of 4K HDR. Much of the film takes place in office boardrooms, hallways and TV stations which are clear and sharp in 4K UHD. Debbie Harry’s red dress is a bright spot, and even her purple casual wear is.
The TV light in the dark apartment is subtle in 4K. Skin is also elegantly lit while surrounded by shadow. That skin is also stark when Nicki self harms. Most of those old school practical effects hold up, the TV screen sucking James Woods in, the gaping stomach hole and pulsating videotape. The only dated prosthetic is Woods’ hand merging with the gun, but once it’s attached it’s also seamless.
There are a few pixelated backgrounds on whiteboards in the background of the station, and in restaurant scenes.
Like the Princess Bride disc, I had to use a different player for this one too as the glitches began around 15:00.
The 4K and Blu-ray editions both include the 2004 commentaries recorded for Criterion. James Woods and Deborah Harry give one, where woods is thoughtful without giving definitive answers, and takes some jabs at governments and unions causing runaway production to Toronto. Harry keeps it practical about her experience on the film.
David Cronenberg and DP Mark Irwin also give a practical commentary about the making of the film which gets elaborated on in other bonus features. On the Blu-ray, more 2004 extras focus on the practical effects. VHS clips of Videodrome programming promise the tumor signal was removed which is cute.
Cinefantastique provided the photos they took on their original set visit which includes some effects that never got finished. And Mick Garris shares his roundtable with Cronenberg, John Landis and John Carpenter and the EPK he made for Videodrome.