Crash [DVD]

In this review I'm going to focus on my feelings regarding which of the early editions of 'Crash' on bluray the Cronenberg/Ballard collector/enthusiast should go for. As I sadly don't own kit for 4K UHD yet, I'm not going to comment on Arrow's limited 4K UHD edition.As far as I can ascertain, the World First BD of 'Crash was the German Mediabook 2 disc edition which appeared in May 2020. I bought this immediately rather than waiting to see if other editions emerged (even though as a format I don't particularly like the irregular format of mediabooks) because it contained THREE Croneberg shorts. For me, this is was vitally important - a chance to own 'The Nest', 'Camera' and 'At the Suicide of the Last Jew in the World in the Last Cinema in the World' - as I am a Cronenberg completist.I'm also a Ballard completist, so as a result the Arrow BD was essential too, since it includes Ballard's own BBC film '"Crash!" which precedes his novel. Also the Arrow BD includes a superb feature-length interview with Ballard and Cronenberg, which is a total joy.So if you are a total Ballard/Cronenberg nut like me, you need both versions. Additionally, the German mediabook contains a second disc which showcases the shorter 96 minute cut version of the film (the Arrow only has the 100 minute cut, which is also included in the German edition).The other extras are pretty much the same, though my feeling is that the picture quality on the German discs is superior at a glance - although they are the same approved restoration, maybe there;s a production process improvement on the German disc, though this may only be my first impression. Both editions look fantastic on screen.It's a real shame that the Arrow BD does not include 'Camera', especially since it includes the JGB/DC interview and "Crash!".The currently available Arrow limited BD of course comes in a slipcase, book and poster. Nice as these are, it's the hard slipcase that appeals most to me.I'd suggest then that hardcore fans of both icons purchase both editions, but that the Arrow one probably has the edge because of the inclusion of footage of Ballard himself.The film is of course, sublime.

One of David Cronenberg's classic independent films that cut the edge into the genre. With a stunning cast for 1996 starring: James Spader, Debra Kara Unger, Holly Hunter, Elias Coteas and Rosanna Arquette, it's no wonder such a controversial, blatantly metro sexual film has remained successful over time and collectible as a classic of the genre. Quite simply put, "Crash" is about car crashes being the foreplay of sexual fetishists. The kind of graphic sexuality makes pornography look crude, square and aimless drivel. Certainly not performance art. In contrast, Cronenberg's project is making cutting edge remarks about the human body's beauty and it's sexual relationship to the mechanical technology that cars are. in a sense, many people 'get off' on various parts or processes of cars. How the driver of a classic Corvette in mind condition feels behind the wheel driving offers an example. Cronenberg takes humans' obsessions with cars to their utmost, and nearly unthinkable, degree. Each actor's performance is breathtakingly brave. James Spader, Debra Kara Unger and Holly Hunter are very difficult to forget as these characters. Hihgest recommendations as truly unique performance artistry in every respect.

really-being in another universe-where this is all probable, so cool so detachedC'mon Columbia-youve remastered THE DARK CRYSTAL 45 times-, MP&THE HOLY GRAIL 23.....god knows what elseThe .VOB files herein indicate it was created in prehistoric times-1999benefitting from 10 years of technological advance-this could have been a stunning picture-and yet they redid the box art in 2007-typical

I had read several of the books written by JG Ballard. He is a thought provoking author who can be relied upon not to fall into the trap of writing to a formula. Crash is one such novel. I had seen the film some years ago and following reading the novel decided to purchase the DVD. I must confess to enjoying performances by James Spader. His projection of urbanity in the face of situations which would provoke displays of emotion in any other actor, is masterful. The content of the film is designed to invoke interest, disgust or plain fascination, perhaps all three at the same time.It is not a film for everybody and the subject matter would put some people off. The sex scenes were erotic and without them the story and the film would lose much of the impact. An adult film for adults. A fine example of jaded extremism.

One of those weird and wonderful films from the 90s that you feel like you've seen before one late night on TV. Great neo noir thriller that never really explains itself but doesn't have to. Not read the book but love the film.This particular release is beautiful, complete with new artwork as well as a ton of extras on disc and art cards, poster and a booklet. These limited editions are so worth getting as soon as they're released as they aren't available for long.

This film wasnt as good as I remember, saw it many years ago. Now it was ok but slow and boring in some parts. If you like cronenberg I think you should see it, its very much his style.