Videodrome
(spoiler-free movie review)
David Cronenberg’s Videodrome is a hard movie to define. It’s a hallucinatory experience that explores media consumption, brutality, mind control and sexual violence. Ironically, this film is not for the mass movie-going audience. It requires an open-minded viewer, ready to explore dark subject matters without the glossy veneer of the standard Hollywood offerings.

Cronenberg is known for “body horror” and this movie has several great examples of practical gore that’s sure to please fans. However, these elements are secondary to the movies narrative and only serve to elevate the surreal nature of the film. I often found myself questioning what was real and what was merely a hallucination.

From a pure entertainment factor, I would rank Videodrome pretty low compared to other Cronenberg offerings. That’s not a reflection on the quality of the film or the performance by the cast. It’s an acknowledgment that the film was successful at delivering the dark imagery and themes. Videodrome is an expertly crafted, unsettling experience that was ahead of it’s time in 1983.
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
– coe33
- Media Format: Criterion Blu-ray (1.85:1, Monaural Audio)
- Setup: Vizio 70″ 4K V-Series(V705-H) Television, JBL 9.1 Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Subwoofer, Sony UPB-X700 UHD Blu-ray Player
- Question: The Criterion Collection currently offers 6 of David Cronenberg’s films on Blu-ray. Which one is your favorite? Cast your vote on the poll below!

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