Clive Barker's Early Works From The 70's
Released by: MVD Entertainment Group
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Production Year: Salome (1973) / The Forbidden (1978)
Region Code: 0 NTSC
Running Time: Salome (17:35) / The Forbidden (35:41)
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: 480i (1.33:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None
Release Date: August 25, 2015
Production Year: Salome (1973) / The Forbidden (1978)
Region Code: 0 NTSC
Running Time: Salome (17:35) / The Forbidden (35:41)
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: 480i (1.33:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: None
THE FILMS:
In 1970s Liverpool, Clive Barker and a small group of friends from college made two short films. "Salome" (1973) and "The Forbidden" (1978) feature early footage of Barker, who also did most of the special effects, and Doug Bradley, who went on to fame as Pinhead in the "Hellraiser" films.
"Salome" has an eerie feeling to it, with its dimly lit surroundings. Unfortunately, to me, the best part was the first few minutes. The film is a bit overloaded with close ups. Toward the end I found myself saying, I have no idea what is going on. It has surreal moments and flashes of artistic flare but overall, it seemed to need a way to better communicate with the viewer. Run time: 17 min 35 sec
"Salome" has an eerie feeling to it, with its dimly lit surroundings. Unfortunately, to me, the best part was the first few minutes. The film is a bit overloaded with close ups. Toward the end I found myself saying, I have no idea what is going on. It has surreal moments and flashes of artistic flare but overall, it seemed to need a way to better communicate with the viewer. Run time: 17 min 35 sec
The look of "The Forbidden" would have to be described as viewing a film via its negative. Look at screenshot number two below and you get the idea. The film features a few segments including Clive Barker himself dancing in the nude as well a man being flayed. I found this film to be the more interesting of the two. Not quite as creepy in tone but more entertaining. Run time: 35 min 41 sec
AUDIO:
Both films feature a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track. The sound quality for both films was fine. The tracks did not have to work too hard since the films are mostly silent. I did not have any problems with the audio for either film.
VIDEO:
"Clive Barker's Origins: Salome and The Forbidden" arrive on DVD thanks to the MVD Entertainment Group. Both films are presented in 480i with a 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio. The films look rough. But they were shot a long time ago on 8mm and 16mm film from what I have read. It is clear the elements were not well preserved with the abundance of scratches and blemishes on the film. The films have a home movie quality in their appearance.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Interviews (16:13) - Interviews with Clive Barker, Doug Bradley and others. It was really fun to see Doug Bradley sans "Pinhead" make up and so much younger in the vintage piece. Fans should enjoy these interviews.
IN CONCLUSION:
Two early directorial efforts from Clive Barker. If you're a big fan of his, then this is something you would probably like to have in your collection since it might be his only films you do not own already.
Two early directorial efforts from Clive Barker. If you're a big fan of his, then this is something you would probably like to have in your collection since it might be his only films you do not own already.
OVERALL: 2.5 / 5