Scanners coming to Blu-ray

[endo]

“With Scanners, David Cronenberg plunges us into one of his most terrifying and thrilling sci-fi worlds. After a man with extraordinary—and frighteningly destructive—telepathic abilities is nabbed by agents from a mysterious rogue corporation, he discovers he is far from the only possessor of such strange powers, and that some of the other “scanners” have their minds set on world domination, while others are trying to stop them. A trademark Cronenberg combination of the visceral and the cerebral, this phenomenally gruesome and provocative film about the expanses and limits of the human brain was the Canadian director’s breakout hit in the United States.”



New, restored 2K digital film transfer, supervised by director David Cronenberg, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray
The “Scanners” Way, a new documentary on the film’s special effects
New interview with actor Michael Ironside
The Ephemerol Diaries, a 2012 interview with actor and artist Stephen Lack
Excerpt from a 1981 interview with Cronenberg on the CBC’s The Bob McLean Show
Stereo (1969), Cronenberg’s first feature film
Trailer
PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by critic Kim Newman
New cover by Connor Willumsen


July 15th on DVD and BD/DVD combo pack. Not really digging the cover, I expected more, but it's a good classic horror movie for sure.

[gorepolice]

I need to give this one another shot. I think this is one of those movies you have to be in the mood to watch.

[endo]

I saw it way back and other than the exploding heads I don't remember much about it. Need to watch it again myself some time.

[gorepolice]

Last time I just couldn't get into it. After the exploding head, not much happened for a while so I just shipped it back to Netflix. Maybe I'll like it better this time. Wouldn't be the first time its happened.

[NDX]

I'd get this just for that cover art. I remember asking if the first one would see a BD release after 2 and 3 was getting that combo release. Now it's a getting a Criterion release? I can't wait for B&N's half price sale in July.

[leangreen76]

So I watched this again and to be honest, I struggled with it. For me the problem is the lead actor, he has got zero film presence and when you've got great supports like McGoohan and Ironside you need someone to match that. Especially the exp-exploding head, Ironside really sells that. That said - the end fight between Cam and Darryl was still very fun and made me go "Well that was gross!".

[gorepolice]

I bought this and still haven't watched it. Sometime before the year ends I should get to it hahaha.

[NDX]

You and me both, Tomas.

[MacReadyOrNot]

It's hard for most people to think about anything else other than the exploding head scene when talking about this movie, but Scanners is an interesting movie. Cronenberg always has great medical/scientific ideas, what with his background and all. Sometimes can feel stilted and sterile, but always intriguing.

I think Cronenberg favors non-emotions in his leading actors. Brings a certain coldness to the whole process that makes for a more interesting film. If the lead were more animated or likeable then there wouldn't be the grey area Cronenberg so likes diving into with his leading characters. The audience would automatically be in love with his leads as opposed to unsettled by not being sure how they feel about them, which is another layer to most of Cronenberg's work. Highly recommend this one. The ending is worth waiting for.

[gorepolice]

I wanted to like this movie a lot more than I did. It's just way too slow and plodding. I'd much rather watch Scanner Cop or The Mind's Eye.

[NDX]

The Mind's Eye is something special.