The Fly [1986] [DVD]

An outstanding example of a remake that surpassed its predecessor, Cronenberg's "The Fly" is at once a sci-fi thriller, a grueling gothic horror tale and a tragic romance, with a visceral edge that can still make some viewers cringe and wince. As star Geena Davis observes in the supplement: It's a Cronenberg movie, so you're gonna get a bit wet.In summary: Seth Brundle, a brilliant, isolated researcher, has developed a system that can teleport an object through space by disintegrating it in one spot and reintegrating it in another. "It'll change the world as we know it," he explains to Ronnie the tech journalist, who further rocks his world by falling in love with him in the course of covering his project for her magazine. Problem is, he has not yet been successful in teleporting any living subjects ... without nasty results. Inspired by Ronnie, he reprograms his system to get "crazy" enough about flesh to dis/re-integrate life effectively, and is successful at last. Unfortunately (also because of Ronnie, in a fit of jealousy), he briefly abandons rationality one evening and teleports himself.In addition to a newfound surge of near uncontainable energy, Brundle eventually notices a change coming over him; skin discoloration, hair and nails coming loose, and a viscous white fluid discharge all over. He discovers that another organism, an ordinary housefly, was teleported with him and introduced into his genetic makeup, and that he will ultimately transform into some other life form, part insect, part human. The outcome is ultimately horrific as the filmmakers and performers take us through each stage of Brundle's grueling mutation into BrundleFly.That's it in a nutshell. Jeff Goldblum's Oscar-nominated performance as Brundle is unforgettable and (along with Chris Walas' eye-popping effects makeup and prosthetics) is what elevates this 1986 version far beyond Fox's earlier attempt. Director Cronenberg was never one to shy away from gruesomeness in film, and you can almost feel what is happening to Seth as he changes, one thing that makes this film hard to recommend as "entertainment". The Blu-Ray HD transfer is outstanding, though maybe not crystal clear 100% of the time, rich and textured and brings this dark tale to ferocious life.The supplement included, "Fear of the Flesh", is a full length love letter to fans of this movie, touching on every step of its history from the original director and why Cronenberg wasn't available at first, to a ghastly upbeat alternative ending that was (thank God) scrapped. The Butterfly Baby .... yeesh! An interesting side note is how the gorgeous Geena Davis began her career with her role as Ronnie. There's the rotating room from scenes where Brundle climbs the walls and ceiling. And yes, of course, generous looks at the prosthetics and puppetry that make up The Fly's nightmare final act. It's both the movie and the book of the movie in one package which, again for fans, is well worth owning.This bug has flown a long way since its first appearance as a short story in Playboy in the 50s; in that sense, the mutation has been beautiful indeed. An immaculately packaged classic, for those with plenty of time and a strong stomach.

For all things considered in this Collector's Edition of THE FLY this is without a doubt a must for horror movie fans, for people who grew up in the 80's as movie fans in general, and for anyone who enjoys seeing the "making of documentaries" about the "remaking of a movie" with cast and Director interviews (David Cronenberg also made "Scanners", "The Dead Zone", "Videodrome" - early James Woods, "Naked Lunch"). Plenty of nice tidbits.As it turns out Cronenberg was not original choice for THE FLY (1986) and there is a sad story behind original Director's exit.And I had forgotten (at the time) the logical coup of casting actual acting couple Jeff Goldblum (first) and then, well, get his girlfriend, Geena Davis, her first really good role. THE FLY is the movie that put her on the road to fame and stardom.As for Jeff Goldblum - and I have argued this point before (with people who care too much about such trivialities) - he deserved an Academy Award nomination every bit as much as Anthony Hopkins would get (and win?) for "Silence of the Lambs" in that horror movie thriller 5 years later. Goldblum's performance - and through ALL that eventual makeup - really was impressive (think how the screen "demanded" his convincing performance). It is difficult to imagine Any other actor could have been Seth Brundle like it should have been done, in this truly great remake of a classic(but flawed) 1958 horror movie. This really is an admirable modern treatment of a weird idea given a more realistic Scientific foundation.This re-make, re-thinking of The Fly gives us a more Scientific "plausibility" rather than a perfect "fly head" appearing on human body like in the Vincent Price, Al Hedison, Patricia Owen version. And don't get me wrong! I like the original version. A very fun, colorful, easy to watch 50's horror classic.Also, if you remember the "Exorcist" (of course you do?) and the eventually famous 'deleted' "Spider Walk" scene that was shown years after initial release, THE FLY has the "Monkey-Cat" splicing-fusion scene that is laughably horrific and was left out of movie because a preview audience (basically) vehemently disapproved. Brundle-Fly lost some "sympathy" votes in the brutal process.As it is this COLLECTOR'S EDITION of THE FLY 1986 is Easily worth 10 bucks. Gore, love story, and all.

Great film, enjoyed this one more than the time I saw it in the theater. A fine addition to the genre and a beautiful rendition of the film that inspired it. Loved it.Product is in fine condition and arrived before promise date. Kudos to this vendor.