Man with the Screaming Brain [DVD]

Description

The Man with the Screaming Brain is cult superstar Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead 2), who also makes his directorial debut in this loopy blend of '50s-style science fiction thrills and slapstick comedy. Campbell plays a businessman who meets an untimely end at the hands of a vicious Gypsy femme fatale, who has also done in her ex-fiancée, an KGB-agent-turned-taxi-driver. Mad doctor Stacy Keach provides a solution for both men by stitching together their brains inside Campbell's dome; with no other option but to work together, the pair sent out to find their killer. What results is a broadly funny and frantic showcase for Campbell's physical comedy skills, with Ted Raimi (Spider-Man, Xena) offering hilarious support as Keach's wacky assistant. Campbell fanatics will appreciate the DVD's extras, which include a featurette on the film's lengthy gestation (18 years from conception to completion), and commentary by Campbell and producer David Goodman; a trailer, behind-the-scenes footage, and storyboards round out the supplemental features. --Paul Gaita