Contamination
(Luigi Cozzi; 1982)
(Blue Underground)
-Overview-
A seemingly unmanned ship drifts into a New York harbor and upon investigation, a cargo of strange glowing green eggs are on board and all the crew members are eviscerated. It seems that when said eggs are brought up to a certain temperature, they rupture and release a substance that if in contact with human life makes the recipient explode violently. The U.S. Government enlists an ex-astronaut who survived a mission to Mars to aid in discovering the source of the alien menace.
This is a great film. There’s plenty of gore (it could be argued that the purpose of the film is simply an excuse to make people explode violently) and is well written to boot. Disturbingly devoid of T&A, however. A classic slice of Italian sleaze cinema. Essential viewing.
-Sound-
Fantastic sound. The dialogue is clear and easy to understand, and the music isn’t too overpowering, as many Italian films tend to suffer from. Included are four audio options: Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, 6.1 DTS ES, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround, and Dolby Digital 1.0 (mono).
-Picture-
Excellent transfer with no artifacting or noticeable distortion. Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1.
-Special Features-
- Theatrical trailer
- "Alien Arrives on Earth" - Interview with Co-Writer/Director Luigi Cozzi
- Luigi Cozzi on the Creation of "Contamination" - Behind-the-Scenes Documentary
- Poster & Still Gallery
- DVD-ROM: Graphic Novel
-Packaging-
Standard DVD keep case. Original artwork.
Sound: 10
Picture: 10
Packaging: 6
(Rating scale is out of 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 the best)