| Special Features: |
4K BLU-RAY DISC
- Commentary One - this audio commentary by director Piers Haggard was also included on Blue Underground's old DVD release of Venom. Haggard spends a great deal of time explaining how difficult it was to manage the egos of the actors he had to work with, how various sequences were shot (and some things he could not do because the script was negotiated in a certain way), what specific lensing choices were made to have some visuals look as spooky as they are, etc.
- Commentary Two - this exclusive new audio commentary was recorded by critics Troy Howarth, Nathaniel Thompson, and Eugenio Ercolani. The commentators rightfully point out that at the time when Venom was made none of the leads were A-listers (for various reasons), and discuss Piers Haggard direction, some changes that were made when Alan Scholefield's novel was adapted, some of the darkly comic overtones that permeate the narrative, the efficiency of Michael Kamen's soundtrack, the film's reception, etc. Also, there are various bits of information about the careers and work of different cast members.
BLU-RAY DISC
- Commentary One - this audio commentary by director Piers Haggard was also included on Blue Underground's old DVD release of Venom. Haggard spends a great deal of time explaining how difficult it was to manage the egos of the actors he had to work with, how various sequences were shot (and some things he could not do because the script was negotiated in a certain way), what specific lensing choices were made to have some visuals look as spooky as they are, etc.
- Commentary Two - this exclusive new audio commentary was recorded by critics Troy Howarth, Nathaniel Thompson, and Eugenio Ercolani. The commentators rightfully point out that at the time when Venom was made none of the leads were A-listers (for various reasons), and discuss Piers Haggard direction, some changes that were made when Alan Scholefield's novel was adapted, some of the darkly comic overtones that permeate the narrative, the efficiency of Michael Kamen's soundtrack, the film's reception, etc. Also, there are various bits of information about the careers and work of different cast members.
Featurettes -
- Fangs For The Memories - in this new program, editor/second unit director Michael Bradsell recalls how he was hired to work on Venom and discusses the abrupt departure of Tobe Hooper, who was initially hired to direct the film. Bradsell also comments on his interactions with Piers Haggard, who was chosen to replace Hooper and finish the film. In English, not subtitled. (27 min).
- A Slithery Story - in this new program, makeup artist Nick Dudman explains how he was offered to work on Venom and discusses his first tests with Toby Hooper and consequently what he did for Piers Haggard. Dudman also comments on his interactions with Oliver Reed and Klaus Kinski, which were drastically different. In English, not subtitled. (27 min).
- Mamba Memories - in this new program, critic Kin Newman discusses the tone and style of Alan Scholefield's novel (and highlights several more like it), how the material from the novel was transferred to Venom and some major changes that were made, the visual style and identity of Venom, the unusual cast that was gathered for it, and Tobby Hooper's departure and Piers Haggard's arrival. In English, not subtitled. (24 min).
- Pick Your Poison - in this new program, author and critic Allan Bryce, editor of The Dark Side magazine, discusses the era in which Venom emerged and explains why he considers it a special British genre film. Bryce also references several other films featuring bad snakes, like Sssssss and Spasms. In English, not subtitled. (16 min).
- Trailer - original trailer for Venom. In English, not subtitled. (2 min).
- Teaser Trailer - original teaser trailer for Venom. In English, not subtitled. (1 min).
- TV Spots - three original TV spots for Venom. In English, not subtitled.
- 1. TV Spot One (30 sec.)
- 2. TV Spot Two (30 sec.)
- 3. TV Spot Three (30 sec.)
- Poster & Still Gallery - a collection of original posters, press book clips and articles, stills, lobby cards, VHS covers, and DVD covers. The collection was compiled by Gregory Chick.
- Cover - reversible cover with original poster art.
- Booklet - 18-page illustrated booklet featuring Michael Gingold's essay "Filmmaking Bites: The Twisting, Turning History of "Venom".
|
