'Brain Damage' - Is R cut worth a watch??

[Mojo67821]

I just rented the 80's film 'Brain Damage' (which I've heard great things about from other schmoes) However I realized it's the 'R' version.

Now, I know that there is a DVD coming out some time in the fall (correct?), so I was wondering a few things.

1. Is the DVD uncut?

2. Is there even an uncut print of the film?

3. I've got it on tape for 5 days, is the 'R' rated cut worth watching? Or should I wait for the DVD?

If anyone who could help me out with this that would be awesome.

[Requiem-for-a-Dream]

The DVD is uncut. It's being released in a limited edition on July 22nd.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000094J72/qid=1058170382/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/102-9975367-5484106

If the link doesn't work, just type in Brain Damage.

Matt

[Mojo67821]

wow, from the sounds of that I guess I'll just wait until the DVD hits shelves, it's only like another week.

Has anyone seen the 'R' and 'uncut' versions?

And thanks for the info Requiem

[Requiem-for-a-Dream]

Originally posted by Mojo67821
wow, from the sounds of that I guess I'll just wait until the DVD hits shelves, it's only like another week.

Has anyone seen the 'R' and 'uncut' versions?

And thanks for the info Requiem

No problem, sorry I cant help any further.

Matt

[countchocula]

There's already an uncut DVD of Brain Damage out there. This upcoming release is a "Special Edition," although as far as I can tell, it doesn't boast many extras. I owned the R-rated cut of the film for awhile before I even knew that an uncut version existed, and I still loved the fuck out of it. A superb film, with or without the cuts.

[Mojo67821]

hmmm... I'm torn...the DVD comes out soon so I'm tempted to wait, although I've got the VHS sitting on my dresser right now. Damnit...I'm having this same dilemma with 'The Hills Have Eyes'

[skantchweasel]

Looky here,
I'm from the Uk and remember the Hoo-rah in Gorezone (Sister publication to Fango) when Brain Damage came out...

Basically the R Rated version of brain damage is cut to ribbons... even the British 18 rated version was more complete (and we used to get severely reemed by the censors...)

If youre a splatter afficionado, you will be missing all the redeeming footage watching the R Rated version... If I was at home now (not at a LAN round me mates) i would go thru my old Gorezones and give u an idea of the sort of cuts you could expect...

Still, your shout tho...

[Cronos]

Im gonna have to order this now, i missed the last dvd when it went oop, cant wait to get it

[Mojo67821]

ya, I'm definitely going to order it... I held out on watching the VHS and just returned it... thanks for the advice guys

[rtatick]

Mine shipped yesterday... In the states, the best price I found is here:

http://www.cduniverse.com/sresult.asp?cart=151793781&style=movie&altsearch=no&HT_Search_Info=brain+damage&HT_Search=TITLE

It works out to like 19.74 with shipping.

OF COURSE... If you plan on buying this along with something else... Do so at Amazon.com and get the free shipping AND support JoBlo... :D

[countchocula]

Originally posted by skantchweasel
If youre a splatter afficionado, you will be missing all the redeeming footage watching the R Rated version...

I really don't think that the R-rated version is that tragic. The film isn't dependant on gore to satisfy the viewer. Sure, the supplementary splatter is a plus, but Brain Damage is a surreal extended metaphor above all else. It's not a splatter flick.

[RogueSpear]

Is the movie with the guy who has a little creature kill for him in return for the creature giving the guy some kind of drug?

If so, this is one messed up movie. I think I saw the R-rated version because there wasn't much gore. In fact, there wasn't much of anything. I was bored by about half way through and ended up turning it off before it got to the end. I think I even through the VHS away because I had no intention of ever watching it again. Oh well, I only paid $1.00 for it.

[Mojo67821]

Originally posted by rtatick


OF COURSE... If you plan on buying this along with something else... Do so at Amazon.com and get the free shipping AND support JoBlo... :D

Well, since I sell stuff through Amazon.com through my own site I will probably buy it through there if I go through Amazon... although to be honest I rarely do because Amazon's prices are usually pretty ridiculous.

I'm gonna head over to www.deepdiscountdvd.com right now and see if they have it.

[rtatick]

Watched the NEW Special Limited Edition uncut DVD last night and all I can say is... HOLY FUCKING SHIT! I love this movie. It was great. The bathroom scene was pretty "wet", and (even though I have seen the R version) I would guess this scene may have been edited. I dunno. But wow... I watched it once and had to start it over and listen to the AWESOME commentary. Great great movie!!

[skantchweasel]

Originally posted by countchocula
I really don't think that the R-rated version is that tragic. The film isn't dependant on gore to satisfy the viewer. Sure, the supplementary splatter is a plus, but Brain Damage is a surreal extended metaphor above all else. It's not a splatter flick.

Hey man, fair call!

Mind you, correct me if im wrong tho, but the infamous Zipper scene and earpull scene among others are missing in their entirety...? Personally, im of the firm belief that if its possible to view a film in an Uncut format, I should not have my viewing censored...

Totally bang on the mark with it being a whole Analogy for Drug dependency - but baring in mind, there should be some pretty rad gore scenes in there, to see the R cut would be to miss the Directors intended mark...

Or something..?

Hope that clarifies my point somewhat..

[countchocula]

Originally posted by skantchweasel
Mind you, correct me if im wrong tho, but the infamous Zipper scene and earpull scene among others are missing in their entirety...? Personally, im of the firm belief that if its possible to view a film in an Uncut format, I should not have my viewing censored...

I definitely agree. I was just commenting on the fact that it's still an exceptional film with the cuts. The gore isn't the main attraction, so it doesn't really matter if it's expurgated. If we were talking about Dead Alive, The Toxic Avenger, or an Italian splatter flick, then I'd be more adamant about seeking out the uncut version. But if given the choice, I always prefer the director's cut.

[teenkiller]

I only heard about this film just recently and after just rewatching Basket Case a few days ago I REALLY would like to check this out. Sounds like Henenlotter is keeping up with his wacky goodness and I even hear Kevin van Hentenryck has a cameo. Is that uncut dvd that was released a few years ago still up for sale or has it gone out of print? What exactly is the plot of the film anyways? Thanks in advance. Well thats all for now GOoD JOURNEY my fellow schmoes.

[teenkiller]

SPOILERS FOR BRAIN DAMAGE!!!!


Holy MOTHERfucking shit! This film was fucking fantastic. I kid you not. One of the best films I have ever witnessed.

Yes this certainly is a drug dependency metaphor but Henenlotter has crafted the story perfectly. Aylmer is some kind of phallic, turd-like, slug creature who starts to take control of Brian. He does this by injecting his pincer (I think) into the top of Brian's neck and releasing a blue liquid into his brain that gives off some electric charge, thus leaving him with a euphoric high... at least for a little while.

While Brian is in this state he doesn't know what's going on. He only knows that he likes it. After a couple of highs he realizes that Alymer has been using Brian's state of incoherency to nab himself some human brains. His previous owners were feeding him nothing but animal brains, keeping him weak. Now he's out and about and wants big ole meaty human brains.

The deconstruction of Brian is really pretty great. He refuses to give into Alymer's wicked game after finding out the horrible truth and tries his hardest to stave off the impulse to get that high once again. Ultimately his urges get the best of him and he gives in. Having my best friend describe his struggles with heroin, and trying to fight it off, only to go into a withdrawal of severe physical pain... well let's just say this scene kinda hit close to home with me. It sounds pretty silly to say that Brian couldn't fight the urge to let this giant nasty slug squirt blue goop into his brain but the horrifying truth is that people actually get like this in real life.

In the end Brian finally gets what he's looking for in an eternal high through a series of events gone awry. He has lost his life, love and even his most basic of sensibilities thus rendering virtually a vegetable though.

Brain Damage seriously kept me entertained and hooked from beginning to end and I actually think I might love this film more than the original Basket Case. The theme was actually played in a very interesting way, especially for a B movie. Gabe Bartalos did a wonderful job on the effects and Zacherley was fun as the voice of Aylmer. A HIGHLY recommended film for the B movie and exploitation nuts.

Brain Damage - 10/10

Well thats all for now GOoD JOURNEY my fellow schmoes.

[Cronos]

Absolutely loved this, very entertaining film and my favourite from Henenloter. Every scene with Aylmer was gold, it has some really funny moments and cool effects as well. Really good fun.

10/10