This special limited edition J-card MediaBook slipcase (designed by Adam Maida) is limited to 4,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Taking its name from the Lumière Brothers invention of the same name, Cinématographe is a new sub-label from Vinegar Syndrome that seeks to fill gaps in the canon of American cinema. Offering a mix of auteur driven studio films produced during the New Hollywood era of the late 1960s and 70s all the way through the indie boom of the 1980s and 90s, Cinématographe will explore the wide breadth of American moviemaking, spanning numerous genres and scales of production. Curated and produced by Vinegar Syndrome's Justin LaLiberty, each limited edition release will be housed in a specially designed, cloth-bound, media book with embossed foil titles and custom molded disc trays accompanied by a slipcase featuring newly commissioned art and an individually numbered J-card.
Malcolm Shanks (Marcel Marceau, Barbarella) is a deaf, mute, reclusive puppeteer who lives with his overbearing sister (Tsilla Chelton, Peppermint Soda) and her lush of a husband, Mr. Barton (Philippe Clay, French Cancan). The only source of joy in his harsh world is his puppets, which is noticed by a beguiling inventor named Dr. Baker (also played by Marceau), who promptly offers him a job as his assistant. Upon Dr. Baker’s sudden death, Shanks discovers that he can, with the aid of electrodes, reanimate the dead, bringing a new reality to their experiments.
The final film from gimmick-prone, American genre film icon William Castle (The Tingler, The House on Haunted Hill), SHANKS is a decidedly surrealist amalgamation of quirky fantasy and mid-70s character-driven horror. Anchored by a delectable dual performance from celebrated French actor Marcel Marcau, with potently eerie camera work by 13 Ghosts cinematographer Joseph F. Biroc and an atmospheric score by legendary composer Alex North (Spartacus, The Bad Seed), Cinématographe is proud to present William Castle’s often overlooked slice of mid- 70s alienation in its 4K UHD debut from a brand new restoration from its original negative.
directed by: William Castle
starring: Marcel Marceau, Tsilla Chelton, Philippe Clay, Cindy Eilbacher, Helena Kallianiotes, Larry Bishop
1974 / 93 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD MA 1.0
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.536313 / 5 from 179 reviews.
The Shanks limited edition 4K UHD release by Vinegar Syndrome is highly praised for its unique horror-fantasy blend, exceptional performances, and superb packaging. The film's surreal atmosphere and quality transfer have garnered significant appreciation from customers.
Review topics: ["colors","quality","looks","picture","packaging","detail","deal","issues","upgrade","work","buy","film","movie","release","transfer","presentation","extras","oddity","castle","performances","horror","flick","puppets","edition","restoration","atmosphere","treatment","marcel marceau","art","mix"].
"William Castle's final film - a fairytale-like dark fantasy - was somewhat different to his more famous works, but no less interesting. Lead by legendary mime artist Marcel Marceau, the film is quite bizarre and difficult to classify, but fans of more unusual and quirky 70s horror ought to enjoy it. I had the Olive release, but happily upgraded for the excellent presentation and impressive array of extras."
"The new commentary track adds a great layer of presentation to this classic film. The picture quality is fantastic and gives the film new life. Truly shines"
"I’d never even heard of this one, but what a curious little oddity it turned out to be. A genuinely bizarre slice of macabre cinema starring none other than Marcel Marceau, it plays like a collision between a silent comedy, a ’70s exploitation film, and - strangely enough - a children’s adventure. The result is a string of striking images and a wonderfully offbeat atmosphere. It even gave me flashes of Jack Hill’s work. Definitely recommended for adventurous cinephiles."
"Shanks isn’t the most immediately gripping title in the Cinematographe line, but it’s a thoughtfully made and genuinely unusual film. The release itself is excellent, with a strong presentation and the kind of care that makes these deeper catalog discoveries worthwhile. The movie has an eerie, melancholy atmosphere that slowly pulls you in, even if it never fully catches fire. An interesting and worthwhile release for fans of strange 1970s cinema."
"A very entertaining take on the classic Frankenstein tale. Follows a mute puppeteer as he starts working with the village scientist to re-animate things. With elements of humor and romance? Comes with a handful of supplements, including some fun commentary"
"Great to get William Castle's last directorial film. Very good release. Good extras and picture quality."
"Castle delivers a surrealist amalgamation of quirky fantasy and mid-70s character-driven horror."
"Interesting Film directed by William Castle with a great performance by Marcel Marceau. Excellent extras including an audio commentary."
"Cool release for an underseen William Castle joint."
"This is a strange revenge suspense/horror film. Great transfer solid extras. Give it a try!"
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