Vinegar Syndrome

Decoder

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This listing is for the standard edition Blu-ray/DVD combo. The limited edition slipcover (designed by Derek Gabryszak) was limited to 2,000 units and is sold out. The two versions are identical, aside from the slipcover.

FM (FM Einheit of Einstürzende Neubauten) has discovered something incredible in the monotonous 'muzak' played through the fast food restaurant H Burger’s speaker system: the tracks are laced with subliminal messages designed to ensure complacency and consumerism. Experimenting with his discovery, FM soon realizes that by changing the type of music played, he can manifest a whole range of emotional responses and stir up the populace from their consumerist subordination. But as the diners are emotionally awakened, they become more and more prone to rioting and general social unrest, which puts FM in an increasingly dangerous position, especially when the sinister and mysterious organization behind the the plot to keep the public complacent takes an interest in finding and stopping him...

An underground hit from Germany's punk and new wave infused youth culture of the early 80s, director Muscha's DECODER blends arresting visuals, urban industrial aesthetics, science fiction, and moments of shocking violence, along side searing commentary on late 20th century consumerist culture. Co-starring punk icon Christiane Felscherinow and William S. Burroughs in a supporting role and featuring music by Soft Cell, The The and Einstürzende Neubauten, Vinegar Syndrome is proud to bring this criminally under-seen masterpiece of German weirdness to Blu-ray, in a brand new 2k restoration of its original 16mm camera negative.

directed by: Muscha
starring: FM Einheit, William Rice, Christiane Felscherinow, William S. Burroughs, Genesis P-Orridge
1984 / 88 min / 1.33:1

Additional info:

  • Region Free Blu-ray/DVD combo
  • Newly scanned & restored in 2k from its 16mm original negative
  • “Sound as a Weapon” - a brand new interview with writer/producer Klaus Maeck
  • Audio commentary with critic, author and film programmer Kier-La Janisse
  • Archival audio interview with Klaus Maeck
  • Excerpts from "Pirate Tape" - filmmaker Derek Jarman films William S. Burroughs on set
  • Video footage from the 1982 Berlin Riots
  • Locations ‘then and now’ comparison
  • Stills gallery
  • Original trailer
  • A mini-documentary on the Italian "Decoder Collective"
  • Reversible cover artwork
  • English SDH subtitles

Overall rating: 4.175 / 5 from 40 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

Decoder is a unique blend of cyberpunk aesthetics, science fiction, and social commentary, presented in a high-quality Blu-ray release. The film features fantastic music and arresting visuals, though opinions on the film itself vary. Additional features include interviews, commentary, and archival footage.

Summary topics

  • Film Quality (30%): Customers expressed differing viewpoints regarding the film, with some finding it interesting and others finding it difficult to get through.
  • Blu-ray Release Quality (17%): Customers keep praising the movie as a great cyberpunk movie with high quality Blu-ray release.
  • Music Quality (14%): Customers expressed satisfaction with the music, describing it as fantastic, excellent, and trippy.

Review topics: [quality, looks, work, film, music, movie, extras, scenes, release, edition, idea, cinematography, features, picture].

Review highlights

  • "Disc has some fascinating extras too, and film looks great."Andrew M.
  • "The audio and visual quality are absolutely amazing - which is required for all the amazing music in this one!"Ewan G.
  • "Again a beautiful release, great german movie."Bjørn L.

Reviews

Industrial punk paranoia turned into a movie

"Decoder is weird as hell, but completely in my lane. It takes Muzak, subliminal control, consumer culture, riots, industrial music, and underground art and turns all of it into this grimy little dystopian nightmare. The whole movie feels like something you weren’t really supposed to find. 😁 FM Einheit is great because he fits the world perfectly, and having Christiane F. , Genesis P-Orridge, and even William S. Burroughs in the mix just makes the whole thing feel even more like a genuine artifact of early-’80s underground culture. The music is a huge part of the experience too — Soft Cell, The The, Einstürzende Neubauten — it gives the movie a personality you just don’t get from normal sci-fi. I also love the way it looks. The 16mm photography, industrial locations, neon, smoke, and rough textures all work together perfectly, and Vinegar Syndrome’s 2K restoration keeps that gritty character intact instead of trying to make it look too clean. The extras are stacked too, especially the Klaus Maeck interview, commentary, Berlin riot footage, and the William S. Burroughs material. Strange, political, noisy, and completely its own thing. Easy 5/5 for me. 😁"

Jaskaran S. (5/5)

Oddball German Cyberpunk Klassik

"This is such a delightfully strange film and I'm so happy VS put it out. Edition looks great, and the special features really help enrich the experience of watching the film."

Hunter S. (5/5)

Decoder

"Didnt know what i was getting into!! Definitely check it out !! Worthy to have in the collection!"

kevin h. (5/5)

Decoder 1984

"Decoder is a bizarre, neon-drenched, proto-cyberpunk, bureaucratic surveillance drama film from West Germany. Quite special movie and was great fun to see it with so high quality Blu-ray."

Matti J. (4/5)

Decoded

"New wave commentary on consumerism and other relevant topics. And a fantastic soundtrack from Soft Cell."

Kevin G. (5/5)

If William Bouroughs Directed a feature length music vid in the 80’s

"A neon tinged nightmare with a killer soundtrack. Throw it on late and pair with a micro dose if you’re feeling froggy."

Jonathan G. (4/5)

Do You Hear What I Hear?

"Off -center West German paranoia thriller concerning music and government mind control, A recipe of assured weirdness and interest especially when it is inspired the the writings of William S. Burroughs who actually appears in the film. The extras are fascinating and plentiful."

Brian H. (4/5)

Nice picture quality!

"Nice picture quality!"

Kristian W. (5/5)

Decoder

"Bizarre German Oddity Film. Would recommend for cinematography but the storyline is to be taken with a grain of salt. Mildly Recommend. Great restoration"

Allen B. (4/5)

D

"Ok"

Michael B. (4/5)

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