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FACES OF DEATH is part of our Vinegar Syndrome Archive collection, celebrating forgotten cinematic oddities from the video store era. This collection was inspired by our own brick & mortar video stores, with locations in Bridgeport, CT, Denver, CO, Toronto, ON, and Pittsburgh, PA.
Unique to this line, each numbered limited edition release will come fitted in a specially designed, bottom loading VHS inspired slipcase, while also including a double-sided poster.
The limited edition slipcase (designed by Steak Mtn.) was limited to 5,000 units and is sold out.
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What question has plagued mankind more than the mystery—and terror—of death? This forbidden pursuit has driven Dr. Frances B. Gröss to the brink of madness, but in his obsession, he has amassed a uniquely comprehensive collection of films that depict life in its final, grueling moments. From the savagery of cold-blooded murder to the perverse realities of war, tragic accidents, and the everyday lives of those who collect, dissect, and bury the dead, this descent into morbidity lays bare a truth that all of us will one day face.
One of the most banned, censored, controversial, and notorious films ever made, FACES OF DEATH (1979) changed cinema forever. A surprise home video blockbuster that spawned three sequels, the film was immediately met with praise and condemnation, along with legions of fans and hordes of protestors. Skillfully combining grueling imagery depicting the stark reality of mortality, blended with cleverly staged, ultra-gory re-enactments of murders, suicides, executions, and more too horrible to imagine, Vinegar Syndrome Archive is excited to at last bring FACES OF DEATH to 4K UHD newly restored from its long-lost camera original, and fully uncut for the very first time ever on disc; still as shocking now as it was nearly 50 years ago...
directed by: Conan Le Cilaire
starring: Michael Carr
1979 / 108 min / 1.33:1 / English Mono
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.8519855 / 5 from 277 reviews.
Faces of Death, part of the Vinegar Syndrome Archive collection, offers a unique 4K UHD restoration of the controversial 1979 film. Customers praise the stunning quality, exceptional restoration, and superb packaging, making it a must-have for horror enthusiasts. The release includes special features, a 40-page book, and archival outtakes.
Review topics: [quality, shipping, feel, picture, looks, packaging, sound, set, upgrade, case, work, service, buy, release, film, transfer, movie, extras, features, restoration, deaths, edition, vinegar syndrome, sticker, artwork, poster, title, history, classic, treatment].
"Faces of Death is morbid, potent stuff. It truly is the line I have great difficulty crossing — images of real death among the staged depictions still has an immense taboo power that scares me to my soul and often leaves me disgusted and depressed . That it is framed as entertainment makes me shake my head at the sickness of it all, and yet it still elicits great fascination. This film — shockingly restored and presented in 4K— truly is the ultimate expression of exploitation."
"I bought this release for a friend, so the copy in the pictures is still sealed. Thus I cannot say anything about the transfer or the new special features. I own the old US Blu-ray though and this movie is very special and a notorious Mondo film. It's still shocking and not for the faint of heart, for the cruel animal deaths."
"About the movie itself, enough has already been said. Five stars? Zero stars? You judge. For sure the packaging is drop-dead gorgeous. It's a shame my Amaray case arrived broken, but at least I got two stickers. . ."
"I have no clue why I grabbed this as these films aren’t normally my thing, but I guess FOMO got the best of me, that and wanting to own an important part of horror history in my collection. Film looks great though, the presentation on the slipbox and case are all great, and the disc is stacked with extras even if most of them are archival. An important part of horror history but not for the faint of heart."
"What else can be said about this film that hasn’t already been said. I remember renting this at my local video store in the mid to late 80’s not realizing (at the time) that the majority of it was staged. I came away as thoroughly impressed and have enjoyed the movie ever since. I can’t believe it is now available in 4K UHD, but I for one am extremely grateful. Regardless, this is highly recommended and I encourage you to purchase a copy immediately."
"I remember a day in 1994, when this kid I knew wanted to rent this. I was terrified I was going to have to watch a bunch of real people die. Now, obviously, it's known that most of the footage is fake, even the infamous monkey brains scene. Merely reenactments. There is however, a lot of footage of slaughterhouses and real accidents. The plane crash site was especially grisly. Interesting document from the past, but it's often more boring than not. I'm glad to finally have watched it though."
"The gruesome images really pop in this presentation. The 4K image really does add the extra ick factor. Looks sleek on the shelf. Back cover art especially pops with the warning label plastered over the screen grabs. Very fitting. That said I have to remember the contents fall out of the VHS style case if I pick it up the wrong way."
"Faces of Death is still a difficult and uncomfortable watch, but this release gives it the kind of serious treatment I did not expect. The 4K presentation and extras help frame it as a strange piece of cult history, not just shock material. Definitely not for everyone, but Vinegar Syndrome handled it with real care."
"I didn't know too much (so that I would be surprised). I won't go into details, but animal lovers should look into this more deeply before watching. I thought this was only/mainly more people focused "faces of death" but the first third or so is animal violence (simulated or otherwise, it is persuasive and unfortunate). That said, great packaging and presentation. One of the best VS products to have in your archive. Especially for 70s essentialists."
"I do not wish to spoil what this is, but there is a reason it went sold out. This a piece of film history, and something that every cult, exploitation and film history buff should watch and study at least once. This edition is sublime. Extras and restoration quality is just amazing. The slip looks as amazing as it is"
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