Decoder

Details

Sold Out / OOP

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