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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.
This listing is for the standard edition 4K UHD/Blu-ray. The limited edition slipcase (designed by Steak Mtn.) was limited to 5,000 units and is sold out. Both versions are identical, aside from the packaging and 40-page book.
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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:
2-disc Set: 4K Ultra HD / Region A Blu-ray
4K UHD presented in Dolby Vision High-Dynamic-Range
Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm and 16mm original camera negative
Commentary with director Conan Le Cilaire, moderated by Michael Felsher
"Choice Cuts" - an archival featurette with editor Glenn Turner
"The Death Makers" - an archival featurette with effects creators Allan Apone and Douglas White
"Many Faces of Death" - scholars and genre experts examine the controversial origins and lasting cultural impact of Faces of Death
40 page perfect bound book with essays by Samm Deighan, David Kerekes and Stephen Thrower
Isolated music track
Archival outtakes
Trailer
Reversible sleeve artwork
English SDH subtitles
Overall rating: 4.8173075 / 5 from 312 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
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.
Summary topics
Product Quality (9%): It was observed by customers that the quality of the product is absolutely stunning and top-notch.
Packaging Design (14%): It was noted by customers that the packaging of the product is great and superb, with superb artwork and special features.
Film Restoration (12%): Customers expressed satisfaction with the film's restoration, stating that it looks and sounds awesome and richer than ever before.
Product Release (20%): A significant amount of customers expressed satisfaction with the release, praising its quality and recommending it highly.
Film Experience (14%): Customers expressed appreciation for the movie, stating it is a must-have for horror fans.
"The ultimate mondo film breathes a new life with this exciting restoration." — Hayden R.
"The package was safely delivered and in great condition" — Melissa R.
"Incredible packaging, incredible special features." — Kyle W.
Reviews
I'm sure its great
"I'm aure it's great, but I bought it to keep my VSA collection together then decided it wasn't for me. The packaging looks awesome and its cool that their restoring some of this VHS era cult stuff to 4K, but I'm not in the business of just sitting around and watching faking snuff."
— Derrick A. (3/5)
Old Macdonald Remix is Fiyahhhh!!!
"Nastalgia is coursing through my delectable monkey brain right now. Seeing Francois Jordan again is sending chills. I hired him to terminate one Dr. Francis B. Gross for writing me a bogus Qualude prescription in a convention parking lot back in the day. Hiw could I have known he was not a genuine doctor nor Jordan a bona-fide hit man and qualudes were off the market by than BUT I would have the last laugh, getting them sentenced to death row haha! Alas, that row of death was fake too. . . Faces of Lies!!! When part 4 droppin??"
— Derek T. (5/5)
1st time watch since childhood lol
"Shockingly enough I watched this as a kid thinking it was real. After seeing VS release it I knew I had to add it for the collection not because it's good but for the nostalgic reason. Also as a cinefile it's nice to have. The flick itself is not great. Just pseudo intellectual narration with a touch of suicidal empathy during the execution."
— Billy M. (3/5)
Faces of Death
"Quality release of a movie I never thought would get a 4K release. The art on the slipcase is great and the restoration looks amazing."
— Matthew F. (5/5)
Finally
"Nice deluxe packaging by VS and the restoration looks great. It was cool to finally see this with my little bro after all these years. We were always denied from renting it when we were kids."
— Sean H. (5/5)
Still Shocking
"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."
— Francisco W. (2/5)
I finally saw this video
"I finally saw this video nasty after hearing about it for so many years and it definitely sticks in your mind as an artifact from the old video store days. I'm happy most of it was faked as I'm not really into that mondo stuff. But the care into this package extra wise and the picture quality was well above what I thought would be possible. Great purchase and a fantastic audio commentary."
— Bryan K. (5/5)
Such a treat!
"What a fun throwback to a simpler time, and nu simpler time I mean before social media ruined everyone's expectations. I love the classic slipcover art on fod, and the alternate art is just the best. I feel such a nostalgia for the olden days of mom and pop video stores with this one! Good gravy I remember being spooked by this one! Haters will say it's a reproduction, they can go away!"
— Anthony H. (5/5)
The one and only!
"Such an amazing restoration of one of the most infamous horror films of all time. The included booklet is amazing and the restoration and extras both are perfect. I loved the bonus stickers and packaging as well!"
— Elijah K. (5/5)
Notorious
"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."
— Dominik F. (5/5)
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