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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:
Overall rating: 4.8202615 / 5 from 306 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: ["shipping","quality","looks","service","packaging","feel","sound","work","upgrade","case","set","release","film","transfer","extras","movie","restoration","features","deaths","edition","vinegar syndrome","sticker","artwork","booklet","art","poster","presentation","picture","title","history"].
"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."
"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."
"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 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."
"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!"
"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!"
"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."
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