Hardcore Poisoned Eyes

Some time ago we received a videotape of New York film maker Sal Ciavarello's new movie 'Hardcore Poisoned Eyes' and on watching the film soon realised that we were watching a hot new film producer in the making. Thankfully the film has now received a much-deserved DVD release and even better it has been released in both the UK and the US markets! Before we check out the discs, let's look at the film itself...

'Hardcore Poisoned Eyes' (or 'H.P.E.' as it is also known) is the story of a young girl who goes with two friends to the wilderness of upstate New York to spend the weekend at her deceased grand fathers home. Her friends believe they are there for some fun, but they soon discover that she has an ulterior motive. She believes in fact that although police reports state that her grand father died during a break in at his home, they soon uncover his investigation into the occult that leads them into a confrontation with satanic devil worshippers...or worse!

HPE is not only a highly original slice of genre entertainment but also an atmospheric and scary one to boot. Director Sal Ciavarello shows great promise with this creepy yarn of satanic terror that will have many viewers unsettled long after the films conclusion.

As the first twenty or so minutes roll you actually start to think 'where the hell (no pun intended) is this movie going?' as the three main female leads (who I'm sure we'll be hearing more of in the future) spend the bulk of the films build up in what is a very dialogue heavy plot line, but as the final reel unfolds you realise that you have been lulled into a false sense of security as the sucker punch is delivered. There will be the inevitable comparisons to the (vastly over rated) Blair Witch Project, but although Ciavarello's production does indeed build up in a similar vein - it is generally much better handled throughout by not falling foul of the unnecessary (and over the top) hysteria that the Blair Witch movie followed and has indeed a much more satisfying conclusion.

The direction is solid and atmospheric throughout and impressive more so when the budgetary constraints are taken into consideration. A creepy classic (hey, even this old horror fan got a fright!) that if you watch late at night on your own will have you switching all the lights on when it's finished and well worth checking out.

Now here's a welcome move, 'H.P.E.' has been unleashed on DVD in two markets - firstly in the USA independently by the films creator Sal Ciavarello and in the UK by the cool folk at Cryptkeeper (who seem to be singlehandly heralding independent horror film scene in the UK with excellent uncut special edition releases of 'The Dead Next Door' and 'Bloodletting').

Thankfully also, both discs contain are pretty much identical in content (although the packaging of the UK release doesn't make mention of the extra features that are in fact included). The film print itself has been remastered by director Ciavarello in an non-anarmorphic widescreen and although it has been cleaned up for its DVD debut the image on occasion (in scenes of scenic white snow) isn't perfect but this is due to the film being shot on digital rather than film and doesn't detract from your viewing pleasure (hey, we can make allowances for low budget film makers eh!) Likewise the audio is satisfactory and solid also.

Both discs also offer a couple of very interesting extra features including not only a fascinating audio commentary by director Ciavarello and colleagues but a short interview segment conducted by Roy Frumkes (of 'Street Trash'/'Document of the Dead' fame) - this all too short interview is a very interesting and honest appraisal of independent film making by Ciavarello who doesn't mince his words on the production and distribution of films like these.

Other than the packaging itself, the only other noticeable difference in the two releases is the fact that the UK disc contains chapter menu options (which are not present on the US release) and whilst chapter points are generally an expected addition they're not missed as 'H.P.E.' is one of those movies that you really shouldn't skip through but watch from start to finish - well this ain't no mindless gore feast (in fact it's pretty much bloodless) but a 'movie' that works through its build up and pay dirt shock finale.

So, as to which version you should pick up it's really down to what's more convenient (i.e. which region/market you're shopping in!) Either way do check it out and help support/promote the upcoming new independent genre movie scene.

'Hardcore Poisoned Eyes' is available to buy direct in the UK from 'Cryptkeeper' by clicking here and in the USA from 'Profound Images' by clicking here .

Review by Alan Simpson