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Caligula (1980) DVD Review
Caligula (1980) DVD Credits:
Caligula (1980) Directed by:
Tinto Brass
Caligula (1980) Written by:
Gore Vidal
Caligula (1980) Cast:
Malcolm McDowell, Helen Mirren, Peter O'Toole
Caligula (1980) Released by:
Image Entertainment
Region:
1
Caligula (1980) DVD Release Date:
1st October 2007
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Caligula (1980) Synopsis:

Caligula (1980) DVD Review:

Very few films have caused quite as much of a stir as Caligula, known not for being a good movie as much as a shocking one. More infamous than famous, it is actually quite surprising to look back and see what immensely talented people chose to associate with a graphic epic produced by Bob Guccione of the equally infamous Penthouse magazine. Just as the magazine had often pushed the limits of what could be shown, Caligula seemed intent to shock censors as much as audiences with a costume drama riddled with so much kinky sex that it seemed a sideshow attraction to cinema. It was bold if not exploitative, shocking if not offensive, and for the most part hated if not loathed. Despite the mixed feelings about the film, like Deep Throat and Showgirls, it is a significantly bad film worth examining. For this reason it is understandable that a new DVD package to be released. There is an obsession buried within the mess of a film, and a new version in the three-disc set makes the original vision a little clearer.

Adapted from a screenplay by Gore Vidal, who didn’t want his name attached to the film, this epic is about the infamously mad Roman emperor Caligula (Malcolm McDowell) who replaces a milder yet still insane emperor (Peter O’Toole) after he brutally murders the already dying man. As Caligula gains control over his empire he begins to win the love of the people by acting kindly towards them, while also embarrassing and abusing the members of his Senate every chance he gets. As well as prostituting their wives and shamelessly killing anyone who may be opposed to him, Caligula also develops a strong sexual relationship with his sister as well as marrying the most promiscuous woman around. Much of the film is focused on his steady descent into absolute madness, although he certainly doesn’t seem too sane from the beginning when he kills his own flesh and blood.

This three-disc set includes the original unrated version of the film that shocked audiences able to see the non-R-rated version, newly transferred in high-definition on the first disc. The second disc includes an alternate pre-release version of the film, which is less graphic and far more revealing in terms of the characters. This version was never released to the public before now, and it is likely to leave a far better impression than the horribly butchered version of the film that Guccione didn’t even really want to release the film. This is the version of the film which seems to have inspired this new release. All of the commentary tracks and deleted scenes are included on the second disc with the pre-release version, while the theatrical version only has a theatrical trailer with it on the disc. There are three commentary tracks on the second disc, two with separate actors Helen Mirren and Malcolm McDowell each moderated in their individual commentary tracks. The third track includes only Ernest Volkman, the on-set writer with plenty of incredible insight about the complicated problems and issues on set. The second disc also includes many more deleted and alternate scenes for the film as well.

The third disc includes the featurettes and behind-the-scenes footage, including an hour-long making-of documentary. There is also a significantly shortened ten minute making-of documentary in case the longer version isn’t suitable enough. There is also a great deal of newly collected footage as well as some completely fresh material including interviews with the director, Tinto Brass, and several actors. Regardless of how repulsive the film is in many ways, Caligula is still a monumental film, and worth examining closer. Often failure teaches far more than success, and Caligula is chock full of lessons.

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Caligula (1980) DVD review written by: Ryan Izay

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