Synopsis
A colony of genetically mutated rats is making more and more violent forays into the livesof New Yorkers. Department store security head Madchen Amick and exterminator VincentSpano are on the front lines, determined to stop the assault. The plot and characters are standard-issue TV fare. This is the R-rated version of the film, so you see stuff that won’t be showing upon the TV broadcast, and it’s pretty obvious what that stuff is: an ear-removal moment, and somelaughably g…atuitous nudity in the opening minutes. But a lot of the rat effects are gratifyinglyrevolting, and the climax has to be seen to be believed. Though this isn’t saying much, thiscould well be the best rat movie on record.
Audio
Very crisp, nice sound, especially by made-for-TV standards. The mix isn’t as powerful as itmight be, but a quick turn of the volume knob takes care of that. Plenty of rear-speaker actionfrom the sound effects too, creating a nice environment. There are, however, a few misplacedeffects — noises coming from behind where they have no business being.
Video
The picture is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The image is sharp, and has goodblacks and flesh tones. The colours and contrasts are fine, if a little uninspiring. There is also alittle bit of edge enhancement visible.
Special Features
The menu is basic, and the only real extra is a featurette showing, in some detail, how thescenes with the rats were shot. There is also a clutch of trailers (Ablaze, From Hell, The Fury,The Omen, Phantom of the Paradise).
Closing Thoughts
Though ordinary in most departments, this little feature scores high marks for its willingnessto push TV audiences to the edge of nausea. Well done!
Special Features List
- “Wild On the Set” Featurette
- Trailers
