Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Killer Condom 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 10, 2023

“Killer Condom” was born in comics created by German artist Ralf Konig, with such insanity free to be explored on the page, without creative limitations. Co-writer/director Martin Walz looks to take a shot at the material in a 1996 cinematic adaptation, trying to sell the absurd horror of a monstrous prophylactic on the loose in New York City without leaning too hard into frenzied camp. It’s a tonal tightrope walk few filmmakers would attempt, giving Walz points for bravery, and “Killer Condom” isn’t a slapdash endeavor, highlighting some attention to detail and a love for weirdness. At two hours in length, the feature is demanding a lot of patience from viewers, with Walz refusing to create a more direct hit of peculiarity and character, making the offering more plodding than giddily outrageous.

In New York City, all is not well at Hotel Quickie, with a monstrous condom on the loose, biting off the penises of johns looking for a cheap thrill in a seedy space. On the case is Detective Mackeroni (Udo Samel), who’s hunting for clues but also returning to a beloved den of sin, showing interest in hustler Billy (Marc Richter) while trying to avoid Babette (Leonard Lansink), his old lover. Joined by partner Sam (Peter Lohmeyer), Mackeroni is exposed to the vicious appetite of the condom while having sex with Billy, determined to understand this unique pest and its mysterious origin.

Strangeness is part of the viewing experience in “Killer Condom,” which offers a bizarre creation as the villain of the feature, but also marches forward as a German production trying to come off as an American B-movie. It’s oddball stuff, but Walz tries to make something of a substantial endeavor here, with direct attention on Mackeroni and his detective fiction experience, emerging as a chain-smoker and hard-boiled guy who also provides narration, allowing the audience into a grimy world of sex and penile disasters, with a bite to his own testicle kickstarting the investigation. “Killer Condom” isn’t played straight, but it’s also not too wild, with Walz using the understated ways of Mackeroni to set the mood of the film, following the detective into the genitalia massacre that’s unfolding at Hotel Quickie (and beyond), and he’s dealing with his own issues, handling love and lust, also managing his homophobic partner, with Sam pulled into a world he wants nothing to do with. Mercifully, Walz doesn’t get too mean-spirited here, more interested in religious and political targets as corrupt conservative leaders preaching moral superiority are exposed to the fanged rubber’s defined appetite.

“Killer Condom” is presented in two versions: the Theatrical Cut (107:54, also available with 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound) and the Director’s Cut (118:41).

Killer Condom 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Killer Condom" comes to UHD, listed as "newly scanned and restored in 4K from its 35mm interpositive." Only the Director's Cut of the feature is available in 4K, with the Theatrical Cut available on Blu-ray. The movie's style is preserved during the viewing experience, with lively colors throughout. Cooler street tones are preserved, and more active hues with costuming and sleazy hotel tours are memorable, with reds most powerful. Skin tones are natural. Highlights are tasteful, with a pleasant sense of signage as the action moves around the city. Detail is good, offering a textured look at the evil creature, including the wetness of its innards. Skin particulars are inviting, examining rough characters, and costuming is fibrous, especially with fetish gear and lingerie. Exteriors are dimensional, exploring the depth of NYC, while various interiors are open for study. Grain is nicely resolved. Source is in good condition. Brief banding is found during main title animation.

Killer Condom 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix secures sharp dialogue exchanges, capturing some lively acting and emphasis without issue. Scoring supports with crisp instrumentation. Sound effects are distinct, going wide along with atmospherics, playing with mild movement.

Killer Condom 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Blu-ray Disc #1

• Commentary features co-writer/director Martin Walz and special effects supervisor Jorg Buttgereit.

• "A Rough Ride" (35:23, HD) is an interview with co-writer/director Martin Walz, who explores his formative years as an actor, achieving early success before a career decline began. Switching to film direction, Walz found his footing, eventually discovering work from Ralf Konig, which provided the inspiration for "Killer Condom." Casting is examined, assembling actors in a hurry, while design elements were briefly worked over by H.R. Giger. Permitted some time to shoot in New York City, Walz shares the creativity employed to make the most out of the opportunity. Tone is also dissected, with "Killer Condom" trying to be a comedy but also real when dealing with some characters. The feature's international release is celebrated, and the effort's eventual sale to Troma Entertainment is highlighted, with the company trying to find a hit in an oddball endeavor.

• "Severed Parts" (25:55, HD) is an interview with special effects supervisor Jorg Buttgereit, who shares his early connection to co-writer/director Martin Walz, interested in the unique technical challenge "Killer Condom" provided. The interviewee details the shoot and his brief time with H.R. Giger, who left the picture when it became clear that the budget was going to drain quickly. Buttgereit offers his thoughts on the film and its editorial adventure, delighted to have the original cut restored for this release.

• "Rubber and Rushes" (21:09, HD) is an interview with editor Simone Klier, who found her way to jobs, gradually building a resume in the German film industry. For "Killer Condom," Klier was tasked with finding the atmosphere of the picture, rushed through post-production time, which resulted in an uneven movie, and one that was additionally trimmed by the producers, without Kiler's participation. More editorial challenges are examined, finding the interviewee going through some tense moments while hastily assembling the endeavor.

• "This is What We Built" (19:45, HD) is listed as a "Show and Tell" with co-writer/director Martin Walz, who shares H.G. Giger sketches, marketing materials, and personal photos and correspondence with viewers.

Blu-ray Disc #2

• "What is This?" (14:03, HD) is an interview with actress Adriana Altaras, who began her career as a child, eventually running into co-writer/director Martin Walz during his years as a club DJ, receiving an invitation to join "Killer Condom." The interviewee discusses the shooting experience in New York City, where the locals didn't react to her extreme appearance. Altaras also shares memories from the production, and her specific approach to acting with such broad material.

• "Really Special Items" (14:21, HD) is a tour of Roman Guttinger's personal collection of movie props and memorabilia, focusing on pieces from "Killer Condom."

• "It's Just a Movie" (22:29, HD) is an interview with actor Peter Lohmeyer, who shares his initial disinterest in "Killer Condom" before being talked into participating in the project. Characterization is explored, and the filming adventure in New York City is fondly recalled, putting the thespian in the vicinity of acting inspirations. The interviewee details the moviemaking process, offers an assessment of cast and crew, and shares reactions to the feature. He also explores the homosexual elements of "Killer Condom."

• "Holy Mackeroni" (18:45, HD) is an interview with actor Udo Samuel (joined by Martin Walz), who shares his thoughts on "Killer Condom," including his perspective as a gay man in a potentially homophobic movie. The interviewee offers memories from the shoot and his time with Walz.

• Archival Making-Of (9:37, SD) is a brief summary of the shooting experience for "Killer Condom."

• Behind-the-Scenes Footage (10:49, SD) highlights the on-set mood of "Killer Condom."

• Archival Interviews (8:57, SD) with an assortment of cast and crew are offered.

• "Would You Use This Condom?" (1:55, SD) is a collection of man-on-the-street interviews, with pedestrians offered a look at the monstrous "Killer Condom" creation.

• "Ich Hatt's Imn Fruher Sagen Sollen" (7:27, HD) is a 2003 short film directed by Martin Walz.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (4:53, HD) and Video Trailer (1:16, SD) are included.

Killer Condom 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

One could accept "Killer Condom" as a metaphor for the AIDS crisis, but Walz is a little more playful with the premise, eventually heading into creature feature mode with an extended finale that deals with weird science and survival challenges. Walz aims for fun, but he's not terribly concerned about pace, putting the movie into park on several occasions as character beats are labored over, making for repetitive scenes and lengthy stretches of dim comedy. "Killer Condom" isn't the feral offering of underground cinema one expects from such a title, but it shows some occasional spirit and interest in a macabre study of danger and desire, and there's all the penis-related horror one could want from their genre cinema.