6.7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
In one of the seediest parts of Midtown, Manhattan, strange things are going down at the aptly-named Hotel Quickie. The male patrons, who use the establishment as a playground for their every sexual whim, are mysteriously getting their genitals bitten off, with bizarre claims abounding about a carnivorous condom on the loose. Assigned to the peculiar case, Sicilian-born cop Luigi Mackeroni is initially skeptical - but the matter soon becomes intensely personal when, during an encounter at the hotel with a young rent boy, he himself is attacked by one of the man-eating prophylactics, losing a testicle in the process. It quickly transpires that the Big Apple is being besieged by an entire army of ravenous rubbers, and Mackeroni must work to crack the case before the emasculation epidemic escalates!
Starring: Udo Samel, Peter Lohmeyer, Iris Berben, Leonard Lansink, Evelyn KünnekeHorror | 100% |
Foreign | 59% |
Comic book | Insignificant |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
German: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
German: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English
Blu-ray Disc
Three-disc set (3 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
“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.
"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.
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.
Blu-ray Disc #1
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.
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