Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

Seizure Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 25, 2014

Before Oliver Stone was OLIVER STONE, he was oliver stone: aspiring film director. 1974’s “Seizure” was his grand debut, storming the industry with a bizarre chiller inspired by nightmare imagery and the poisonous depths of the subconscious mind. It’s also a fittingly nutty grindhouse offering that favors suffering, shock value, and unusual sights, including an appearance by Herve Villechaize as a knife-wielding ghoul wearing tights and a bone necklace. For that alone, “Seizure” deserves a look. It’s just a shame the rest of the movie isn’t nearly as captivatingly bonkers.

Left to work with limited coin and chilly Canadian locations, Stone navigates layers of reality, pitting the weekend guests of illustrator Edmund (Jonathan Frid) against three mystery figures of malice: hulking Jackal (Henry Judd Baker), devious Spider (Villechaize), and the Queen of Evil (Martine Beswick). A few days of anguish are covered, with the visitors killed off one by one, fulfilling Edmund’s worst fears as his family is soon marked for death. Being his first film, there’s an unavoidable roughness to “Seizure” that emphasizes its shortcomings, with troublesome performances and sloppy camerawork contributing to a persistent flatness that should register as utter horror. The helmer tries to mount freak-outs and threats, but it all comes across fatigued and confused.

Seizure Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation brings a neglected Stone title to the HD realm with a decent upgrade from years of VHS exhibition. Elements are passable but not remarkable, with speckling and mild points of damage, working with iffy cinematography that favors the chaotic and encounters numerous focus problems. Colors are bold, with heavy reds and evocative greenery, while skintones favor the dominate hue of the scene. Blacks are troublesome throughout the feature, offering solidification issues that often lose delineation, while contrast misses stability on occasion. Detail is average for the budget and time period, best with facial reactions and costuming particulars.

Seizure Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix carries a consistent hiss, and while it doesn't smother dialogue exchanges, it's always there, surging in intensity at times. Performances are retained to satisfaction, with an echoed sound that captures panic and banter without losing the details of exposition. Scoring needs are handled well, complimenting the onscreen action with intended menace. Atmospherics are acceptable, isolating squishes and slashes, while exteriors remain natural.

Seizure Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (15:12, HD) with Mary Woronov is a scattershot purging of memories, finding the actress in a fabulously candid mood. While talk does cover the making of "Seizure" (including her time with "rich kid" Stone and the crew's lustful intentions for co-star Martine Beswick), Woronov works through the mysteries of her filmography, recalling her strange career with equal parts shame and delight.

• Interview (23:17) with actor Richard Cox shares a little about "Seizure," but time is primarily spent discussing his participation in William Friedkin's "Cruising."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:05, HD) is included.

Seizure Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Seizure" has a few moments that click, with a supporting turn from Joseph Sirola as greedy Uncle Charlie a complete riot -- the one unpredictable element in a movie that's in dire need of creative caffeine. Stone would go on to become a filmmaking icon, but he had to start somewhere. After watching the clumsiness of "Seizure," it's amazing he ever received a second shot at directing.