Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

The Brain Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf April 29, 2019

A 1988 production from Canada, “The Brain” depicts a fantasy world where the population is controlled by a dangerous con man on television who wants to control the world via mental manipulation. Okay, maybe the premise isn’t sci-fi at all, especially with today’s glut of television programming, but “The Brain” does have a horror angle as it transforms into a monster movie, with the titular creature making multiple appearances to give the endeavor jolts of the macabre to keep it alert. Screenwriter Barry Pearson is on a mission to supply commentary on trash T.V., while director Ed Hunt labors to make the picture exciting, collaborating on a diverting B-movie that’s competently assembled, finely shaded with humor, and gung-ho with creature feature exploitation.

In the small town of Meadowvale, television is ruled by Dr. Blakely (David Gale), a top scientist for the Psychological Research Institute, who brings his show, “Independent Thinkers,” into homes every night. Dr. Blakely offers advice on how to improve lives, but he’s also using the mental magic of a mutant Brain to take over the world, with brainwave transmission controlling the population. Jim (Tom Bresnahan) is a teenage troublemaker who’s masterminded one too many pranks, sent to Dr. Blakely for help with behavioral issues. However, instead of wellness, Jim is offered slavery, resisting control from the PRI, trying to escape imprisonment with his girlfriend, Janet (Cynthia Preston), as Dr. Blakely begins to frame the boy for multiple crimes around town, keeping the Brain happy with violence and chances to devour human victims.

Hunt keeps “The Brain” in the vein of monster movies from the 1950s, offering a seemingly stable community soon corrupted by some type of alien force, with the Brain a mutant commander residing in the bowels of PRI headquarters. It’s growing, becoming more powerful as Dr. Blakely’s plans for world domination start taking shape, and the Brain has an appetite for human flesh, periodically gobbling down victims in way that’s reminiscent of “Little Shop of Horrors,” only without the precise puppetry and speed tricks. The creature is the centerpiece creation of “The Brain,” but not its focal point, with the saga of Jim taking command of the picture, following the student as a prank involving a brick of sodium and his high school’s plumbing system (it’s a concoction that plays such a major role in the feature, there’s even a warning against such a mix before the end credits) lands him a spot at PRI, where he shows resistance to the Brain’s mental influence, making him a problem for all.

“The Brain” details Jim’s survival challenge, joined by Janet as the two try to avoid capture from local cops, while Dr. Blakely arranges multiple murders to pin on the luckless teen, who strives to keep a low profile while engaging in foot and car chances, also escaping from the PRI compound. There’s a hallucinatory element to the material as well, with the Brain capable of distorting reality for its victims, and if one squints hard enough, sections of the movie play out like a “Nightmare on Elm Street” sequel, as young characters taste insanity as slimy things reach out to claim them. Hunt maintains momentum to “The Brain,” filling it with near-misses and hot pursuits, with Jim remaining a few steps ahead of the bad guys, but can’t escape his poisoned mind, with a few sequences detailing psychotic episodes to maintain the creature’s evil influence.

The Brain Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Billed as a "2K scan of the only surviving film elements," Shout Factory gives "The Brain" a comfortable home on Blu-ray, supplying an AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation that's superbly film-like and detailed. Textures are found everywhere, including the titular menace, with its slimy skin and bumpy design coming through clearly. Costuming is sharp, along with facial particulars, with close-ups picking up on subtle signs of age and personal grooming. Locations are dimensional. Colors are appealing, with bright primaries on clothing and high school interiors, while deeper greens and blues identify The Brain's laboratory lair. Greenery is bold, and skintones are natural. Grain is heavy but not problematic. Delineation is comfortable, without solidification. Source is in good shape.

The Brain Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA track shows more signs of age, with mild pops and hiss detected throughout the listening event. The mix is also a bit on the quiet side, necessitating an increase in volume to get it up to cinematic standards, while a few dialogue exchanges seem unnaturally quiet. Performances remain open for examination, delivering excited performances, with plenty of monster movie panic. Scoring is secure, providing a satisfactory sense of instrumentation and emphasis. Sound effects register a tad too sharp at times, with a triggered fire alarm at a high school setting rough on the ears.

The Brain Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features director Ed Hunt.

• Commentary #2 features composer Paul Zaza.

• Commentary #3 features actor Tom Bresnahan.

• "Food for Thought: A Love Letter to 'The Brain'" (11:21, HD) visits with John Campopiano, a film archivist who, for most of his life, has been a fan of "The Brain." After a video store adventure connected him to the 1988 movie, Campopiano developed an obsession with the work, delving into research about the feature, eventually getting in touch with cast and crew, with Hunt becoming a pen pal of sorts, sending the fan items from the shoot. The interviewee shares his memories of a pilgrimage to Ontario to visit locations, and offers a peek at his personal collection of home video releases and promo materials. Campopiano discusses the deeper meaning of the picture, and happily reports on the effort's lasting legacy.

• "Canada on the Mind" (11:17, HD) sits down with Cynthia Preston to explore her career origins, with the actress initially pulled into the modeling world, forced to deal with her extreme shyness. Sensing an opportunity, Preston made the jump from catalog posing to acting, scoring a role in a television movie, kickstarting her career. Preston recalls the audition process for "The Brain" and shares her memories of Hunt, who took the shoot very seriously. The interviewee discusses co-stars and recalls the persistence of the feature's fanbase, with "The Brain" remaining popular in cult circles to this day.

• "From Monster Kid to Monster Man" (12:33, HD) is a chat with George Buza, who recounts his early interest in theater, taking a chance on acting to meet girls, only to end up loving the process. Professional opportunities brought the American to Canada, eventually meeting with Hunt for "The Brain." Co-stars are assessed with some degree of candor, and Buza details the final 36-hour-long day of the shoot, including his interactions with the titular monster. The interviewee provides a serious understanding of professional duties and his own battles with typecasting, but some lightness is restored when discussing "The Brain," its fanbase, and his love of B-movies.

• "Brain Art" (12:52, HD) is a conversation with Michael Borthwick, the 1st Assistant Art Director on "The Brain," who reached such creative heights due to a lifelong love of horror cinema, which offered him a chance to understand the work that goes into making movies. Borthwick discusses employment opportunities and his time on "The Brain," detailing job requirements and his acquisition of an enormous "Brain face," which hangs behind him during the interview. Borthwick also describes the vibe of production's "Longest Day" situation at the end of the shoot, his first impressions of the film, and his life after 1988, enjoying steady work in the commercial industry.

• Still Gallery (3:49) offers a varied assortment of BTS snaps.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

The Brain Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Brain" leans into its mind-control message from time to time, with prescient commentary on the influence of entertainment and the submission of viewership. It's not a deep picture, but it has some smarts to go along with its carnage, putting some effort into the story while Hunt organizes moments where the giant Brain pursues its lunch. As B-movies go from the 1980s, this is one of the better bottom shelf offerings, showcasing production polish and interest in excitement as it sets out to please the creature feature fanbase.