Blu-ray review: SOCIETY (1989)

SOCIETY
Directed by Brian Yuzna
Distributed by Arrow Films / MVD Entertainment Group

  Here is another example of a classic horror film that I have always heard about, but for some reason or another had never seen!  I remember seeing the VHS for SOCIETY back when I worked at a movie rental store, and always told myself I was going to rent it and watch it, but for some reason I never did. I really wished  I would have watched this sooner, because I have been missing out on a perfect 80's horror gem for years now! 
  For those unfamiliar with the film, here is the plot synopsis from the MVD press release:

  Teenager Bill Whitney (Billy Warlock) has always felt like the odd one out in his wealthy, upper-class Beverly Hills family. For some reason, he just doesn't seem to fit in. But his sense of alienation takes a sinister turn when he overhears a surreptitious audio recording of his sister's coming-out party, which seems to implicate his family and others in a bizarre, ritualistic orgy. And then there are the strange things he's been seeing - glimpses of people with their bodies contorted impossibly out of shape... Is Billy going mad or is there something seriously amiss in his neighborhood?

   Packing stomach-churning grue and thought-provoking social commentary in equal measure, Society is a biting horror satire which culminates in one of the most leftfield, gag-inducing "climaxes" in all of horror history - just don't eat beforehand!

  SOCIETY was directed by one of my favorite horror directors, Brian Yuzna. Mr. Yuzna directed some of my favorite horror sequels including BRIDE OF RE-ANIMATOR, BEYOND RE-ANIMATOR, and RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD III.  SOCIETY was actually Mr. Yuzna's directorial debut.    One thing I love about movies from the 80's is their goofiness and their awesome practical effects.  This film has both of those things and is a perfect example if you wanted to show someone what horror movies from the 80's looked like. 

  The movie is a little complicated and I'm still not sure I understand it completely, but that does not keep you from enjoying this film for sure.   The film is about a secret "society" of the rich that feeds on the poor, or at least on those they don't deem as good enough for their society.  When I say "feed on the poor, I mean that literally in this case! What's strange is that in this film, the "society" is pretty much made up of every single person in the town, except for the main character Bill, his best friend Milo, and just a couple of other people.   All of Bill's family is in the "society" and try to get him to join, but he refuses.

  This film has an amazing climax where the secret society comes together in a huge orgy/party that must be seen to be believed.   Here is where the practical effects are really showcased with some excellent gore and body contortions.

  SOCIETY is a must see for horror fans.  The Arrow USA Blu-ray/DVD combo pack will be available 6/9 and will contain the following special features:

*  High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentation

*  Optional English SDH subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing

*  New Audio Commentary with Director Brian Yuzna

*  Governor Of Society with Brian Yuzna

*  The Masters Of The Hunt with stars Billy Warlock, Devin Devasquez, Ben Meyerson and Tim Bartell

*  The Champions Of The Shunt with FX Artists Screaming Mad George, David Grasso and Nick Benson

*  Screaming Mad George music video

*  Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork

*  Collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film, illustrated with original archive stills and posters

CLICK HERE to watch the trailer
CLICK HERE to buy the Arrow Blu-ray/DVD combo pack