Whether or not the announcement of a DVD release for In A Glass Cage (Tras el Cristal) should have evoked excitement around here is a debatable topic. A very difficult film to classify and an even more difficult film to digest, In A Glass Cage has been treasured by cult and horror fans over the years as one of cinema's most beautifully realized atrocities set to film. Truly a film for only the most adventurous moviegoer, even after acceptance you'll most likely want to view this one alone, in the privacy of your own home, away from any judging eyes. This DVD release of In A Glass Cage is accepted with open arms, and while it may not exemplify what one would want to consider to be the films definitive DVD release, it is the best available option to date, easily viewed as a fine addition to any questionable, eclectic DVD collection.

One's general reaction to the opening moments of this film would surely dictate his/her ability to stick around to the bitter end. That being said the film opens as a young boy, nude and beaten is strapped up by his arms, hanging in a warehouse. His attacker is Klaus (Günter Meisner), a former Nazi officer and a mostly confused individual. The boys life is put to an end with a swift wallop to the head by a board. Klaus then proceeds an attempt on his own life as he jumps to the ground below. Month's later and Klaus is confined to an iron lung, looked after by his wife Griselda (Marisa Paredes), and daughter Rena (Gisela Echevarria). A mysterious young man named Angelo enters the room that Klaus is kept in, convincing the old man to accept him has his new nurse (despite the fact the he obviously doesn't have any nursing skills) much to the chagrin of his wife who's about to throw in the towel herself. This is where the story begins to take an even more disturbing turn, if that's even possible.

Angelo and Klaus form an exceptionally disturbing bond playing bizarre mind games consisting mostly of violent and sexual undertones. Angelo spends some of his time reading from Kalus' journals, while other times he messes around with the oxygen levels of the tank as he humps Klaus or masturbates on his face. Angelo essentially describes to Klaus how he wants to be just like him, picking up exactly where he left off. Yikes, that's just what we need! Pretty soon Angelo's true colors come shining through, and you know what folks? It ain't gonna be anywhere remotely near to being pretty or politically correct, that's fer dang sher.

I'm certainly not going to lie to you here, In A Glass Cage is a very difficult film to watch. The kind of emotions or feelings that surge through the viewer while watching this film will be solely dependent on the type of person that you are, but one thing's for sure. You will walk away from this film affected, there's no doubt about that. Affected because In A Glass Cage never comes across as exploitation for exploitation's sake. This is a film that will entertain, disgust, insult and enrage the viewer. However, the undeniable fact that you'll also walk away mesmerized by the disgusting beauty of this film itself, is part of its undeniable charm and appeal.

Performances are so frighteningly harrowing, it's fucking scary. If it weren't for a disclaimer about the youngin's in this film during a fairly candid interview with director Agustín Villaronga (we caught his latest film Aro Tolbukin at the Philly Film Fest this year and loved it), I'd have to question the actual level of their willing participation. The demoralization of children in films is quite often a sore spot with a lot of people, as well it should be. Please be aware that this is a huge part of In A Glass Cage and its progression. Actual onscreen violence levels are quite low, but that doesn't make the film itself any less of a freak show. This is heavy duty stuff here, just so you've been warned.

Somewhere between horror and utterly bizarre erotic mayhem, In A Class Cage attempts to find its place in the film world. Director Villaronga is a true talent dealing with the questionable subject matter in an oddly acceptable way. There are scenes in this film that are so beautifully realized, they could even give some of the greatest gialli a run for their money - and that is not an exaggeration. The influence of this film is far reaching, genre fans experiencing this film for the first time will no doubt notice the effect this film has had on many to follow.

Cult Epic's non-anamorphic transfer here is acceptable, but not nearly as outstanding as one would have hoped. Colors are fairly sharp and accurate (this fact will vary in specific scenes) while black levels are slightly off. Overall, this transfer is quite pleasing and light-years beyond those fuzzy bootlegs we've had to deal with over the years. Still, a nice anamorphic transfer would have been swell, such is life. Audio is presented in Spanish mono with optional English subs. The subs are nice and readable and appear accurate.

Extras include an interesting interview with Villaronga that runs just under 10-minutes and a few pages of liner notes. For the adventurous moviegoer, In A Glass Cage comes highly recommended. The film itself is a perfect blend and a shining example of the beautiful side that ugliness can take on. Take it in, and love it or hate it, this film will have you talking for the rest of your life. That's got to account for something, doesn't it? If you're feelin' brave enough, In A Glass Cage comes highly recommended.

You can pick up a copy of In A Glass Cage at www.xploitedcinema.com.

For more info on all that Cult Epics has to offer, be sure to visit them online at www.cultepics.com.