There was a time when cannibal films were a dime a dozen. I'm not so sure that we should be thankful for that time. Aside from the ever so famous battling gross out films of Lenzi and Deodato, a plethora of other Italian filmmakers tried to cash in on the craze. One such filmmaker was Sergio Martino, a versatile director if ever there was one. From mondo films, to gialli, to action/sci-fi, and sex comedies, he's done it all. Not surprising though is that Mountain of the Cannibal God still remains today, his most financially successful of the lot.

The story is simple, because it shares the same virtual plot as every other Cannibal film from the time. We'll break it down briefly though. Susan Stevenson (I look incredible naked, Ursula Andress) and her pal Dr. Edward Foster (Stacy Keach, best known to TV fans as Mike Hammer) travel into the dangerous jungle in search of Susan's missing husband. Needless to say they get involved with a few others, and they all run into the cannibals. There's your typical gut munching scenes, real animal violence (more on that in a bit), and the required castration scene.

When it comes to cannibal movies, well, they're an acquired taste I suppose (no pun intended). They truly are made just to offend, despite the fact that those involved will try to convince you otherwise. On that note, I'll let you know that I tend to gravitate towards them, because I like to be offended, and it ain't easy! Call me crazy!

One aspect of these films that is truly disturbing, is the real animal violence. Somebody call PETA, and quick! While this particular film doesn't have nearly as much of it as say, Cannibal Holocaust or Make Them Die Slowly. It is worth mentioning a scene of a monkey being devoured by a snake that is truly upsetting. The camera just sits focused in on the face of the monkey as the snake wraps its jaws around the monkey's head. The look on the monkey's face is just devastating, as the life just gets sucked out of him. What's more, is that it's evident that the monkey was purposely thrust into the jaws of the snake. Animal violence aside (believe me, I'm not a supporter) you just have to judge a cannibal film on its other merits (did i just use the word merits?). Today, we're going to use a scale based on offensiveness and grotesqueness, if you will. I'd say Mountain of the Cannibal God falls somewhere in the middle. On a 1-10 scale of offensiveness, I'd say it gets a solid 7. While not as sickening as Cannibal Holocaust, it most certainly gets the job done.

Anchor Bay presents Mountain of the Cannibal God in an anamorphic widescreen transfer, and it is nothing short of amazing. I know I've said this before, but I'm going to say it again. There is no reason for this film to look this good. There are a few instances of print damage, including a white scratch that lasts for about 5 seconds, 20 minutes in. Otherwise the colors just leap off the screen. There are a few instances when the picture seems a bit soft, but I'm sure that this is just a trait of the original elements. This is without a doubt, the best this film has ever looked. But that's not all folks, hold onto your vomit bags. This is also as "uncut" as it has ever been. There are a few added scenes never before released. I'm not going to spoil all the fun of discovering the new footage. Let's just say the pig doesn't look like he minds the company. Sound is Dolby Digital Mono, and is also quite pleasing. There is no distortion; dialogue is crisp and clear.

Extras include a widescreen trailer, standard bios, and a cool if not brief poster and still gallery. We are also treated to a 13 minute interview with director Sergio Martino, in which he lies about, er umm, I mean discusses certain aspects of the film, including the "unplanned" animal violence. All in all, a very impressive presentation from Anchor Bay and the price is certainly right. It's tough to give out a blanket recommendation for a film like Mountain of the Cannibal God. In my opinion, it's worth an addition to your collection if you dig the whole Cannibal sub genre (nothing to be ashamed of). First timers, well, what can I say, you have been warned.