I'm a firm believer in the fact that director Brian Yuzna began and ended his career as a film director with his 1989 effort, Society. This sounds a lot worse than it really is, believe me (he's got talent, the man produced Re-Animator for god sakes) so allow me to elaborate. As a director, Yuzna seems to always settle for sloppy seconds (Bride of ReAnimator, Return of the Living Dead 3). The thing is Yuzna's films aren't all that terrible, they're just pretty mediocre. They can be mildly entertaining with a few unique set pieces, but they rarely leave a lasting impression. Let's just say that Society gets a little to big for its britches too early on and this unfortunately leads to the films ultimate downfall. This is certainly not to say that all is a loss, because it isn't. Society may not be a great film, but it's definitely not without it's virtues (at times it can be wildly entertaining with its off the wall effects). Aesthetically speaking, there is a lot to like and if you're a forgiving horror fan, well you may just dig it (or at least parts of it).

Bill Whitney (Billy Warlock, future star of Baywatch) is a Beverly Hills teen who seems to have it all. He's devastatingly handsome (in a poor man's Charlie Sheen kinda way), soon to be student body president, Captain of the debate team and heavy into sports (by the way, I don't believe any of this, except for the sports bit). He spends most of his free time rubbing lotion on his girlfriend Shauna's back (Heide Kozak who I will always remember as that chick who popped that mean zit in Slumber Party Massacre II). When he's not with Shauna he spends his time rubbing lotion on Clarissa, the town tramp's back (Devin Devasquez, Iris of Can't Buy Me Love and most recently a Sidaris T&A action star). Billy is living the life... or is he? Something weird seems to be happening around Billy and if it's not the threat of incest within his family (his parents and sister are very close) then it's the threat of Clarissa pissing in his coffee. His friends are turning up dead and it gets to the point where Billy just can't seem to trust anyone. This town harbors a disturbing secret, a deliciously disturbing secret. Anyway, push comes to shove, and the inevitable happens... a massive flesh orgy finale (yeah you read that right); This is something you definitely won't believe until you see. Confused yet? Yeah well join the club because so am I.

Society is not intelligent movie making, let's just get that straight from the get go. It's not a great film and is by no means a classic. It's nonsensical from start to finish, and there is really no attention to detail whatsoever. These characters are extremely wishy-washy and to be honest with you, we really just don't care. It's not scary (was it supposed to be?) and there's really no sense of dread or foreboding danger. Honestly, I really just couldn't wait to see horrible awful things happen to these characters. Ultimately, the conclusion winds up being inevitable. It's not a question of what's going to happen, but a question of when. This film lives for one reason only and that's special effects, effects and more effects.

OK, I know it seems like I'm bashing the flick pretty hard and I don't mean to. If you're like me (a connoisseur of bad cinema) then Society can be an oddly fulfilling experience. It may not be a great film, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun. Society features some truly grotesque and bizarre creatures courtesy of SPFX whiz Screaming Mad George. You've never seen effects like these before and probably never will again. If you're really shallow (like me) then you'll probably also enjoy all of the beautiful gals prancing around in the film as well. Lucky for us guys there are plenty of nubile young women lurking about in bikini's, bra and panties and other revealing outfits (Warlock goes shirtless for the ladies as well). Neked chicks and great effects, but this does not a good movie make! Or does it? Ahhh well, just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Most importantly, the infamous orgy finale is an unbelievable accomplishment and still manages to sicken and disturb to this day. Not gonna say much more on that because I don't want to give away all the fun.

Society is presented on DVD in all of its original uncut glory. I used to have the now OOP laser disc which I think was R Rated. Presented in its original aspect ratio this DVD easily outclasses all previous editions of the film. Anchor Bay continues their trend of high quality transfers with this title as Society has never looked this good (on VHS or Laser Disc). Colors are extremely sharp and vibrant with excellent definition. Black levels are nice and solid and there is no evidence of artifacting. Print damage and grain are both minimal. All around this is a nice clean transfer and I was really impressed with it.

Audio is presented in Ultra Stereo (Pro Logic Surround of sorts) and is also nice and clean. Dialogue is crisp and clear with nice separation between music and effects. There is no distortion to speak of. The surrounds are used sparingly so don't expect too much activity back there.

Extras include a trailer and a feature length commentary with director Brian Yuzna. Unfortunately he takes this film way too seriously (it ain't Battleship Potemkin ya know) and after a while I just got fed up with the whole thing. Yuzna hasn't created a masterpiece, but he sure thinks he has. I think I would have enjoyed a more lighthearted romp of an audio commentary. He does bring up some interesting points about his career (lost projects etc.) but when it comes to him talking about the film itself, count me out. It wasn't for me unfortunately, but hopefully someone else out there will get something out of it.

I've always felt that Society was nothing more than a shameless display of SPFX and a real T&A tease. As a real film it's extremely lackluster and missing that special something. It is cool to have the disgusting orgy scene uncut and I'm happy to say that all of the sloppy effects do hold up fairly well by today's standards. Fans will be pleased and first timers will probably be confused. Life just isn't fair.