The Fly: DVD Review (2005)

(Originally published 2005)

Kafka would have loved it.

This fine remake of the 1958 original, just re-released on DVD along with its less-appealing sequel, “The Fly II,” is essentially a horror romance.

It’s one of David Cronenberg’s best films, with Jeff Goldblum’s inventor-scientist Seth Brundle joining Geena Davis’ Ronnie in creating a heart-felt, B-movie gross-out.

What the film creates in Seth’s unflattering transformation from human being to human-fly is as grotesque as anything in Romero’s “Land of the Dead,” yet none of it is served with a trace of intended humor.

Cronenberg and company are dead serious about their cautionary ideas about the abuse of science and technology. As Seth deteriorates into a mess of ticks, mandibles and twitches, the movie comes down to the nuances of Goldblum’s spot-on performance and the horror of what some will do with a loaded rifle in the name of love.

Grade: A-


DVD Features for the Collector's Edition

• Available Subtitles: English, Spanish
• Available Audio Tracks: English (DTS 5.1), English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo), Spanish (Dolby Digital 1.0)
• Commentary by: David Cronenberg Unknown Format
• 3 production documentaries
• Deleted scenes with storyboard and script comparisons
• Never-before-seen alternate ending
• Rare fest footage (makeup and visual effects)
• "The Brundle Museum of Natural History" featurette
• George Langdon's original short story
• Charles Edward Pogue's original screenplay
• David Cronenberg's screenplay rewrite
• Interactive articles (stills with video clips) from Cinefex and American Cinematographer
• Promotional featurettes
• Still photo galleries
• Original teasers, trailers, TV spots, and more