Despite what big box retailers, streaming services, studio executives, and digital warriors say, physical media is not dead. On the contrary, it’s a fantastic time to be a collector. Whether it’s Blu-rays, DVDs, vinyl, VHS or cassette, this column will feature some of the new releases worth snagging. Don’t listen to the haters. Physical media is here to stay.
When it comes to infamous cannibal films, the first title that pops into many horror fans' minds is Ruggero Deodato’s 1980 proto-found footage classic, CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST. Brutal, visceral, controversial and thought-provoking, the film’s reputation quickly gained the film traction and attention. However, CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST was by no means the first cannibal film to result in the fierce clutching of pearls. And, it most certainly was not the last.
Years before CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, fellow Italian director Umberto Lenzi fused Mondo cinema, horror, gore, and cannibalism in 1972’s MAN FROM DEEP RIVER. Then, in 1981, Lenzi returned to the cannibalism sub-genre (in no doubt a response to CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST) with CANNIBAL FEROX. While featuring many characteristics and narrative beats similar to CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, FEROX retains its own gnarly identity.
Also known as MAKE THEM DIE SLOWLY in the United States, CANNIBAL FEROX recounts the harrowing story of Rudy (Danilo Mattei), Gloria (Lorraine De Selle) and their friend Pat (Zora Kerova) while on a research trip to remote Columbia. Working towards her Ph. D in Anthropology, Gloria sets out to disprove the myth of cannibalism by seeking out a traditional Amazonian tribe of people. Unfortunately, the trio soon crosses paths with Mike (Giovanni Lombardo Radice), a coked-out, manipulative, violent drug dealer from New York. What follows is a harrowing tale of revenge and how callous and evil humanity can be.
In the “be warned” category, CANNIBAL FEROX easily meets the violence, animal cruelty, xenophobia, and gore of HOLOCAUST and is definitely not for the faint of heart. However, one of the best and strongest things the film has going for it is the incredible score by Budy-Maglione. An alias, Budy-Maglione was actually guitarist Roberto Donati and musician Fiamma Maglione (who also played Myrna in the film). Together, the two created the soundscapes for three Lenzi productions — CANNIBAL FEROX, EATEN ALIVE! and DAUGHTER OF THE JUNGLE. Now, for the very first time, the duo’s original stereo mix, sourced from the master tapes, has been released on vinyl by Grindhouse Releasing.
Countering the more intense visual elements of CANNIBAL FEROX, the film’s score adds an engaging and vibrant level of polish to the film. Right from the start, the opening “NYC Main Title” captivates with saxophone, horns, dreamy keyboards, guitar and bass with funky swagger for days. Welcoming viewers into the film, this DEATH WISH-like intro instantly charms while simultaneously highlighting the allure and danger of the city.
While previously released on vinyl in 2014 by One Way Static, this super fun opening track makes the difference between that release’s monaural audio stem source versus Grindhouse’s master tape source instantly noticeable. Though there is absolutely nothing wrong with the One Way Static release, there is a notable richness, depth and fullness to the new Grindhouse LP that provides a more rewarding listening experience. This richness only grows as the story leaves the urban jungle for a literal Amazon one.
In “Jungle Theme,” the tone becomes more ominous through straightforward percussion, sustained guitar, minor key modulations, and eerie synth sounds. Initially accompanying the trio as they become literally transported into the remote Amazon jungle, it is the score that sets the mood and warns audiences of what awaits our altruistic travelers. Then, brilliantly, the lines begin to blur as sonic elements from these two early tracks become intertwined in subsequent tracks like “Killing Two Parrots,” “Into the Bush,” “Jaywalkin’ Iguana,” and “Jungle Jive.”
As events begin to spiral for all involved, Donati and Maglione use now-classic synths and electronic elements to great effect. Accentuating the exotic setting and unbelievable sequence of events, these swirls of sound, piercing punctuations, drones and pulsating undercurrents emphasize the taboo and inhumane idea of cannibalism. Working on a subconscious level, the utilization of these instruments in this way puts up an otherworldly shield. While a bit problematic through a modern lens (as are several aspects of the film), Donati and Maglione make no differentiation between the native inhabitants and the visiting Americans with their implementation of these sounds.
On top of providing an enhanced listen, the new Grindhouse LP includes seven bonus tracks and alternate takes. For the extra hardcore nerds, these tracks, never before released on vinyl, are worth the price of admission alone. And yet, Grindhouse didn’t stop there. The cover features the iconic original theatrical artwork by Enzo Sciotti on a gatefold jacket. Inside, new liner notes from Tim Ferrante are snuggled up to some of the more infamous moments of the film, highlighted with ravishing, crisp photo stills. Every copy also comes with a nice heavy felt Grindhouse Releasing slipmat.
The vinyl itself is also top-notch and comes in three different variants — ‘Cocaine-Crazed White’ (limited to 100 copies), ‘Jungle Green’ (limited to 200 copies), and ‘Blood Orange’ (limited to 200 copies). For transparency, this review is based on the ‘Cocaine-Crazed White’ variant, which sounds as good as it looks. Clean and free of noise, the record is well pressed, with the wax being a perfect lightly-marbled white that straddles the line between opaque and translucent.
Look, CANNIBAL FEROX is not going to be a movie for everyone. That is something that I can understand. However, Budy-Maglione’s score is an incontrovertible banger that elevates the film it was created for while simultaneously providing a satisfying, fun standalone listen. If you’re a collector, a fan of the film, or simply someone who appreciates a good late-70s, early-80s vibe, then Grindhouse Releasing’s new CANNIBAL FEROX LP is a release worth biting into.
The CANNIBAL FEROX original motion picture soundtrack is now available via Grindhouse Releasing.