CORMAN'S ULTIMATE FISH-IN-WATER HORROR FILM!

Shout! Factory has unleashed an invasion of Roger Corman Cult Classic titles this month, many appearing on DVD and Blu-ray for the first time and loaded with all-new bonus features. Corman built his career directing 50 films and producing over 350 on the foundation of truly independent filmmaking, sidestepping the restrictions of Hollywood's studio system to promote the creative talents of many leading directors, actors and writers. Making the most out of low-budget sensational films spanning a wide array of action-packed, titilating genres and concepts, Corman and his legacy of talented proteges made an indelible mark on filmmaking history of the latter 20th century and continue blazing trails today.

The latest library of Roger Corman Cult Classics include six new DVD/Blu-ray titles which fans of indie cinema and rare releases will definitely want to add to their collection.

Don't be fooled by the upcoming 3D remake, this is the original Roger Corman-produced PIRANHA which took a bit bite out of box offices in 1978! Directed by Joe Dante with his trademark blending of horror and humor, this razor-toothed terror threatens a river resort of unsuspecting victims crowding the waters. The search for two missing teenagers reveals a secret military base where a scientist (Kevin McCarthy) has been conducting genetic experiments on fish in the Army's bio-weapons program. When Maggie (Heather Menzies) and Paul (Bradford Dillman) accidentally unleash the carnivorous piranha into the river, it's a race against time and death for Paul to save his daughter and the resort guests from a bloody, terrifying fate. But how can they kill the man-eating piranha and will the military's science advisor allow this experimental species to die?

Mashing up horror influences from JAWS with the anti-government attitude of the 1970s, screenwriter John Sayles provided a taut script with genuine shock value despite the limits of a low budget. In true Corman fashion, waters run red with the fish-chomping gore effects by Rob Bottin and animated creature effects by Phil Tippett as the piranha devour the flesh of their human meals. Released the same year as Universal's JAWS 2, PIRANHA stole the sequel's thunder with its brazen mix of monsters and exploitation the second shark couldn't match. Typifying the Corman brand of indie filmmaking, the film alternates between titilating glimpses of nudity and flesh-ripping terror to maintain an adrenaline rush which overpowers viewers' ability to rationallly examine some rather silly and gratuitous plot points. Yet Dante's humor-skewed view of the world balances exploitation with entertainment, foreshadowing his monster hit THE HOWLING.

PIRANHA looks and sounds better than ever in this Cult Classics edition with an all-new anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) transfer available for the first time ever in a home video release. Inevitably this high-def era presentation betrays some of the wires and camera tricks necessitated by a low-budget film, but they also add a bit of nostalgic charm to an indie horror landmark worth a revised look today.

The PIRANHA Special Edition DVD/Blu-ray is backed with added value in over 90 minutes of rare bonus features fans will eat up. Shout! Factory debuts many new and exclusive features for this Cult Classics release including: a quite entertaining and candid audio commentary track by director Joe Dante and producer Jon Davison; The Making of PIRANHA featurette with new interviews of Roger Corman, Joe Dante, Dick Miller, Belinda Balaski; Bloopers and outtakes; the original theatrical trailer with Jon Davison's commentary courtesy of Joe Dante's TrailersFromHell.com; additional scenes included in the network television broadcast; a stills gallery with domestic and international publicity photos and posters; a behind-the-scenes still gallery from stop-motion animator Phil Tippett's personal collection; radio and TV spots; and other New World film trailers. Also enjoy the collector's 3D lenticular sleeve and reversible case cover featuring two poster art designs to display.

For a truly classic example of Roger Corman-style indie cinema with lasting cult appeal that still hooks you today, FilmEdge rates PIRANHA: 3.5 STARS.

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