Plot: What’s it about?
If you’re a fan of horror movies and a gorehound, then without a doubt, you’ve heard about the Guinea Pig features. But that doesn’t mean you’ve seen them all, as even diehard gore lovers have a hard time in that respect. This is because the series has been banned in many areas and even when allowed, home video editions have often been hard to track down. Now however, that won’t be the case any longer, as Unearthed Films has issued the Guinea Pig series on DVD. A series that is soaked with blood and gore, these movies are made with one intention, to shock audiences and pile on as much carnage as possible. This is the second release in Unearthed Films’ Guinea Pig line and its a real double dose of the good stuff, with two movies included on one disc. I have provided a quick synopsis of each included film, in case storyline matters here.
1. Mermaid in a Manhole- In an effort to get some inspiration, an artist ventures back to a place he frequented as a child, only to find that time has altered the location more than a little. What was once a beautiful river has become a filthy sewer, though one thing remains as he remembers, a mermaid that inhabits the area. He recalls spending time with the mermaid as a young child, but now she has become diseased and covered in horrific sores. So he takes her back to his home with plans to care for her, though things end up taking a hideous turn…
2. He Never Dies- After his girlfriend leaves him for his own friend, a bored businessman decides to end his depression once and for all. He has had enough mental stress and anguish, so he plans to take his own life and perhaps rattle those who have harmed him, by them seeing how miserable he became. When he gets home from work one night, he locks himself inside of his apartment and prepares to leave the realm of the living. But when he runs a razor across his wrists, he discovers his life might not end so easily…
Video: How does it look?
These features were shot on video and by turn, the full frame transfers found here represent the intended format. As these weren’t high end productions, the source material limits how good these can look, but that rough visuals enhance the experience. After all, these are supposed to be watched as some kind of underground materials, so a slick and shiny presentation would draw us out of that mindset. You’ll see some thick grain, washed out colors, and soft contrast, but it looks very good, all things considered. I mean, these won’t be your new reference selections, but they look better than other editions I’ve seen.
Audio: How does it sound?
Not a whole lot to talk about here, as a basic and unmemorable Japanese soundtrack is provided in each case. I found no serious problems in either soundtrack, but then again, I wasn’t too impressed, both stand as acceptable options. The music is outlandish and sounds solid here, while the offbeat sound effects are also well presented. No issues with dialogue either, as vocals seem clean and never muffled or the like. In addition, you can enable English subtitles if need be, which is a most welcome gesture, of course.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes some still photos, a text passage on the series, and theatrical trailers for the films in the series.
