Over the past few months I've been writing about the sequential releases of Showtime's "Masters of Horror" series. As opposed to releasing them in a full season set, Anchor Bay instead has been putting them out as individual DVDs. Normally I would balk at this, but the overall quality of each release in terms of the transfer and the treasure trove of extra features justify their position. If they were to release it as a set, the price would have to be very high to cover the costs of putting them together. Sold separately this way, each release gives the consumer his money's worth, and you have the ability to pick and choose the ones you want, after all, it is an anthology series so none of the episodes are related to the other. In essence, they are mini-movies directed by the 'best of the best' from the world of horror directors. This month's outing is a disturbing little tale that goes by the name, "Jenifer." Horror fanatics will be thrilled to see that this particular 'Master of Horror' is the one and only Dario Argento.

Most newer audiences might only know him as the father of Asia Argento, but in reality he is the brilliant Italian director behind such classic horror fare as "Deep Red", "Suspiria' and "Trauma", just to name a few.

"Jenifer" introduces to a young woman (Carrie Ann Fleming) who has a horribly disfigured face, but is graced with an indescribably beautiful body. She is rescued from what appears to be a psychotic killer by Detective Frank Spivey (Steven Weber) who is so stricken with her that he decides to 'take care of her', even at the risk of losing his own family. It soon becomes obvious that Jenifer has strange… appetites, which include some of a sexual nature. But that's the least of her desires. She also has a very violent side and a taste for flesh and blood. Upon realizing his mistake, Frank takes her out to the woods to put and end to the nightmare, but… well I should just let you see for yourself.

So far, this has easily got to be one of the most disturbing of the "Masters of Horror" series to date. Argento, who is well known for going over the edge in terms of blood and guts, doesn’t hold back here. Well, I understand that the final version was trimmed bit in order to take out a few 'cuts' that they didn’t think would make the 'cut' with American audiences. But even with those scenes taken out, what was left was just enough to give even me reasons to cringe. I have to hand it to the boys over at KNB Effects, they've never let me down in the gore department and they certainly don’t let me down here.

As far off the beaten path as this particular story was, I also have to give a lot of credit to Steven Weber and Carrie Ann Fleming. Weber is a welcome addition to any project, and of late he's been a part of some of the better Stephen King adaptations. He was a far better Jack Torrance in the TV version of the "The Shining" than Nicholson was in Stanley Kubrick's bastardization of King's book. He also showed up in the fairly decent "Desperation" and one of the episodes of "Nightmares & Dreamscapes." Here, he even took on the role of screenwriter, by adapting the story from its original comic book, "Jenifer" (written by Bruce Jones and illustrated by Bernie Wrightson - I gotta find and read this one!) And Fleming took on a very tough role and ran with it to create a compelling and nightmarish character.

As is the case in all DVD releases from Anchor Bay, "Jenifer" is chock full of extra features. There are interviews with Argento, Weber, and Fleming, as well as a featurette that focuses on Argento's career. In "Working with the Master" we hear from a lengthy list of actors and directors who have worked with Argento, and they have a lot to say. There is also a commentary by Weber, which is full of exactly the kind of self deprecating humor I would expect from him, a lengthy 'Making of' Featurette. You'll also find a featurette on the special effects makeup hosted by Howard Berger from KNB. Along with this, there is DVD-Rom content that includes the script and a screensaver.

The "Masters of Horror" series has been offering noted directors an opportunity to do what they do best, and so far there has not been a disappointment in the bunch. Some are certainly more gruesome than others, and so far "Jenifer" is probably the most gruesome yet.

Directed by: Dario Argento
Starring: Steven Weber, Carrie Anne Fleming
Extras: Interview with Dario Argento, Working with a Master - Dario Argento, Interview with Steven Weber, Interview with Carrie Anne Fleming, Script to Screen, The Making of Jenifer, Audio Commentary by Writer/Actor Steven Weber, Howard Berger and the Makeup of Jenifer, Trailers, Still Gallery, Dario Argento Bio, DVD-Rom - Screenplay and Screensaver
Specifications: Widescreen (1.77:1), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Sound
Studio: Anchor Bay
Release Date: 8/15/2006
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website
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We'll give Masters of Horror: Jenifer an A.