One of the most sought-after cult films of the 1980s finally gets a home-video release in the United States, though the final product might leave a bit to be desired for some fans. Guyana: Crime of the Century (better known in the United States under its American release title, Guyana, Cult of the Damned, which is name checked on the cover) has been given a letterboxed transfer to disc in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio, and the English-language audio has been mastered in Dolby Digital Mono, with no subtitles or multiple language options. The only bonus materials included are biographies for several of the cast members (which include some glaring typos) and trailers for other DVD releases from VCI Entertainment. Unfortunately, the quality of the source materials isn't especially good, with the image dark and murky through most of the film and the resolution suggesting this was mastered from an aging tape source. Just as significantly, this release presents a cult version of the film, which eliminates several incidents of nudity from the original cut (as if anyone was expecting wholesome and responsible entertainment from this movie?). Still, given its low price and easy availability, this release will be a no-brainer for fans of strange cinema, though the definitive video version of this picture still waits to be released. |