The film that had hardgore horror fans retching in the aisles at 2008’s London FrightFest is destined to become the most ferocious, uncompromising horror movie of 2009. French director Pascal Laugier’s dark, twisted spin on a traditional revenge story should carry a government health warning. The fact that the BBFC passed it uncut is a minor miracle - it's a movie that will not be quickly forgotten by those who can stand it.

MARTYRS
(2008, CERT. 18)
Released: 25th May. RRP: £15.99 (DVD); £19.99 (Blu-ray)

FILM: ***** / EXTRAS: ***

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EXTRAS: 

No commentary, but director Pascal Laugier's 20-minute interview provides insights into his intentions and his Tarantino level movie knowledge.

A second interview with effects supremo Benoit Lestang is a good tour of the wizard of gore's horror chamber.  Sadly, the likeable Lestang killed himself shortly after Martyrs was completed.

The feature length making (85 mins) focusses solely on the shoot, capturing on-set tensions, particularly between Laugier and star Mylene Jampanoi.

Entertaining though it is, a soup to nuts production diary taking in the reportedly troublesome editing process would have better illuminated Laugier's magnificent movie.

But, extras or not, Martyrs is one of the year's best movies and an essential DVD purchase.  Preferably on Blu-ray, where Lestang's painful looking FX glisten in full glory.

Rob Daniel