GETRUNTAH

Nekromantik

Production Year: 1987
Release Date: 10/07/2014
Studio: Cult Epics
Director: Jorg Buttgereit



Oh Nekromantik, what can one say about you that hasnt already been said a dozen times?  Splatter-punk director Jorg Buttgereits 1987 film has quite the reputation and deservedly so.  It exceeds at being that "shock flick" that people tend to pull out when theres company over.  Rob (Daktari Lorenz) works for a local clean up crew who specialize in the removal of dead bodies, Rob enjoys his job and frequently "takes work home."  Literally.  The guy has amassed quite the collection of specimens from jarred hearts and guts to old decrepit bones.  



One might think the ol lady might have an issue with his hobby, but Betty (Beatrice M.) also shares in Robs macabre desires.  Things change when his crew locate a complete decomposing corpse, that day Rob went from a small time thief to a full-on body snatcher.  He brings the corpse home and the couple start in on a very bizarre love triangle.


Rob and Betty obsess with the corpse causing Rob to begin slacking at work leading to him eventually getting canned.  Betty does not want to hang with an unemployed necrophile (and who can blame her?) and decides to take off.  Betty not only breaks poor Robs heart, but she also takes the corpse sending Rob into a downward spiral that leads into one of the most odd and disgusting "climaxes" put on film.


For what its worth Nekromantik accomplishes everything that Jorg set out to do; creating a shocking and disgusting film that throws out any notion of "good taste."  In an interview the director credits the film to an obsession of true crime and horror mixed with the oppression of his home country.  Watching Nekromantik makes his intentions crystal clear, the man successfully made Germanys first (and now most infamous) splatter film.


I really wasnt expecting much from the PQ on this release given that the films age and the fact that it was shot on Super 8.  I was pleasantly surprised though, especially after doing a quick comparison to Barrels OOP release.  In comparison this release has more detail present, the picture while occasionally soft has a nice depth and a decent array of colors.  There are certainly a number of scratches, specs, and blemishes, but considering how the film was shot its a more than decent transfer and likely the best this film will ever look

On the audio side were given two track options, a Dolby Digital 5.1 and a Dolby Digital 2.0.  The 5.1 track offers a nice even soundscape bringing to life to the films oddly beautiful score but never taking away from the clarity of the dialogue.


Audio Commentary with Jorg Buttgereit and Franz Rodenkirchen

"Grindhouse" HD version (1:11:09 HD) - This particular version of the film was pulled from a 35mm Print that has traveled the world.  As such its pretty rough, full of burns, blemishes, and scratches.  The director notes that this is the way he feels this film should be viewed.

Introduction by Jorg Buttgereit (01:17) - The director introduces Nekromantik to a packed crowd.

Q&A with Jorg Buttgereit (39:56 HD) - This session took place at the American Cinematheque following a screening of the film.  The director is interviewed and answers a few questions from the crowd.  Various topics are discussed including the inspiration for the sequel which was based on a real life necrophiliac.

The Making of Nekromantik (12:24 SD) - This "making of" featurette is composed entirely of footage from the film and from the 1987 production, the director narrates the footage giving an insight to the creation of the cult classic.

Nekromantik Featurette (09:23 SD) -  Jorg on Nekromantik, from the making of the corpse to the Japanese cut.

Hot Love (29:05 HD) - Jorg directs and also acts in this short film.  Hot Love also features another haunting score from Bernd Daktari Lorenz.

Hot Love Audio Commentary with Jorg Buttgereit 

Hot Love Featurette (03:27 SD) - This featurette is a mix of German and English, it was filmed in 1985 around the time of Hot Loves initial release in Germany and has interviews with the viewing crowd.

Original OST - (01:14:04) - The entire films soundtrack is available for your listening pleasure.

Nekromantik Trailer (02:01 HD)

Nekromantik 2 Trailer (01:05 SD)

Todesking Trailer (02:21 SD)

Schramm Trailer (01:31 SD)

Hot Love trailer (01:10 SD)

Still Gallery

Available link for download