The Host: 2 Disc Collector's Edition
Produced: Chungeorahm, 2006
Directed: Bong Joon-Ho
Distributed: Magnolia Pictures
Rating: R for Creature Violence and Language
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 1.85:1
Audio: English & Korean Dolby Digital 5.1 & Dolby 2.0.Subtitles: English SDH & Spanish.
Special Features Disc 1: Director's Commentary Track; Deleted Scenes; Director's Reflections Reel
Special Features Disc 2: Making of The Host; Storyboards; Memories of the Sewer; Set Design; Physical Special Effects; Sound Effects; Designing the Creature; The Crew; Production and Visual Effects; Casting Tapes; Cast Interviews; Actor Training; Gag Reel; Cast and Crew Goodbyes
Synopsis: (From www.hostmovie.com) Gang-du (SONG Kang-ho) works at a food-stand on the banks of the Han River. Dozing on the job, he is awakened by his daughter, Hyun-seo ( KO A-sung), who is angry with him for missing a teacher-parent meeting at school. As Gang-du walks out to the riverbank with a delivery, he notices that a large crowd of people have gathered, taking pictures and talking about something hanging from the Han River Bridge. The otherwise idyllic landscape turns suddenly to bedlam, when a terrifying creature climbs up onto the riverbank and begins to crush and eat people. Gang-du and his daughter run for their lives, but suddenly the being grabs Hyun-seo and disappears back into the river. The government announces that the monstrous thing apparently is the Host of an unidentified virus. Having feared the worst, Gang-du receives a phone call from his daughter who is frightened, but very much alive. Gang-du soon makes plans to infiltrate the forbidden zone near the Han River to rescue his daughter from the clutches of the horrifying Host?
Review: This film, The Host, is the largest grossing Korean motion picture ever, both in its home country and overseas . . . and with good reason. Everything about the film is well done. The story line is compelling, the characters are believable even in their most unbelievable moments and the film is replete with themes and issues beneath the surface making it among the best monster films ever made.
Writer and director Bong Joon-Ho builds what he calls a "kidnapping" story with a monster as a villain into a picture worth thinking about. For one thing, we have the overt environmental message since the monster is a chemically created mutation, engendered from illegal toxic dumping the Han River. The opening sequence of the film, in which an American military doctor orders a Korean worker to pour hundreds of bottles of formaldehyde into the river is based on real events and opens the door for political themes. However, it is the Korean government which takes center stage, dispensing false information and inviting viewers to consider whom they trust and how they react to health scares.
At the same time, it is also about family, a dysfunctional family, in fact, but still one that loves one another. The central characters are well imagined and thoughtfully portrayed in a way that overcomes the cultural barriers. Throw in a subtle comment about food and consumption and you have one heck of a movie.
| We don't bother with reviews unless there is something to really like. THE HOST and the collector's edition DVD package comes highly recommended. Get yours today from Amazon by clicking these links. | |
Special Features: There are very few DVD products that will offer you this much for so little. There is actually a full disc of special features, the fascinating regard the conceptual aspects of the creature and its production. The mini-documentary on the creature guides us through the early concepts and collaborative efforts involved in production and the process of bringing it to life. Additionally, there is a commentary by the director on the psychology of the creature entitled "Why did it do that?" . . . and that is just a fraction of the four hours of special features.
The only drawback is that the special features are in Korean and English speaking audiences will have to follow subtitles, which means using the pause button quite a bit. But this is a small price to pay for what is probably the monster fan's DVD of the year.
The pictures seen in this article are stills captured from the DVD. They are used in accordance with the Fair Use Act to demonstrate content and do not imply ownership.
The Rules:
- Actually PRACTICE your hobby. Just do it because it makes you happy and don't worry about it. Geeze . . .
- But DON'T BUY RECASTS. Artists need support to keep doing it and recasts are typically crappy anyway.
- If you want to use some of our images, cool by me . . . just credit the source as www.creaturescape.com
- If you want to link to us, knock yourself out. Use our banner if you like and contact us so we can return the favor.
- If you find an error, problem, bad link or foolish statement, let us know, but don't be a butthead.
- Support our sponsors because that is how we stay afloat.
- Support horror hosts at www.horrorhosts.com by buying their products
- Support rockabilly radio at www.rockabillyradio.net by giving them money
- Fight the power, wash behind your ears and for heaven sake, if you are surfing the web right now, take a minute to think about how cool monster models are and go immediately to our sale page and buy a kit!
© 2007 CreatureScape, All Rights Reserved Callahan