Product Details

• Actors: Kabir Bedi, John Carradine, Britt Ekland, Don Galloway, Tom Hallick
• Directors: James Polakof
• Format: NTSC
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Studio: Televista
• DVD Release Date: December 19, 2006
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: B000KJTG5G
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,086 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Studio: Music Video Dist Release Date: 12/19/2006

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great if somewhat forgotten sci-fi movie, April 4, 2007

By 

G. Turnbull "Greg" (England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Demon Seed (DVD)

'Demon Seed' is an unfortunately titled, but brilliant, sciencefiction film; the name was supposed to cashin on the 'Omen', 'Exorcist', etc. Sadly, it didn't do very well at the boxoffice on its first release. However, a close viewing reveals a textural brilliance not apparent in the source, and vaguely exploitive, novel by Dean Koontz.

The film is a superb visual panorama of optical effects and has marvelous lead performances by Julie Christie and Fritz Weaver. Occasional plot details are somewhat implausible, including the central theme of a supercomputer wishing to 'create' its own child. Thankfully, you are never forcefully reminded of the improbabilities until the film is virtually over.

The director weaves such an absorbing characterbased story, that disbelief is always fully suspended whilst you are enjoying the involved plot. Thoughtful use is made of excellent computer graphics, optical effects and specialized makeups, which always enhance the feel of the film.

The only distracting aspect is some poor postdubbing which becomes annoying, and could easily have been avoided. A simple plot synopsis couldn't possibly do justice to such a wellcrafted movie. However, the main theme concerns the actions of a futuristic, semiorganic computer (Proteus 4) which can think for itself, and rapidly progresses beyond any human control.

Proteus (whose voice is fittingly supplied by Robert Vaughn) usurps the computer system of its creator's house, trapping his exwife inside. Soon it decides that it wants to takeon a more human form. It concludes that the best way to do this is to artificially inseminate Susan, so that she can bear the child. (In the film this never seems as improbable as it sounds.)

In order to carry out its designs, Proteus builds a remotecontrolled chair with a highly manipulative arm mechanism. This allows it to have a physical effect on its environment. However, increasing signs of violence indicate that Proteus' 'mental' state is beginning to deteriorate, as it attempts to keep Susan within the house.

Julie Christie, in the pivotal role, delivers a superlative performance; changing from early disbelief and resistance against Proteus, to final understanding and acceptance of the inevitable. Eventually the child is born (complete with a customized metallic makeup by the famous Burmans), and Susan's exhusband manages to gain access to the house in an attempt to rescue her. Proteus switches itself off (i.e. dies) and is reborn in the child, with the chilling words, "I am alive!­

Overall the film comprises a splendid montage of visual and graphical effect scenes. One of its principal advantages being the strength of direction from Donald Cammell. As such, the film rates very highly and is well worth watching if you ever get the chance; especially as it is now available on video. It's rather surprising that this film didn't do better on its original release. However, it is still remembered and enjoyed by many SciFi fans today.