Customer Reviews

Hardware (Two Disc Limited Edition)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Nineteen years ago I remember going to see a little film called Hardware and I remember HATING it because I felt deceived by the trailers that shamefully advertised this film as The Terminator meets The Road Warrior which being a huge fan of both of those classic sci-fi films was precisely what I was expecting to see. What I got, and was completely unprepared for, was a pornographic visual nightmare filled with gratuitous violence and an incoherent plot about some killer Terminator-esque combat droid found in the sands of a post-apocalyptic wasteland that's transformed into an industrial art sculpture by some hot chick and I remember wanting to walk out of the theater but felt compelled to at least get my (then) six bucks worth before leaving the theater offended and I never looked back... until now.

A few years later I picked up the Hardware soundtrack because I remembered it was the most memorable part of the film. I loved Simon Boswell's haunting electronic score and the unforgettable Public Image Limited song the Order of Death which echoes in your head with "This Is What You Want...This Is What You Get" lyrics ironically summarizing my initial reaction to the film perfectly. Around that time I happened to catch Richard Stanley's following film Dust Devil - The Final Cut which I really enjoyed with it's great visuals and also featuring a terrific Simon Boswell score.

When I saw that Hardware was released on Blu-ray I decided to give it another look. It's amazing how the quality of blu-ray makes you revisit many films that you may not have otherwise particularly liked watching the first time around but I remembered the striking post-apocalyptic visuals and 80's industrial music video style and having appreciated Richard Stanley's succeeding films I knew he was a director with vision and made me decide to give it another chance. Upon watching it I had remembered the exact moment that made me want to get up and leave the theater when Jill's perverted neighbor played by William Hootkins (yes that's Porkins from Star Wars) starts singing the "wiberly-woberly walk" and I still find his character repugnant but that's really the whole point. Stanley is intentionally creating a dissonant atmosphere showing the deconstruction of culture precipitated by dependency on technology, intrusive surveillance and the pervasiveness of mass media and invasion of privacy.

Watching it now I can appreciate the film's socio-political undertones such as population control and the realization that this film was actually a few years ahead of its time anticipating the post-modern industrial motifs of Ministry. To the film's credit, Richard Stanley's stylized vision is what sets Hardware apart from the formulaic commercialized mainstream blockbusters of today and somehow manages not to date itself too much and remains a completely unique independent film unlike anything I've really seen since.

Richard Stanley discusses his ideas behind the intended "Hardware 2: Ground Zero" script on the supplemental features that was written at the time of the first film but was never made due to legalities between studios that has prevented him from fully realizing his concept on a grander scale. I actually found myself interested in seeing what Hardware 2 might look like made today with the latest advancements in special effects technology that would enable Richard to open up the canvas and let his ideas spill out onto the screen. Watching the interview you can see that Stanley is a very intelligent and articulated artist who knows what he is talking about and has a precise understanding and vision for his craft. There's also an excellent hour-long documentary "No Flesh Shall Be Spared" produced exclusively for the blu-ray that features all new interviews that will make you appreciate the film and the complications of working with visual effects pre-CGI along with deleted scenes, a German theatrical trailer and some of Stanley's short films including "Incidents In An Expanding Universe" the Super 8 genesis of Hardware.

Hardware is definitely not a film for everyone and if you you are looking for accessible sci-fi-/horror that's easy to swallow you won't get it here. On the surface Hardware is a visceral nightmare whose disturbing and offensive imagery is conveying ideas and themes far more complex than the average mainstream audiences are simply willing or capable of grasping and most will find it a struggle to interpret the lines between self-indulgent art and purely cinematic entertainment.

"This is what you want... and this is what you get."

I have been waiting for a region 1 release of this movie since I got my first DVD player back in 2001. Heard from a friend it was finally coming out and ordered it immediately.

It's low budget, but wonderful gritty dystopian vision of a future where everything has gone to hell. No spoilers here, but this movie oozes atmosphere. Also of note is the amazing score. (Which I enjoyed long before I saw the movie.) The DVD is great, though some people have had issues with it not playing correctly, but Severin have done the right thing and sent out replacements.

You can keep Blade Runner. I'd rather watch this any day.

No Flesh Shall Be Spared.

Having read all the reviews, including some very articulate and intelligent ones, I'm moved to add one more because, to my surprise, no one commented on Mo's lengthy, psychedelic death scene. I enjoyed the grungy, post-apocalyptic atmosphere, sound track (esp. Order of Death) and the general off-the-wall weirdness, but what blew me away was Mo's pschedelic visions as he's dying after being injected with the killer robot's poison. The plot having already established that the victims basically experience an acid-trip death, the graphic, through-his-eyes psychedelic experience was visceral, fascinating and believable. That's not all that the film has to recommend it. It was, as others have noted, ahead of its time, and sophisticated in ways that go right over the heads of some of its mass-entertainment-conditioned detractors, but that scene was for me the most amazing segment of an amazing film.

This 1990 vintage sci-fi horror is a cut above average, but is short changed by a restricted budget. However, if the story was editing down to fit the funding, there is some compensation in the stylist photography and the music (especially Order of Death by PiL). You can categorize this film as cyberpunk and you can compare the theme to a cross between Mad Max and Terminator, but actually it had the potential to go further than either of those franchises.

Acting contributes to the style - everyone in this movie is working hard and they certainly deliver. Nearly two decades have passed but this film still looks fresh.

So this quirky sci-fi romp may not make the A list but it sure beats out any film released by the Sy-Fy channel on American cable over the past five years!

If you like sci-fi movies from that era then this should be on your must-have list. Amazingly there are even a couple of extras including a strange but interesting interview with the man behind the film (Richard Stanley). I would dearly like to rework the script into something more sophisticated, complex and deliciously dark. Sigh.

I have been a fan of this movie from the first time I watched it years back. if your into sci-fi this movie will score high for you. The movie transfer to Hi-Def....I watched this movie via Blu-Ray in 1080i Video & 5.1 Audio,the visuals are outstanding for a older film just a few minor film blemishes in the start of the film but nothing to scream about. The audio was tight & separation was flawless. Bottom line, A great transfer..A must have for any sci-fi movie buff.

I've been waiting ages for this film to come out on dvd, since I only got to see it once on vhs. It was well worth the wait. The hi-def film transfer is amazing and really does justice to this high art, sci fi, horror film. What is even more amazing is the bonus disc. It is chock full of interesting interviews with the cast and crew which provide amazing insight about the making of and releasing of the film as well as the aftermath of trying to obtain the rights to release it on dvd. It also has a separate 8-minute interview with Richard Stanley regarding Hardware II, which never got made. It also has three short films by Richard Stanley. All in all, it's a wonderful little box set and is well worth the $20 to have in your collection. A film that was way ahead of its time finally released on dvd in its uncut glory for all to enjoy!

i was 18 when i first caught a glimpse of this film. that was 20 years ago. time has a way of both dulling the recollection and creating a longing for things that we somewhat remember. This movie has some good atmosphere and a weird but admittedly effective soundtrack. Some of the images are visually stunning in their use of light, texture and sound. the contrast/combination of Mo's cold metallic grip on Jill's pale, moist and supple skin in the shower scene was artistic and understated unlike some scenes which are mostly gratuitous and languid. The baby tethered to it's lifeless mother in the stairwell is another riveting image.
the killer robot is actually more threatening before it begins to assert itself. the foreboding red eyes and lifeless stare promise much more than what is ultimately delivered. Mo's death scene has nice editing and once again the score does not disappoint. The plot is straight forward and the acting is standard fare. this film has potential and probably would benefit nicely from some good ol' fashioned CGI and a little less sex. not a terrible addition to a well rounded sci-fiction collection.

When I first saw this film I was struck by it's visual intensity. Even as I realized that I was a bit confused by the way some of the action scenes played out the whole thing stuck in my brains. It disappeared, as did my VHS copy, and I waited (and waited) for it to re-surface on DVD. It didn't happen and I thought how odd that a movie like this would fall through the cracks. Finally it was forced back up through those cracks and there was no question this was going into my library.

Well..........in watching it again, the better parts were even better but the not so good parts were no so gooder. Overall it is still a striking vision. The camera work, set designs, soundtrack are all worth note. The tie in of the droid's name to the bible is a nice touch. It's good seeing Dylan in a pre-fame role and Stacey Travis is real easy on the eyes.

The story is cool. Dylan combs the wasteland for discarded goodies and finds this dismembered droid he thinks will thrill his artistically inclined girlfriend. On the way to see her he stops by his junk dealer buddy's place so he can have a look see. Then it's on to the girlfriend where she proceeds to turn said droid into a sculpture with American flag stylings. The droid comes back from it's sleep, puts itself back together and mayhem ensues.

The post apocalyptic setting tied in with advanced (yet retro looking, Bladerunnerish) technology gives the proceedings a great mood. Stacey's creepy, effeminate stalker/ neighbor adds a discomforting edge to the plot. And Dylan's doped up buddy adds some dark comedy to things.

Overall this is a good movie. As I mentioned earlier, some of the action/ climax scenes were a bit confusing in trying to figure out who was where in her apartment but, it's a minor complaint. As others have mentioned, this might not be for the casual viewer. There are some heady plot elements (the droid's poison smells like apple pie (Jemstone Files?)and the look is more artistic than slick, but if you're looking for something meatier than the regular Hollywood fare, this might be for you.

The point of my review will not be in commenting on the merits of the film itself, as I'd imagine this will appeal mostly to those already familiar.Personally, im a fan as I saw and enjoyed the film upon its initial release.Perhaps due to my age, I much prefer the pre-CGI days of special visual effects and pacing.I suspect that this film may prove a little slow and "silly" for those weaned on todays glorified cartoons that pass for film these days,but to each their own...

No, my point in writing this is to share how FANTASTIC this disc looks,it truly is like watching for the first time! As much of the film is set in dimly lit locals,im seeing TONS of detail that I had never noticed before.My appreciation for both the movie, as well as the director and what he accomplished with such a limited budget,has been raised exponentially.

So if you're a fan of the film, and wondering if you should delve into the Blu-ray (& give up your old laser disc copy),this disc will make quite the believer out of you. It did for me.

I have been pretty harsh on this movie in the past. Mostly because when I saw it in theaters back in the day I was expecting much more than what was presented to me. It wasn't the fact the movie is low budget, because you really can't tell from the production. It was because the story had flaws. Enough flaws for a young sci-fi fan to pan the film entirely. Now that I have a more open mind and revisit the film I notice that it's not as bad as I once preached. It's still a flawed movie in my opinion, but it's not terrible in the least.

First off I have to give credit where credit is due. Hardware looks amazing. The production of the movie, the cinematography, the sets, the special effects; all give this movie a solid pass in creating a convincing post-apocalyptic world. This credit is given even more so when you realize the movie was made on a shoestring budget (roughly $1.5 million). You take that into consideration and the production value goes into the realms of amazing.

The soundtrack is another feather in this movie's cap. Composer Simon Boswell put in a healthy combination of electronic soundscapes, old west themes, and some classical music elements to the film. The mix of themes works and the music lends more to building the landscape. You also get 90's counter-culture nods with some music from Ministry and I think Motorhead (plus Public Image, LTD if you include the closing credits).

Acting is a positive nod from me as well. This movie has a lot of actors in the beginning of their careers (which makes sense considering the tiny, tiny budget) and their performances are no less polished than if this movie was set with established B-Movie actors. Not to say you get strictly B performances, but at the same time this isn't A material either. Dillon McDermott does well with a pretty simple character to work with. Stacey Travis, being essentially the star, pulls off the various facets of her character with subtle confidence. I left the best two for last. John Lynch gives a great performance in his supporting role and William Hootkins is both creepy and endearing as the perverted Lincoln.

Now that we covered the positive I am left with the negative. The premise of the movie itself is very interesting with a lot of potential. Instead I see so many misfires and passed opportunities in the plot and script that I remember why I hated the movie in the first place. How can such a menacing military robot (built for field warfare) with the power to recreate itself, concoct a batch of makeshift poison, and kill with impunity have such a mind-numbingly simple weakness in it's design? The script was already setting up so many possibilities on how to resolve the story (take down the rampaging robot) in a much better way. Some of which would have been theatrical masterpieces. Instead you get the quick fix that doesn't really connect with anything the movie built up to.

That's the big one for me. From there I found a number a little things that didn't make too much sense. One is Lincoln. Lincoln is an odd character. A good amount of time is established building up his elaborate obsession with Jill only to have the character be pretty insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Other are little quips that are better left for debate. Like why a government of a dying human race would have a sterilization program for its citizens? In the end, like I said, the movie is a mixed bag for me.

Now the Blu-Ray release of Hardware has a lot going for it. I saw the British Blu-Ray release so my observations are based on that and I'm assuming the American release is identical. Visually no other video release of Hardware comes close to the clarity of this Blu-Ray. That's not to say it's perfect by any means. There are lots of scratches and other blemishes that show up, and since this is BR they are noticeable. This movie needs some major restoration if that's the best transfer they can find. Now if you can forgive the dirt you will see better color and detail on this release. It's not perfect, but it's better than upscaling your Hardware DVD release. Audio is good. The British disk has two channel PCM only, but it had the audio fidelity where it counts. Sorry, no surround. All in all considering the age (and production cost) of this movie this may be the best it will ever get, and it's good enough.

The Blu-Ray release has a really great mess of extra features that are like having your own mini-film festival. You get four short films from directory Richard Stanley. The Sea of Perdition is the newest and runs at under ten minutes. The Voice of the Moon is a 30 minute documentary on Afghanistan. Rites of Passage and Incidents in an Expanding Universe are Super 8 short "movies" and are his earliest works. So you not only get Hardware you get close to half of all of the movies Stanley has directed (albeit the short ones).

There are also about four deleted and extended scenes on disk as well as a behind the scenes look at one scene. Additionally there is a brand new commentary track by the director Richard Stanley and producer Paul Trijbits that I heard was really informative.

Mixed bag or not this is an impressive movie all things considered. If you are already a fan of the movie there is no question that you should get this Blu-Ray. If you never heard of it, but love post-apocalyptic or rampaging robot movies with horror elements I think you will enjoy this movie enough for it to be worthwhile. If you are like me and prefer refined stories that fit well I still think you may appreciate Hardware. Just don't spend a lot of money on it.