Rating: 
Summary: Strange, odd, well acted film.
Review: The Plot:A young scientist Eddie Jessup(William Hurt in his first film) believes other states of consciousness are as real as today. He using sensory deprivation, then adding power, hallocingtions drugs and there`s a possibility that these altered states and he endure the experiences that make madness look like a blessing. Dated but excellent visual effects, great sound editing and Ken Russell is directing is superb. DVD`s in a anamorphic widescreen(1.85:1) format and pan&scan also. Good picture quality and Excellent remastering Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround with strong .1 bass subwoofer. A DVD`s worth buying. Grade:A-.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting
Review: I couldn't really get into this movie that much, but the subject matter was interesting. It's about a scientist (who is painted in an unconvincingly weird fashion) who is interested in consciousness and tries several means of regressing himself to earlier states of being (using Jung's "genetic memory" ideas here). The methods used include a combination of some South American psychedelic drugs (probably based on ayahuasca, a reasonably effective drug) and an isolation chamber. I don't think the movie accomplishes much, but it does manage to make one think, which is more than I can say for most.
Rating:
Summary: Weak Payoff Ruins Strong Setup
Review: This movie's premise -- that hallucinatory states are as real as what we call "reality" -- is interesting and thought-provoking. It brings great weight to the material when the hero reverts to a primal form as his recompense for delving into the unknowable reaches of humanity. The ending, however, leaves me cold. It seems that, by merely banging himself against a wall, the hero is capable of reversing the processthat brought him so close to the brink. This movie deserved a more worthwhile payoff for the interesting setup it offered. Worth renting, not buying.
Rating: 
Summary: excellent horror film.
Review: this film starts off as a drama, then about the midway point it turns into an updated version of the wolf man with some great special effects. Probably Ken Russel's best film.
Rating:
Summary: Search for truth
Review: This movie may come off to some as cheesy, but it is, in my interpretation, trying to convey a deep philosophical point about searching for truth. Though the special effects may be somewhat dated, and there seems to be a few implausible events- underlying this film is something that has been overlooked by critics... see for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: THOUGHT PROVOKING
Review: THIS FILM IS ONE OF THE ALL TIME GREAT SCIENCE FICTION FILMS. IT COVERED ALL OF THE '70S MUMBO JUMBO PLUS THE THEMES ALL TRUE SCIENCE FICTION LOVERS ARE ON THE SEARCH FOR. SURE, IT HAS ITS WEAKNESSES, BUT HAVE A FEW DRINKS AND LET YOUR MIND GO WITH THE FLOW.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie, aweful transfer to DVD
Review: This movie is one of the great movies ever made. The visual and auditory effects are amazing. John Corigliano's score to this movie brings out many of the ideas set forth here. HOWEVER, the transfer to DVD nearly ruined it for me. The quality of the picture was fine, but they neglected to sync the sound with the picture. Sound effects and talking are at times about one-half of one second off. This I find inexcusable.
Rating:
Summary: Watch for the Music
Review: Actually, the premise of this film is extremely dated, maybe confined to those who wish to relive the 60's and 70's...but, there is a fascinating musical score associated with this film. The composer who wrote the film score is John Corigliano--you may know him from a 'AIDS' Symphony that has been widely performed as a gratuity to contemporary music. I cannot recommend that piece, but I do, heartily, recommend this musical score that this film uses to dramatize the altered states of mind that Jessup (our hero) is going through. Some of the visual effects are pretty cheezy by today's standards, the music is far better than most film music being included today. The opening sequence seems to contain the most interesting passages, with a great deal of modern sonorities in evidence. The scene when Jessup takes the Native Mexican mushroom-blood mixture is also an interesting moment in the musical score--it is a very modernized Sacre, with a large percussion barage. Hearing this in the fine sound that DVD provides is truly a sonic experience: it will annoy the hell out of your neighbors.
Rating:
Summary: Very thought-provoking and inventive.
Review: A story of a professor who has been experimenting with sensory deprivation, and experiments on himself while under the influence of hallucinogenic drugs. He regresses into an ape-man, and it shows the effects. This makes you think, and want to try it yourself. The only set-back is the 70's-ish "LSD" visuals like they used in 2001 on Dave's "space trip"...I would reccommend this to anyone who likes to think and is open-minded.
Rating:
Summary: Marks an Era of Lilly inspired research
Review: John Lilly pioneered the isolation tank halluciation stuff the viewer sees early on in the movie. While the movie is better than most of Ken's films (the editor deserves much praise here), what it does do a good job of is communicate the exciting nature of the research Lilly was up to. Don't drop acid with this movie, however. It's pretty "negative" in parts . . . stick to the yellow submarine .
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