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Released by: Video World
Released in: 2001
Director: Umberto Lenzi
Cast: Ivan Rassmiov
Year: 1973
In 1973 Umberto Lenzi kick started the Italian Cannibal Sub Genre with Man From Deep River (also known as Deep River Savages), a violent and grisly jungle adventure film that remains one of the more popular, albeit milder, films of it's kind.
Ivan Rassimov plays John Bradley, a photographer who is off to take some shots in the jungles of South East Asia. When he's attacked by a knife wielding maniac, he's forced to kill him in self defense, but although he escapes one man, he can't escape the many, and a tribe of jungle dwelling savages soon entraps him and holds him captive against his will.
He attempts an escape, but is apprehended by one of the savages, who he kills. Though his escape is unsuccessful, by killing the tribesman he has somehow earned the respect of the natives and they assimilate him into their fold where he soon marries Maraya (the always lovely Me Me Lai, who go onto work to with Ivan Rassimov a few more times), the chief's daughter.
Soon after their wedding though, a rival tribe attacks them and Maraya becomes blinded, but will this once civilized man be totally absorbed by the savage tribe or will he question what he's become and retreat?
Man from Deep River is mild as an exploitation film compared to what would come from the genre a few years later in the form of Cannibal Ferox and Cannibal Holocaust, but in it's uncut form still has enough shocking scenes of rape, violence, and the consumption of human flesh to keep the story fast paced and interesting.
The performance from Rassimov is the highlight of the film, and he plays the role very well, making a convincing paradox man. Lenzi's direction is competent enough, and there are some nice moments displaying the jungle and it's lush surroundings.
Video/Audio/Extras:
The picture looks amazing compared to the U.K. release, which was so heavily panned and scanned that it rendered the film unwatchable. This release from Video World finally allows the viewer the chance to see the entire image. This release is presented in non-anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1). While it's nice to see it finally released in widescreen, the picture quality still leaves a lot to be desired as it suffers from some mild compression artifacts, a mute color scheme and quite a bit of noticeable print damage. Don't get me wrong, this is the best I've ever seen the film look, but it still looks like a tape master was used and there's definitely room for improvement.
The Dolby Mono track sounds decent, but can't overcome the hollow dub.
There are no extras at all, not even a trailer.
The Final Word:
This was the best release that Man from Deep River has ever had until Shriek Show gave it a special edition. While, this release isn't perfect, it finally allows you see the movie the way it was meant to be seen