WICKED, WICKED (1973) Directed by Richard L. Bare
Shocking Videos DVD-R
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THE FILM
We are all divided. Why are we all divided? Don't blame it on the Duo-Vision.
"No glasses -- all you need are your eyes!" So states MGM on the one-sheet theatrical poster for the first (and only) film ever presented in Duo-Vision; a technique that splits the screen into two parallel images for 95 minutes. A flummox at the box office and never released on home video in North America, Wicked, Wicked is an early slasher that does not stutter where you expect it to. This is an exercise in visual design and a celebration of waning gimmickry. On those fronts, it raises the roof. Now, I pose a few questions for writer-director Richard L. Bare. Who added the comedy? Furthermore, who approved the sunshine funk-band performance segments? They should've been fired.
Delving deep into the plot of Wicked, Wicked isn't necessary. Women at a seaside resort are being sliced 'n' diced by an electrician in a rubber monster mask, so the hotel's Casanova cop steps on the case, especially after his lounge singer ex-girlfriend (Tiffany Bolling, The Candy Snatchers) feels the knife. No frills. Some lovely gore. A few discomforting reveals. A grisly apex. The attitudinal directness, sensational organ spook-score, and Duo-Vision hook leave the doors wide open for a gripping experience. That it is. Unfortunately, there's too much loose change.
Contrary to what might be expected, Duo-Vision is not annoying. It's a treat. Random compositions yield strange contrast, freshness, and sudden bursts of brilliance. Subsequently, those compositions allow the filmmakers to turn tricks that would be impossible on a single field. Flashbacks, POVs, and overlooked details are all shown to us while the main plot points continue. Fun, yes? That's the kicker. If somebody would've sliced out the three nightclub numbers, excised the embarrassing comic relief, and taken the whole thing a bit more seriously, we'd have a very special film on our hands. Clever, but not clever enough.
Are we still divided? Calling all Chelsea Girls!
AUDIO AND VIDEO
Aside from the burned-in German subtitles, we've got a winner. The widescreen print is clear and easy on the eyes. Colors are laid back and compression artifacts are a no-show. The mono sound was intensely crisp. Really nice for such a rare film.
EXTRAS
Excellent. An original theatrical trailer is also included. Duo-Vision is hocked just as much as the film; "You'll be doubly afraid!" It's also very interesting to see certain frames blown up as full screen giants.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It's fun, it's historical, but it's not impeccable. If you've been dying to see Wicked, Wicked and have a few extra bucks, give it a shot. Division's not such a big deal after all.
— Joseph A. Ziemba, 09.21.06 | 
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