Existenz

Details

Unfortunately for Allegra Geller, there is a group of extremists who believe this new technology should never reach the public. These anti-VR terrorists crash the launch event for the new game, eXistenZ, forcing Geller to flee for her life. Her only protection comes from an unlikely ally - a nervous marketing trainee named Ted Pikul.

With the threat closing in around them, the pair attempt to test the game itself in order to check whether the system has been damaged during the attack. Once connected, however, the line between the real world and the virtual one begins to blur, leaving both characters unsure of what is actually real and what is simply part of the game.

If you're thinking you've seen something like this before, you're probably right. The concept falls into familiar virtual-reality territory not unlike The Lawnmower Man and similar films. However, being a David Cronenberg film, things are naturally a little stranger than usual. Organic game pods, bizarre weaponry - including the infamous gun that fires teeth - and the constant question of what reality the characters are actually in all give the film its own peculiar flavour.

Picture & Sound

Picture quality is average with a middling-to-low bit rate and a small amount of outlining, although there are no obvious signs of artifacting.

The sound is equally disappointing with only average use of the surround channels and dialogue that is not always as clear as it should be. I have said before that crystal-clear dialogue is just as important as an active surround mix, and when both elements fall short it becomes a noticeable flaw.

Menu & Extras

Extras are something of a saving grace. The three commentary tracks are particularly worthwhile and the Cronenberg commentary in particular is very interesting.

Overall

eXistenZ certainly has an interesting concept and the occasional moment of Cronenberg-style weirdness, but overall it never quite lives up to its potential. The performances feel a little flat at times and the story, despite its promising premise, never becomes as engaging as it should.

Fans of David Cronenberg will likely appreciate the film's surreal ideas and body-horror touches, but for most viewers it ends up feeling like fairly standard virtual-reality fare with a few odd twists thrown in. It is not a terrible film by any means, but it is far from the director's best work - and unless you are a committed Cronenberg fan, it is probably one to rent rather than buy.

Special features

• 53 Minute SFX Documentary "The Invisible Art of Carol Spier"
• Theatrical Trailer
• Sega Dreamcast Interactive Menu
• Director's Commentary by David Cronenberg
• Director of Photography Commentary
• Visual and SFX Supervisors Commentary