Smoke and Mirrors: The Story of Tom Savini - Wild Eye Releasing

[An4h0ny]

THE STORY OF ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC SPECIAL EFFECTS ARTISTS IN HORROR FILM HISTORY, WHOSE CREATIONS EARNED HIM THE TITLE "THE KING OF SPLATTER."

The definitive documentary on one of the most iconic and sought after special effects artists in horror film history, whose genre-defining creations earned him the title "The King of Splatter." We follow Savini from his childhood in Pittsburgh and his tour of duty during the Vietnam War, leading into his legendary collaboration with George Romero (Dawn of the Dead, Creepshow) and beyond. Here. Savini is celebrated by his peers, friends and collaborators like Robert Rodriquez, Tom Atkins, Tony Todd, Greg Nicotero and more.

Wild Eye Releasing presents this Special Collector's Edition Blu-ray, packed with over four hours of bonus content and features an exclusive slipcase and folded poster!

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Audio commentary with Tom Savini and director Jason Baker
• Tom's personal behind the scenes video archives: Featuring BTS footage from several classic horror films like Day of the Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, From Dusk Til Dawn, Creepshow, Friday the 13th Part IV, and more
• Tom's behind the scenes personal video from directing Night of the Living Dead (1990)
• Excerpts from Tom's personal home movies
• Excerpts from Tom's personal video of Dracula - The Stage Show
• Trailers
• Blu-ray Exclusive - Folded poster
• Blu-ray Exclusive - Illustrated Slipcase
• Reversible Artwork
• Optional English subtitles
• Review

A fascinating glimpse into one of the most iconic special effects make-up artists and filmmakers of our time. It is quite thorough yet never repetitive, as every minute is utterly absorbing. --Film Threat

Tom Savini's fire appears impossible to extinguish, and 'Smoke and Mirrors' makes sure everyone can see how brightly that blaze burns. --Culture Crypt

Product details
Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.69 x 5.43 x 0.63 inches; 3.39 Ounces
Director ‏ : ‎ Jason Baker
Media Format ‏ : ‎ Anamorphic, NTSC, Widescreen
Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 31 minutes
Release date ‏ : ‎ October 11, 2022
Actors ‏ : ‎ Tom Savini, Robert Rodriguez, Greg Nicotero, Tom Atkins, Alice Cooper
Studio ‏ : ‎ Wild Eye Releasing
-------------

Just watched this and it was as good as I hoped. $15 @ Amazon currently. Highly recommended!

[cakefactory]

What's the actual content like? Is it mainly loaded with archival stuff like the behind-the-scenes footage mentioned? Or is it primarily an interview with him filmed in the last few years where he mostly retells the same stories those of us who have watched all the docs over the years have heard repeatedly, with a bunch of talking heads like those named saying how great he is?

[sasdragon]

Originally Posted by cakefactory

What's the actual content like? Is it mainly loaded with archival stuff like the behind-the-scenes footage mentioned? Or is it primarily an interview with him filmed in the last few years where he mostly retells the same stories those of us who have watched all the docs over the years have heard repeatedly, with a bunch of talking heads like those named saying how great he is?

I watched this a few weeks back and I really enjoyed it. It definitely has the talking heads however it covers essentially his whole life instead of focusing only on his filmography and furthermore select filmography. His family life growing up and acting, doing all the make up work, directing, schoolwork. It's a pretty decently encompassing life story up to this point with people popping in all over the place to talk about certain events in film and otherwise. I didn't have the opportunity to watch all the extras, however I skipped through one or two of the behind the scenes stuff and even that would be worth a few bucks just to see him at work on some big films. Like I said it's talking heads, it's also old footage and pictures and savini himself reminiscing about things he's likely not talked much about, largely his family as a child and his relationships and children.

Overall I thought it was a great way to kill a couple of hours.

[An4h0ny]

Originally Posted by cakefactory

What's the actual content like? Is it mainly loaded with archival stuff like the behind-the-scenes footage mentioned? Or is it primarily an interview with him filmed in the last few years where he mostly retells the same stories those of us who have watched all the docs over the years have heard repeatedly, with a bunch of talking heads like those named saying how great he is?

It's a mix. I feel like this was mainly made for those with limited knowledge of Tom's work. People that just know his name as " that guy whoe does realistic practical gore." His acting, stunt work, choreography and other talents are highlighted as well. sasdragon's description is spot on.

So it's a life retrospective. Not a career retrospective. But there is a lot of effects footage from films he worked on. Also people like Romero don't just suck his d while on camera. They give examples of some of his on set innovation and genius.

But I will say if you are looking for a film by film breakdown of his effects work, this is not it. I did learn a ton of stuff about him though and holy crap his life is actually super interesting. I guess a lot of assumptions I was making were wrong. If you are interested at all in Tom Savini the person, this is your doc.

Haven't watched the period bts footage yet, but I am most interested in TCM2 stuff. That film is barely mentioned during the documentary. Also some of the editing is a tad loosey goosey. Overall though, this is something I'm really happy to own and will be watching again.