Review: Cronenberg's 1975 'Shivers' a Horror Movie Ahead of Its Time

The films of David Cronenberg have always been multi-layered in their themes of body worship and sex. With his first feature film "Shivers", the Canadian horror director perpetuates sexual horror into a somewhat warning on sexually transmitted diseases. It was made in 1975 and was years ahead of its time.

Also known as "The Parasite Murders," Cronenberg's "Shivers" mostly takes place in a luxurious high-rise apartment building near Montreal, Canada. The film's first half-hour could be seen as a commercial touting the amenities of the popular residence, with unique voiceovers and a peek inside the people who reside there. But something sinister is lurking behind many of the apartment doors.

A scientist has been performing experiments on parasites in order to examine the sexual effects of organ transplants. When the parasites escape, they infiltrate the apartment building and turn the residents into sex-crazed zombies.

"Shivers" was also to be named "Invasion of the Blood Parasites" at one point. This horror film mimics both "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "The Night of the Living Dead," but doesn't outright steal from those classics. It's definitely not for the squeamish and features copious amounts of blood and gore.

Under the Vestron Video Collector's Series, Lionsgate releases "Shivers" on Blu-ray at an affordable price, with a large amount of new special features:

"Mind Over Matter" – an interview with Writer & Director David Cronenberg, who also does a brand-new audio commentary

"Good Night Nurse" – an interview with actress Lynn Lowry

"Outside and Within" – an interview segment with the special make-up effects crew

"Shivers"
Blu-ray
$17.99
www.lionsgate.com