Review: 'Crash' on Criterion Remains Compelling and Depraved

Flesh. Fenders. Fucking. You get it all in David Cronenberg's 1996 peculiarity "Crash," which lands on The Criterion Collection this month. From the mind of a man whose fascination with body horror and obsession with audacious boundary-pushing knows no limits, "Crash" is pure, phantasmagoric provocation and a ripping good time if you're into twisted examinations of the depraved.

Odds are, if you're picking up this title on Criterion you aren't mistaking it for the Academy Award-winning clown show that is "Crash" (2004), but just in case you are, here's a warning. This "Crash" follows a group of sadomasochistic car-crash fetishists, and it's not for the faint of heart.

Winner of the Special Jury Prize after a controversial premiere at Cannes, "Crash" was lauded "for originality, for daring, and for audacity," and continues to make its mark on cinephiles to this day. And rightfully so, as there simply nothing like it. Love it or hate it, "Crash" is one of a kind.

This new 4K digital restoration for Criterion was supervised by cinematographer Peter Suschitzky and approved by Cronenberg, giving it a pristine look for home viewing. However, the bonus features are a tad lacking. We get a 1997 commentary featuring Cronenberg, and a press conference from the 1996 Cannes Film Festival featuring many of those involved with the film. From there we get another Cronenberg Q&A, some behind the scenes footage and interviews, and that's it. There's a great essay by film critic Jessica Kiang inside the Blu-ray, but it's unfortunately not in booklet form, instead taking the shape of a cumbersome poster.

Regardless, this is still a worthy addition to The Criterion Collection and your personal collection... if you're into people getting turned on by auto accidents. Or, you know, you love great cinema.

"Crash" is now available on The Criterion Collection Blu-ray.