Filmmaker Tom Berna may have only directed one feature film, and it’s one that absolutely stands out, not just for its subject matter, but also for its ambition. Shooting on Super 8 film would always present challenges for those who chose to work with it. If they were able to overcome those challenges, then there was a pretty good chance they were on to something special.
1995’s Colony Mutation is a body horror film that Berna wrote, produced, and directed. It’s an ambitious movie that revels in the road paved by the legendary auteur David Cronenberg. Of course, Visual Vengeance would be the label crazy enough to bring this one back to life.
When geneticist Meredith Weaver (Anna Dizzo) discovers her husband Jim’s (David Rommel) affair, she retaliates with a dose of her own experimental serum, one that doesn’t just punish, but transforms. His body begins to betray him in grotesque fashion; his limbs separate and take on monstrous lives of their own, each driven by a ravenous hunger for human flesh. What follows is a descent into full-blown body horror, as he prowls the streets in search of victims, no longer a man but a collection of writhing, uncontrollable appetites unleashed.
Colony Mutation wasn’t heavily seen during its initial release. With the 2K transfer that was restored from the original Super 8 elements, you’ll see the film in an entirely different light. I remember seeing other Super 8 movies from the same time period, or earlier, that looked far darker than they should have, making it difficult to see or know what was going on.
Related: ‘Nothing Tastes as Good’ Book Review: Putting the Body in Body Horror
I’d never seen this before, and this may have been an issue initially, but the Blu-ray transfer gives this film new life. The stop-motion effects are finally given the opportunity to shine with this restoration. The film itself feels like a tribute to Cronenberg, but it’s different enough to be its own monster.
Visual Vengeance gives this film a premium release with two commentary tracks, new interviews with director Tom Berna, star David Rommel, and composer Patrick Nettesheim, an archival public access interview with Berna, two alternate versions of the film, the complete original script, image gallery, multiple trailers, booklet, stickers, reversible artwork, and much more.
I know I talk a lot about ambitious micro-budgeted movies, but Colony Mutation goes the extra mile to deliver a truly unique, body horror experience. It’s a shame that Berna never directed anything else; he had a unique style that could have blossomed over time (and with larger budgets).
We’re hardworking geeks who love to geek out, but we can’t do it without you! If you enjoyed this article and want to see more like it, please consider tipping our writers. Also, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
