It was at the excellent 'Dead by Dawn' Festival a few years back that I discovered the delight that is Frazer Lee's short film shocker 'On Edge'. Sitting down with a packed festival crowd, no one would have imagined the joyous terror that was about to unfold, now 'On Edge' has been made available for all to enjoy on DVDR format, but this release presents a lot more than just this dental shocker�
Based on the short story by Christopher Fowler, 'On Edge' opens with restless irate chap Thurlow who is desperate for some dental treatment but is finding he will have to wait to be seen - a prospect he is less than keen on (well who does like hanging around in dentist waiting rooms?) His impatience having reached its peak he wanders off around the surgery looking to jump ahead of the queue and get some swift treatment from an available dentist. And he does indeed find a helpful dental connoisseur in the form of Doctor Matthews, played by the ever-impressive Pinhead himself Doug Bradley. But poor Thurlow is about to get the four star treatment from the good doctor and eventually a lot more than he (or anyone watching) ever could have dreamed of!
'On Edge' is quite simply twisted, sick and downright hilarious, a cracker of a horror treat that will have dental paranoiacs screaming in terror as they grab their mouths in disbelief. A fantastic piece of horror viewing that only falls foul of the fact that just as you've settled into the fun the closing titles kick in. That said, for its brief duration you're treated to a compact well-produced ensemble piece. Frazer Lee's direction is faultless throughout and is spot on for the gut grabbing finale, Doug Bradley once again proves he is an actor of some distinction outside of the Pinhead hellraising make ups and the make up effects by the legendary Bob Keen of Image Imagination are perfect at helping delivering the films gory shock moments.
Ideally it would have been lovely to see the film expanded story wise to expand on what potentially could have been delivered but then again what you do get is a short sharp shock of visceral horror fun and who doesn't welcome that prospect?
Best of all though is that 'On Edge' has now been unleashed for the home market via this special edition DVD and to ease the thought of parting with your hard earned for a short movie the team at production house Robber Baron have filled things out with several cool bonus extras. As well as the film itself presented in its original 2.35:1 theatrical ratio there's a nice interview segment with director Lee which was originally broadcast on the 'Sci-Fi Channel' (US) some time back in which Lee merrily discusses his project with rightful pride. And rounding things off is some excellent out-take footage that is both hilarious and gory to boot - nice stuff!
But wait, not enough for you? Well, you really do get your value for money with this sweet indie release as this special edition DVD release also includes Frazer Lee's later short shocker 'Red Lines', where we meet schoolgirl Emily who having been running down the corridors yet again is being sent to detention with the silent but threatening teacher (yes you guessed it) Doug Bradley. Left to get on with writing her lines the atmosphere in the empty classroom swiftly gets very eerie indeed, more so when the ghostly apparition of a dead schoolgirl appears pointing ominously as the teachers desk. Will Emily do the right thing by simply getting the hell out if there (my own preferred option, but no doubt screaming my head off at the same time) or will her curiosity win over and send her inquisitively to seeing what is going on? Well we all know that old phrase 'curiosity killed the cat', well in true genre stylee Emily is no doubt destined to fall foul of just that. Albeit a very short feature, 'Red Lines' is again (like 'On Edge' before it) a very impressive mini shocker by the very talented writer/director Frazer Lee, stylishly directed and amazingly for its short running time does indeed capture the sense of tension throughout. If anything, the only complaint that could be leveled at 'Red Lines' is that just as you're settling into the fearful ambience the film comes to a close, but for a micro budget short filmed so quickly you cant fail but be impressed.
The 'Red Lines' section of this DVD release also includes its own very welcome special features. Perhaps best of all for the legions of Doug Bradley fans out there, there is a lengthy extensive interview with the man himself. This is fascinating viewing as Bradley not only discusses his relationship with filmmaker Lee but goes onto discuss in length his career in general as well as his thoughts on the horror genre. Simply splendid viewing and essential stuff for any Bradley fan. Rounding things off in the 'Red Lines' section is another selection of brief 'out-takes', these are not as gratifying as the 'On Edge' out-takes but still some fun (even if just for the Bradley 'short back and sides' snip snip gag!)
This special edition double bill DVD package represents not only great value for genre fans (especially so those like myself who admire the work of Doug Bradley) but also acts as an excellent calling card for upcoming director Frazer Lee. Like many British filmmakers Lee is a very talented filmmaker but as is frustratingly often the case here in the UK is caught up in the disinterest of financiers and big money production houses that just doesn't seem to have the inclination to support upcoming unknown talent. I have absolutely no doubt that Lee has the potential to make 'the great British horror movie' but unless the industry wises up and offers some support guys like this could potentially end up window cleaning and their talents going to waste. Until things change at least you have the opportunity to check out some fresh blood on the filmmaking scene with this excellent special edition DVD package. Waste no time, go check this out!
For ordering details visit Doug Bradley's official site by clicking here .
Review by Alan Simpson