Anatomy (Special Edition)

Because this is a German film, the DVD offers viewers the option of watching the film in the original language (with subtitles) as well as in dubbed over English and French. Having watched the film both ways, I can easily suggest that it's a far superior experience if you watch it with subtitles as the translation isn't precise in some areas. The DVD also includes your standard fare of extras -- nothing too exciting to write home about, though.

QUICK TAKE: $$$ Average price
. Compared to new releases ... it may seem a little steep. But considering that it is a movie less than five years old, imported from Germany, and that it includes a bevy of extras, the price is pretty fair.

VERDICT: **** For fans only!
Sometimes when people hear "foreign movie" they either make the assumption it's going to be better or far worse than their American counterparts. I'm happy to say that this movie falls into the former category. Anatomy is not going to rival American classics like Psycho, but for uber-fans of Potente and Furmann, Anatomy does offer a nice alternative to purchasing Scream or I Know What You Did Last Summer to round out your dvd collection with a little cheesy horror.

Paula Henning (Franka Potente) is a gifted medical student, who is accepted into a prestigious anatomy program. Very few students get this far and it seems like a dream come true. Paula plans to make the most of her oportunity and is eager to stand out. But her ideal school days soon turn into a nightmare when she uncovers the horrifying activities of an ancient secret society, whose members perform grisly experiments on human subjects, while they are still alive.

Written and directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky, Anatomy borrows elements from some recent American horror films (or is it the other way around) to tell its gruesome tale. Its cast is populated mostly with young fresh faced actors that look good on camera. Potente doesn't let the typical conventions of the story get in the way of another fine performance, equaling that of her turn in Run Lola, Run. Ruzowitzky makes sure to have just enough excitement and gore to make forget about any story issues.

Most of the main DVD extras are presented in German with English subtitles but don't let that prevent you from taking a look at them. The audio commentary by director Ruzowitzky, showcases a filmmaker with a real zest for the process itself. Its obvious that he believes in his film very much--and isn't shy about it. There are 2 featurettes. A standard "making of" piece and a far more interesting look at the make up effects. There's also a few storyboard comparisons, and 2 deleted scenes, with commentary from the director, to study as well. A music video entitled "My Truth" by Anna Loos, who also appears as "Gretchen" in the film, tops off the video/audio extras. Rounding out the other stuff are the usual TV spots/theatrical trailers, talent files, and a seies of production photos.

Anatomy is not a bad little thriller from Germany, that deserves a look, since it got very little play in the states and despite a few story hurdles. *** and a half stars