PIG/1334 Blu-ray Review

PIG/1334 Blu-ray ReviewWatching as many films as I do, it’s often easy to forget just how affecting the medium of film can be. Sure, films can make you laugh and cry, but those are merely reactionary. Every once in a while, something comes along that makes you feel something; that affects you. With Cult Epics recent release of PIG/1334, I had just that.

First, here’s a little background on this pair of short films. Nico B., director of both films included here, was very close friends with musician Rozz Williams. Rozz was not only the founding member of the band Christian Death, but was also a figurehead of the goth punk music scene. He approached Nico about making a film that would address and “exorcise” some of aspects of Rozz’s darker subconscious. The film the pair set out to make would become PIG. It would end up being Rozz’s last artistic contribution, as he took his own life on April 1, 1998.


PIG is a film that revels in the subconscious with a deliberate punk aesthetic about it. Rozz’s vision of the film was to show the relationship between a killer and his victim; from the intimate to the violent and the often thin line between the two. There are moments of almost willing torture, which, as the film is often touted for, are completely real, making them all the more haunting. PIG’s story is told solely through its dreamlike, often harsh imagery. In fact, the film is completely absent of dialogue or sound effects. It is, however, accompanied by a droning soundtrack, created and performed by Rozz, that escalates in sound and tension as the acts on screen do the same, creating an almost claustrophobic atmosphere to the entire production.

1334 is somewhat of a sequel to PIG, as it begins with a recreation of Rozz’s suicide (here being portrayed by actor Bill Oberst Jr.) and then revolves around the haunting presence that continued on after Rozz’s suicide. That opening is incredibly strong and powerful, rivaling the entirety of PIG, along with an ending that recalls the artistic vision of the previous film and finds desolation and despair on a much larger scale. The middle section, however, is a bit hit or miss. Revolving around a man (Dante White Aliano) being haunted by the presence of his friend that has passed, the story is conveyed rather clearly, yet it lacks the punch and style of everything else.

Seeing the films and knowing the story behind them both, it’s immediately obvious that these were works that were close to Nico’s heart. With PIG, he was able to unburden Rozz, a very close friend, of some of the demons inside of himself. Although those demons would end up taking Rozz, Nico, with 1334, was able to explore an aspect of his friend that lingered on long after his time on Earth.

High-Def Presentation

Both films are presented in black and white and have very short running times (PIG at 23 minutes while 1334 clocks in right at around 17 minutes). The video aspect of both films is a bit of a mixed bag, but one that services the source material as best it can. The disc does feature a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encode, which provides both films with transfers that are about as good as they are ever going to look. Both films are comprised of 8mm and 16mm film and play in their 1:33:1 ratio. Both films have quite a bit of grain here and there, which for the most part comes off as natural and adds to the overall experience. 1334 is rather detailed throughout most of its proceedings, despite one outdoors scene that is just filled with noise all over the entire picture. By no means reference quality, though it was never meant to be.

The sound, on the other hand, is truly a high point of the release. With both films being predominately silent, save for the scores, the music really gets to shine and drive the narrative. Featuring Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround mixes for both films, this is assuredly the best these films have ever sounded. Rozz’s score for PIG ranges from ambient to borderline Industrial metal and commands the listener’s attention. Some may say it’s even a bit overbearing, but that feels like the natural intent with the film and made my overall experience with it all the more enjoyable and affecting. Both tracks take advantage of the entire sound spectrum and will surely impress and possibly intimidate.

Beyond the Feature

Sadly, PIG/1334 does not have any on disc special features, which is even more of a bummer knowing that the original DVD release had quite a bit of features included. Cult Epics did, thankfully, include a rather incredible booklet that not only provides copies of the working scripts for both films, but also features background info from Nico himself on the creative process behind each film. This works as a sort of text commentary for the films and while it’d be nice to have any of the previously available materials to go along with the films, it does feel like Nico’s intention was for the films to stand alone and speak for themselves.

It’s amazing how much emotion and story is packed into these two brief bursts of creativity. While this release of PIG/1334 is definitely not for everyone, it is a wonderful reminder of how powerful and artistic film can be. Many people find beauty in the darkest places, and this release is assuredly for those with that mindset. With a mostly good video transfer coupled with an incredible audio mix, this is by far the best these films will ever look and sound. The lack of special features is definitely a bummer, especially with how short the two films are and knowing that there are special features out there somewhere. At least there is the impressive booklet that makes up a little bit for this shortcoming. As I said, this film is assuredly not for everyone, but those looking for a film that pushes their limits and preconceived notions of what film can be are highly suggested to give this a chance.

Shop for PIG/1334 on Blu-ray and DVD combo at Amazon.com (January 29, 2013 release date).

PIG/1334 Blu-ray Review

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