The Rocky Horror Picture Show / Shock Treatment (Lip Box) (DVD)

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Liked it
Characters / Performances	Good
Soundtrack	Outstanding
How does it compare to similar films?	Not applicable

Advantages:	more Rocky .  .  .  . and Shock Treatment
Disadvantages:	you may not like Shock Treatment

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Having previously reviewed the Rocky Horror Show I wont be reviewing it here as well but if you want to read it the link is here
http://dvd.ciao.co.uk/The_Rocky_Horror_Picture_Show_Special_Edition_Two_Discs_Senitype_Cards_Stills_And_Booklet__Review_5654477
Shock Treatment is the little known sequel to RHS, made in 1981 it is rated PG in this box set.

The box set itself was created to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Rocky Horror Show. Packaged in a large pair of lips, the Iconic symbol from Rocky you will recieve two DVD's Rocky (the two disc special edition) and Shock Treatment, The Rocky Horror Show Comic Book, 3 random pictures from Rocky Horror, The Offical Audience Participation Guide from Rocky and the Shock Treatment soundtrack CD.

The plot of Shock Treatment is that Brad and Janets marriage is in trouble and they are appearing on a TV show. As a result of the show Brad is sent to a mental hospital, and imprisoned in a circular cell. But as you the viewer will soon discover it isnt just a hospital it is also a TV soap style reality show 'DentonVale'.

But this isnt so unsual as Brad and Janets Hometown of Denton has become one huge TV show, with the residents either participating or watching!

As Janet gets sucked in to the world of TV and stardom Bettie and Judge Wright are mounting a resuce attempt for her and Brad who is still locked up.

Of course all is not as it seems, the channel which broadcasts Dentons TV shows is run by Farley Flavors and what is his secret connected to Brad?

I wont even attempt to compare the two films since they are vastly different. But as with Rocky the songs and music are memorable and visually it is like Rocky 'different' but is much brighter than Rocky. But there are similarities in the heavy make up and that on many occasionas I was unsure as to whether an extra was male or female.

Some familiar characters appear Bettie and Ralph Hapschatt, obviously Brad and Janet themselves, as well as some familiar faces in new roles, Patricia Quinn, Richard O'Brien, Charles Grey and Nell Campbell. Also actors you may or may not recognise Ruby Wax, Barry Humphries, and Rik Mayall to name a few.

I will freely admit that after reading reviews of the film I was unsure as to if I would enjoy it or not, but having now watched it I would say that while it doesnt even compare to Rocky because of its totally different styling it is a good film in its own right. I would recommend watching it not only to Rocky fans but to anyone (though Rocky fans should be aware that it isnt a 'sequel' so much as a separate entity using the same lead characters). It is prehaps best summed up as a satire of our love of the TV and reality shows made before such shows were as popular as they are today and as such prehaps has a new market which back in 1981 it didnt have?

The film is 88 minutes long, and the DVD includes no special features just the Theatrical Trailer most likely due to the film being an almost total flop (it is only avaliable in the UK as part of this set or a twin pack with Rocky).

The DVD cover for Shock Treatment looks quite cheap, the print quality looks like something you might print on an average home printer from the front yet the back is clearly a high quality print so this effect must be intentional. And is repeated on the CD cover.

The other items in the set are the Comic Book. Drawn in typical Comic style is really captures the essence of Rocky and reading it I am singing along in my head as the speech bubbles contain the lyrics from the film.

The Official Participation Guide is quite a dull book to read through, containing the instructions (or really suggestions) for what to throw and where throughout the film, as well as lines to shout back at the screen.

The soundtrack of Shock Treatment includes the same songs as appear in the film and has good sound quality. I have just copied it to my mp3 player to listen to properly at work tonight but after an initial listen I particularly like the songs Bitchin in the Kitchen and Little Black Dress.

As I already owned the Rocky Horror special Edition I put off buying this box set, which is something I actually regret now, I thoroughly enjoyed Shock Treatment and the Rocky goodies included make this set well worth the £23 I paid for it from Amazon. As this is a limited edition set (there were only 10,000 made) each one is individually numbered (mine is 8787), though I was slightly dissapointed that the box is red plastic as opposed to metal, though it doesnt feel at all weak it may not stand up to too much wear and tear.