Cast
View All
Crew
Director
- Ted Nicolaou
Writer
- Ted Nicolaou
Producer
- Debra Dion
- Albert Band
- Andrea Borella
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Science Fiction/Comedy film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. TerrorVision presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Ted Nicolaou brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of TerrorVision took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 109 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 170 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While TerrorVision shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Fly, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, TerrorVision offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Cabbage Soup and Species explore similar territory, TerrorVision stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 14, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Revenue: $320,256
