Watch Forbidden Zone: Special Edition

Forbidden Zone: Special Edition is a cult classic film directed by Richard Elfman and released in 1980. It's a surreal musical that tells the story of the Hercules family, a dysfunctional group living in the ghetto of California. One day, a mysterious door appears in their basement, which leads to the sixth dimension, a bizarre and dangerous world inhabited by strange beings and ruled by a demonic king.

Marie-Pascale Elfman stars as Susan, a naive and curious girl who discovers the door to the Forbidden Zone and enters this strange world. Herve Villechaize, known for his role as Tattoo in the TV series Fantasy Island, plays King Fausto, the evil ruler of the sixth dimension.

The film's plot is non-linear and disjointed. It consists of a series of bizarre and often grotesque sketches that mix elements of science fiction, surrealism, and vaudeville. The film's humor is dark, absurd, and often surreal, making it a challenging and polarizing viewing experience.

One notable aspect of Forbidden Zone: Special Edition is the extensive use of music and dance. The film features a soundtrack by Danny Elfman, who later became famous as the lead singer of the band Oingo Boingo and for his work as a composer for Tim Burton's films. The songs in Forbidden Zone: Special Edition are eclectic and range from jazz to rock to swing. The dance sequences are also varied and include tap, ballet, and even exotic belly dancing.

Another striking feature of the movie is the visual style. The film employs a mix of live-action, animation, and stop-motion animation to create an otherworldly and surreal atmosphere. The black and white cinematography gives the film a retro and vintage feel, reminiscent of old Hollywood films and cartoons.

Forbidden Zone: Special Edition garnered a small but passionate following and has gained recognition as a cult classic over the years. The film has been praised for its originality, creativity, and irreverence but also criticized for its offensiveness and poor taste. The movie is definitely not for everyone, and its strange and controversial nature may alienate some viewers.

The Special Edition of Forbidden Zone includes several new features, such as a new color version of the film, audio commentary by the director and actors, interviews with the cast and crew, and a documentary about the making of the film. These extras provide valuable insights into the creative process behind the movie and shed some light on its bizarre and convoluted plot.

In summary, Forbidden Zone: Special Edition is a unique and challenging film that defies categorization. It's a surreal musical that blends science fiction, vaudeville, and a touch of horror. The movie features an infectiously catchy soundtrack by Danny Elfman, and it's a visual feast that mixes live-action and animation in a stunning and bizarre way. The film has divided audiences and critics but has gained a devoted following among those who appreciate its artistic vision and offbeat humor.

Forbidden Zone: Special Edition is a 2015 musical with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes.