Hardware

The DVD has been a must release for a long time and fans can expect not to be disappointed with what’s been unearthed and released here. First of all, there is an enjoyable and detailed commentary from writer/director Richard Stanley and producer Paul Trybits, recorded exclusively this year. What may also be of interest to fans is the inclusion of two early Super 8 shorts, which Stanley made back in the early Eighties that could be considered forerunners to Hardware. The first, Rites Of Passage, shows an unnamed man, travelling across the land, whose journey somewhat echoes that of the Zone Tripper, whilst the second, Incidents In An Expanding Universe, tell of a post apocalyptic future, in which a soldier and his girlfriend dream of escaping the oppressive and radioactive city which they inhabit. Although both are of poor quality - a filmmaker’s attempt at finding his feet - they are intriguing in how they connect to the main feature.

In addition, there are a selection of deleted scenes of varying quality, which still make interesting viewing. It is a shame that there is no retrospective included, as interviews with cast and crew, as well as Behind The Scenes footage and anecdotes on the making of the film, would have been enjoyable.

Generally speaking, however, this is a good re-release, which will appeal to diehard fans, as well as pull in genre junkies, too.