In 1981, producer Ivan Reitman (“Stripes,” “Ghostbusters”) had the notion to gather all sorts of animators, writers, and rock bands to create a film version of the cult comic fantasy magazine, “Heavy Metal.” Bored by the family traditions taken at the time in animation, the resulting film of the same name was proudly loud, vulgar, and all-around provocative in nature.

A collection of short stories connected by a mystery surrounding a glowing green orb called the Loc-Nar, “Heavy Metal” doesn’t make much sense. And I doubt it was ever meant to. It works more effectively as a feast for the senses, utilizing loud metal songs from the era’s hottest bands (along with Elmer Bernstein’s lush score) to back up the sequences, and filling these stories with heaps of nudity, sex, violence, and drugs. It’s basically an adolescent boy’s wet dream come to life, however, there is interesting animation (groundbreaking at the time) to look upon, debatable feminist leanings to discuss, and bizarre enough characters to laugh over that it make the film a compelling sit.

Over the years, the cult for “Heavy Metal” has grown, resulting in years of midnight movie screenings and a failed attempt at a sequel in 2000 that didn’t even come close in capturing the spirit of the first film. “Heavy Metal” is an acquired taste, but it is an original, thus deserving of at least one viewing for the uninitiated.

Sony, after releasing an extensive special edition of this film three years ago, has decided to return to the title, and add it to their prestigious “Superbit” dvd line of releases.

The Visual

Widescreen. Digitally mastered anamorphic video. 1.85:1 ratio.

The Audio

“Heavy Metal” is presented in English 5.1 (Dolby Digital) and DTS.

The Extras

In keeping with the Superbit motto of maximum audio and visual presentation only, no special features have been included on the disc. A better exploration of the film can be found on the previous DVD, which featured commentary tracks, a deleted scene, documentary, and entire rough-cut of the film. The new Superbit version is for hard-core audiophiles and presentation purists only.

The Film ---- 8/10

The DVD --- 6/10