DVD REVIEW

Cannibal! The Musical

Starring: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Dian Bachar
Director: Trey Parker

Rating: R

Studio: Troma Team Video/Screen Edge

Review Posted: 7.19.01

DVD Rating: 9/10

By Dan Scully

Long before South Park, long before That's My Bush and Baseketball, and long before the cult favorite Orgazmo, was the definitive "Little film that could." That film was Trey Parker's Cannibal! The Musical.

During college, Trey Parker created a pseudo-trailer for 'Alferd Packer: The Musical.' Alferd Packer is the only man ever convicted of cannibalism and also doubles as the bogeyman of Colorado (Eat your veggies or Alferd Packer will eat you MWAHAHAHAHA).

This trailer became a favorite among... uh Colorado-ans everywhere, thus inspiring Trey Parker to do a full length feature film.

Parker spent most of his time writing and composing for the film, which got him in lot's of trouble at school. Soon enough, Spring Break arrived, and a rigid shooting schedule began.

Fast forward a few months to find the completed film a local hit. Only one problem, no companies wanted to release the film. That is until Lloyd Kaufman's "Troma Team" came along. Troma is known for creating excessively odd and violent cinema and putting them on totally loaded DVD's.

The soon retitled 'Cannibal! The Musical' begins as a convicted Alferd Packer (Trey Parker, credited as Juan Schwartz) begins to tell his story of a doomed group of coal miners looking for gold. The story progresses as a forbidden love develops. Hilarious songs, situations, and violence ensues as the reels roll.

For any fan of Trey Parker's work, this flick is a classic. For anyone else, it is worth your time and it may surprise you.  With a kick- ass cast including Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Dian Bachar (Choda Boy, Squeak, and check out his online show 'Captain Jackson' at bongcaster.com), you can't go wrong. The laughs will come... but only if you 'get it.'

For Trey's Fans (rock on!): 8 out of 10
For everyone else: 6 out of 10

Good transfer, considering it was shot on the budget of a college flick. But once again, nothing revolutionary. Also, the awesome menus score hits a bonus point.

7 out of 10

Good sound for what it's worth, but nothing extraordinary.

6 out of 10

The Audio Commentary

The best commentary track ever. It is hilarious since each member of the commentary team is naturally funny. And drunk. Don't forget drunk.
10/10

Behind the scenes footage/interviews with cast Funny funny funny! Plus, it's a very informative look into the history of the film as well as into the lives of the twisted cast and crew.
10/10

The original 'Alferd Packer' trailer
Awesomely genius. It shows where it all started. I know I sound biased, but once again...!!!

10/10

Cannibal! The Musical live on stage!!!!!!!!

Very cool and funny, but it feels like something is missing. It does, however, adequately represent the huge cult following of the film.
6/10

Tons of awesome Troma extras
So much! Literally, hundreds of extras including Trey and Matt's hermaphrodite PSA from the Troma movie called 'Terror Firmer'.
9/10

OVERALL Extras Rating: 8 out of 10

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