In 1986 The Fly changed horror and sci-fi. The film is widely considered to be one of the best horror films made, certainly the best of the 80's. This was before we really knew Jeff Goldblum was Jeff Goldblum. This was a time where Geena Davis had really frizzy hair. Admirably poofy. Computers were new and magical and without Windows XP. It was a golden era.
The plot of The Fly, for those living in a media free shelter the past 20 years, has Jeff Goldblum playing a scientist named Seth Brundle. Brundle has invented a method for teleportation and shows it to a go getter reporter played by Geena Davis as Veronica Quaife. Veronica also has a semi psychotic ex boyfriend named Stathis Borans (played by John Getz) who also happens to be her editor. Veronica's initial reluctance to believe is soon trumped by the awesomeness of the Brundle accomplishment. The only rub is Brundle is having issues teleporting living things. He butchers a primate or two and then gets down to the business of teleporting himself. This is where things go terribly wrong. If you've never seen it then check out the title again. You'll probably get the idea with a little imagination.
The Fly is quite dated here in 2005. While it is folly to judge it through today's lens I don't have much else to judge it with so here goes nothing. The relationships are really forced between all three main characters. Brundle and Veronica pretty much meet and then are best pals. The story itself is fairly straightforward with decent 1986 effects. On a more positive note there is some real terror and suspense to the plot once it gets rolling.
This version of The Fly comes in a two disc set, an audio commentary by director David Cronenberg on the first disc is the only special feature on it however the second disc has more to offer. The best feature is without question the new documentary in three stages. If you've never learned about The Fly there are great stories to be had regarding how Cronenberg came to be involved with the project at all after being initially linked to Total Recall, which was ultimately directed by Paul Verhoeven.
Another interesting feature is original screenplay (by Charles Pogue) versus Cronenberg's re-write. This is quite a re-write and you'll have a hard time figuring out what the heck he left in. The original trailers all have awesome cheesy music and are worth a look.
The second disc also has some clunkers. Most of the deleted scenes (with the exception of "Butterfly Baby") are highly un-entertaining or non-existent. Why non-existent? In some cases only script notes remain and the original film print is long gone. This was back in an age where they could conceive of a man becoming a fly but not of DVD and lavish two disc sets. Reading about scenes is not quite the same.
This version of The Fly is a must own if you are a big fan of horror. If you are fan of The Fly I'm guessing you already have a copy but the documentaries on the second disc are worth at least a rental. For all non-Fly fans I don't think I can command you to rush out and purchase this. It was an amazing film for the time but its time has passed.