Of all Horror cinema iterations, perhaps the most controversial is the cannibal-themed sub-genre that emerged during the 1970s. Certainly not for everyone, these films are primarily centered around stories set deep in far-off jungles, centered around cannibalistic native tribes. Full of raw, shocking footage, one of the most talked about all-time emerged in 1980 with Ruggero Deodato’s Cannibal Holocaust. A film that even found Deodato in legal trouble because authorities believed some of the effects captured on film were authentic, there is no denying the impact of Cannibal Holocaust across the globe.
Perhaps the peak of the Cannibal Horror film style, made famous in the Italian region, many preceded Cannibal Holocaust, including Joe D’Amato’s Emanuelle and the Last Cannibals and Ruggero Deodato’s Jungle Holocaust from 1977, as well as Sergio Martino’s 1978 film, Slave of the Cannibal God. However, the godfather of it all is arguably Umberto Lenzi, when he put out Man from the Deep River in 1972. Known for his work in various genres, in Horror, Lenzi made an impression particularly with Giallo films such as Seven Blood-Stained Orchids, also from 1972. With that in mind, his work with Man from the Deep River pioneered a new movement in Italian Horror cinema, and rightfully, he returned to the scene eight years later with a new entry called Eaten Alive!.
Hitting theaters in Italy a little more than a month after Cannibal Holocaust premiered (even though it was filmed before it), Lenzi’s Eaten Alive! (Mangiati vivi!) had all the signature aspects of a Cannibal Horror film. Written and directed by Lenzi, production was handled by the famed Luciano Martino (who worked on everything from 1971’s The Case of the Scorpion’s Tail to 1972’s The Case of the Bloody Iris), while featuring a cast of familiar faces such as Robert Kerman (who was also in Cannibal Holocaust), Janet Ågren (who starred in films like 1980’s City of the Living Dead), Ivan Rassimov (who was in Man from the Deep River), along with Me Me Lay (who was in a list of cannibal films from Man from Deep River to Last Cannibal World from 1977).
These pieces in place, the film also featured a balance of interesting settings, ranging from Manhattan in New York City and Niagara Falls to untamed, authentic jungles, which were purported to be in New Guinea but were filmed in Sri Lanka. Giving you a very real feeling, Eaten Alive! had something more to it than other films of its ilk did, a different story type. Feeling more like an Action-Adventure, in Eaten Alive! you also have the element of a corrupt cult led by Jonas (Ivan Rassimov). Seeking asylum in the jungle for what he calls ‘purification,’ he has brainwashed a group of people into following him, only to take full advantage of each of them.
Hunted down by a very capable Vietnam Vet named Mark (Robert Kerman), who is hired by Shelia (Janet Ågren) to help locate her sister Diana (Paola Senatore), who is suspected to have been taken into Jonas’ cult, what they find amidst the jungle is horror and carnage beyond their wildest nightmares. Leaving you with a feeling of isolation and with little hope of returning to civilization, Eaven Alive! is debatably one of the most well-written, filmed, and produced Cannibal films of the era.
While some may not share this opinion, labeling the film as disgusting, ridiculous, or offensive, more objective viewers will find more to appreciate in this high-paced adventure. Yes, there your standard gruesome imagery that may have some turning away, but it should be noted a lot of those scenes that make your stomach turn were not reshot, but were in fact recycled footage from other Cannibal films that came before.
Nonetheless, no one can expect any mainstream movie viewer or critic to praise a film like Eaten Alive!, but fans of the genre believe it is one of Lenzi’s best offerings to Cannibal Horror. That is why it is exciting for this niche audience to learn that on June 24, 2025, Severin Films will put out Eaten Alive! in 4K Ultra HD. A significant upgrade from prior DVD and Blu-ray releases, this new release from Severin Films offers a superior, clarified 4K transfer from the CRI (Color Rendering Index) that is like never before.
Available as a two-disc feature with an exclusive slipcover and booklet, plus over 4 hours of special features. Breaking it down, disc one features the film in 4K Ultra HD, along with audio commentary. Meanwhile, disc two is a Blu-ray disc that includes the film, as well as a collection of interviews and alternative footage. A wealth of content for fans to nosh on (no pun intended), for many, the thoughtful and informative booklet written by Claire Donner is a significant bonus worth reading.
Overall, Eaten Alive! has received its ultimate edition for collectors with Severin Film’s new 4K Ultra release. That is why Cryptic Rock gives it 5 out of 5 stars.
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