The first of a handful of horror flicks from First Look based on actual serial killers this one focussing on odd Wisconsin farmer Ed Gein (played perfectly by Steve Railsback - who gives the character a kind of hokey "Southern" charm with a touch of underlying darkness) who in the 40's and 50's proceeded to kidnap, murder and eventually cannibalize multiple people while being obsessed with transexuality (he dresses in female victims skin), Nazi-ism and making crude "art" out of body parts.

More case study than outright exploitation gore flick this effort from director Chuck Parello (who helmed the second Henry:Portrait Of A Serial Killer movie) and writer Stephen Johnston holds your interest well, has decent production values and actually paints a good portrait of the title man (who was a slight, God fearing eccentric who had a bible thumping mother and social disorders).

Fairly quiet on the horror elements but subtley appropriate with steady direction and some really surreal visions of Gein's dead mother (played well by Carrie Snodgress).

Gein is considered one of the first "serial killers" and was the inspiration for such films as Psycho, Deranged and Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Directed By: Chuck Parello.
Written By: Stephen Johnston.

Starring: Steve Railsback, Carrie Snodgress, Carol Mansell, Sally Champlin.

Picture Ratio: Full Frame.

Picture Quality: There's a few specks of grains scattered throughout but it's still a clear transfer.

Extras: Just a well done trailer.