DVD review: Beyond the Limits (2003)

Vivian (Kimberly Liebe), a young newspaper journalist interviews Frederick (Christopher Kriesa), the eerie undertaker of a small Californian town. During the interview, he reveals a dark secret surrounding his cemetery and tells her the story of two people who were buried there. Frederick's first story is about a powerful L.A. mobster who invites his friends to a dinner that - with the arrival of a mysterious suitcase - spins totally out of control. His second story takes place in medieval Europe, where a sadistic inquisitor searches for an ancient evil relic that will grant him eternal life and ultimate power. Both stories lead to Frederick and his very strange obsession. That's when Vivian realises that the evil of the past is still alive... Beyond the Limits is written by Thomas Reitmair and Olaf Ittenbach who also is the director. The acting ranges from okay to pretty mediocre. The cinematography and production values are good, it´s professionally shot and edited and the second story in this anthology-style movie (which takes place during medieval Europe) might just be one of Olaf Ittenbach´s most ambitious project so far. Beyond the Limits is very violent and very gory. The carnage and the ample amounts of sadism is obviously the highpoint of this movie and it´s glorious. The make-up fx and creature design by Olaf Ittenbach and his team are for the most part very good and as far as I know it´s all practical fx. In the T & A department there is some very brief glimpses of topless nudity, a soft sex-scene and a pretty soft rape-scene.
This review is based upon the region 2 DVD release from Njuta Films.
Rating: 6 out of 7. I enjoyed this, Beyond the Limits is much better than Legion of the Dead that I reviewed a short time ago. My favorite is the second story even though I have serious doubts regarding the hero prowess in martial arts, come on it takes place during medieval times. Recommended to gorehounds and fans of Olaf Ittenbach, you´ll get what you´re expecting.

/JL