MonsterMakeup

Monster Makeup hosted by Dick Smith (1989)

For those of you who don’t know who Dick Smith is (shame on you) he is considered one of the founders of modern makeup effects. So many of today’s “legends” got their start with him, including Rick Baker. The guy has had an incredible career so I was really interested in checking this DVD out.

Unfortunately this isn’t Smith speaking about his career, but is just the re-release of his how to video from 1989. After showing how to create several different types of fake teeth Smith then spends the remainder of the DVD (which clocks in at a slim 36 minutes) making up his next-door neighbor as a couple different versions of a vampire. I did find myself interested in his process and of course watching a legend work is always entertaining.

I do have a couple of complaints about the DVD release of this from SRS. First of all this again a re-release of an old VHS tape. As he works Smith repeatedly mentions checking the booklet that came with your tape for various recipes for the fake blood and the teeth he makes. The review copy of the DVD that I received didn’t come with a booklet and everywhere on the net that I’ve seen it advertised doesn’t mention one either. I can’t imagine why they would release this without the booklet, but if so that is a real bummer. Second while looking around on the internet I realized that this DVD retails for more than $20. I have a feeling unless you are trying to learn makeup effects this might be a bit steep for this DVD.

If you are a beginner interested in doing makeup effects then this is going to be a valuable resource and learning tool for you. I’m not terribly interested in it myself, but still found it interesting. But be aware that this is basic stuff that he is doing and not some advanced how to with latex appliances. Then again sometimes getting back to the basics is a good thing. Also as a film nerd that knows who Dick Smith is I had a blast watching him work. This DVD is released by SRS Cinema (http://srscinema.com/) and can be found for sale online.

2 ½ out of 4

reviewed by John Shatzer