Satsujin Douga Site (AKA Death Tube: Broadcast Murder Show)

So what if Saw was funny, well maybe it already is, I've only seen the first one so maybe it gets really funny after that.

So I first heard about Death Tube at university when a friend was showing the trailer to everyone, I think it was the name that drew people in, and its stylised logo designed to resemble the YouTube one. If the title and logo didn't let you know what you were in for than the trailer certainly does, a bloody horror comedy on a shoe string budget.

So the plot goes like this, a video streaming website called Death Tube is quickly gaining infamy as it shows live videos of people been forced to partake in challenges, challenges that if they fail, they die. Viewers can comment on the videos which the victims can see but often they aren’t helpful as most believe the videos are fake. We follow eight players as they must work together to compete in these games in the hopes that they will survive. Though as you may guess their number quickly diminishes.

What sets this film aside from Saw and other similar themed films is that this one in no way takes itself seriously, the games are more like children’s party games and on top of that the rules are given to them by people in teddy bear costumes. Heck the pun name should have given away that this film is not one to watch expecting serious horror.

There is a lot of classic music sprinkled through out the film and to good effect, adding to the strange tone of the film. There is a great moment that the Dies Irae from Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem is used, a pice of music many will remember been used as the overture in Battle Royale (2000), the scene game me some strong déjà vu of Battle Royale and if you watch both films you'll understand exactly what I mean.

The film swings between its more serious moments and the goofy ones with ease and very frequently, it's hard not to get sucked into its strange little world. If you can get your hands on a copy give it a try but I'll admit it's not for everyone, the quick changes from serious to silly may not sit well with some people, but personally I really enjoyed this film.

There is also a Death Tube 2 out there but I haven't had the chance to see it yeah, but I'll be tracking down a DVD soon.

Just remember, if you do choose to watch it... Death Tubes contestants are picked from the viewers!