Robert Kurtzman, the Max Factor of gore, who has lately turned from special effects makeup to directing (Wishmaster, Buried Alive), is set to release The Rage direct-to-DVD on February 26th.  Kurtzman co-created the comic book series, Beneath the Valley of the Rage, which laid the groundwork for this tale of a mad scientist who unleashes a 'rage' virus on an unsuspecting world.  The ill-fated Fangoria Comics actually published three issues of Beneath the Valley of the Rage before going out business, but Kurtzman has managed to take his gore-filled splatter-fest from the comics direct to DVD.

Kurtzman shot The Rage on hi-def video, which allows filmmakers to create special effects at far less expense than shooting on conventional 35mm film.  The director also managed to secure the services of a decent cast headed by Andrew Divoff (Lost), who plays Dr. Victor Vasilienko, the crazed researcher who wants to transform all of mankind into raging monstrous mutants.