Bringing a visceral edge back to American horror, "The Collector" is a film inspired by the uncompromising early works of such masters of horror as Dario Argento, John Carpenter and Tobe Hooper.

"Saw IV"-VI and Feast trilogy writers Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan co-wrote the film, with Dunstan stepping behind the camera to make his directorial debut. They were at Comic-Con International in San Diego to promote the films July 31 theatrical release and set down Saturday with RabidDoll.com's Bryant Griffin to discuss the project.

Their primary goal was to make a hardcore horror film that pulled no punches, and as a result, responded to the successes enjoyed by French filmmakers in the genre who gained the high ground in the view of many fans for such unnerving hits as "Haute Tension," "Martyrs" and "Inside." Melton said it's time to "take back the baton from the French."

"It is not a sequel, not a remake, it is just an America horror film that is brutal," Dunstan said.

"This one we wrote it, we shot it and edited it exactly how we wanted it," Melton explained. "So when we finally saw the print, it was exactly as how I intended the movie to be and it has an intensity we've always wanted. And it came together wonderfully."

"The Collector" marks the duo's first project where they achieved complete creative control and with it the ultimate responsibility for its success or failure. It tells the story of an ex-con who plans a burglary at his employer's country estate, unaware that a serial killer has also targeted the residence and planted a series of deadly traps.

Originally conceived as a prequel to the Saw franchise and developed prior to Dunstan and Melton writing their Project Greenlight film "Feast," "The Collector" was sold as a pitch to Fortress Features and subsequently cut as a $5,000 trailer that caught the eye of Dimension Films. With Dimension providing a $3 million budget, the film was born and shot in 19 days in Louisiana.

But Dimension was preoccupied with releasing such films as "Friday the 13th," "Inglourious Basterds" and "Halloween II," leaving no room to address budget shortfalls with "The Collector." Facing delays, Dunstan and Melton finalized the remaining required pick-up shots with their own money.

Producer Mickey Liddell, who directed "The Haunting of Molly Hartley," stepped in to snag the U.S. theatrical rights, providing the last key to get the project to theaters.

Bearing an unflinching vision, the film's expected battles with the MPAA were a concern that failed to materialize. Dunstan sees no need for a director's cut for the DVD release. The theatrical cut is the final cut in his view, especially since the footage he did axe to gain an R rating was insignificant.

Besides, Melton insists audiences will get more than enough nail-biting carnage to settle their appetites.

"It's a very intense movie," he warned. "By the end of it you will be exhausted and might want to take a shower. ... If you like horror that is a hard R, this is the movie for you."

Melton also encourages audiences to stay for an Easter egg scene during the end credits.

The film stars Daniella Alonso ("Wrong Turn 2," "The Hills Have Eyes II"), Josh Stewart, Michael Reilly Burke ("Ted Bundy"), Andrea Roth, Madeline Zima, Karley Scott Collins, Robert Wisdom and Juan Fernandez.

Check out "The Collector's" blood-band trailer below.