The Curious Dr. Humpp Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Curious Dr. Humpp," brought to us by AGFA and Something Weird, is delivered with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a traditional 1.38:1 aspect ratio. The clarity of the restoration process is a focal point, with the back cover mentioning a 2K restoration from the 35mm internegative for the English version, and similar treatment for the original Spanish cut, "La Venganza del Sexo," from a 35mm fine grain print. The distinction between the sources for the English and Spanish versions adds a layer of intrigue, especially when considering Frank Henenlotter's commentary that suggests the American version was derived from the original camera negative. This release marks a significant effort by AGFA to present one of their most visually pleasing offerings to date.

The video quality is commendable, providing viewers with a mostly pristine viewing experience that retains a natural, filmic look. Despite its age, the transfer showcases impressive contrast levels and detail, bringing out the nuances of this obscure cinematic piece. While there are minor imperfections such as blanching on the frame's right side during opening credits and occasional scratches, these do not detract from the overall enjoyment. The effort to maintain authenticity and integrity in the visual presentation is evident, making it a noteworthy release for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The technical execution of merging footage from potentially varying sources for the two language versions is handled with care, ensuring no significant discrepancies in visual quality. This consistency is admirable and speaks to the meticulous restoration process. Viewers will appreciate the solid and organic appearance across both versions, affirming AGFA's commitment to preserving and celebrating niche film history through high-quality releases.

The audio presentation of "The Curious Dr. Humpp" on Blu Ray offers a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track that aligns well with the film’s modest auditory aspirations. This choice of audio track acknowledges the film's era and the inherent limitations of its original sound design, catering well to aficionados of vintage cinema who value authenticity over modern-day enhancements. The mono track provides a clear and stable audial experience, managing to balance the dialogue, which is recognizably dubbed, against the backdrop of the film's unique sound effects. These effects, particularly noted for their appearance during scenes of arousal, lend a campy charm to the horror flick, even though the film veers towards the quieter side of the genre spectrum.

The peculiar sound effects, especially present in the American version and highlighted by Henenlotter, add an element of oddity that complements the movie's thematic eccentricities. Despite their overtly goofy nature, these sci-fi-infused sounds serve as an intriguing auditory accent to the on-screen actions without overpowering the dialogue or disrupting the overall sound balance. It's a testament to the audio track’s quality that it manages to effectively convey the intended atmosphere without detracting from the viewing experience.

Further enhancing accessibility, the release includes optional English subtitles for the Spanish language version, catering to a broader audience by ensuring that non-Spanish speaking viewers can also engage with the film fully. The audio track’s cleanliness is commendable, free from any significant damage or dropouts, which could detract from the immersive experience. This technical proficiency ensures that the audio component of "The Curious Dr. Humpp" Blu Ray stands as a competent accompaniment to its visual counterpart, making it a satisfactory experience for both purists and casual fans of genre cinema.

The extras included with the Blu-ray edition of "The Curious Dr. Humpp" present a treasure trove for aficionados of cult cinema, encapsulating a variety of engaging content that extends the film's lurid and bizarre delights. The standout feature is the insightful audio commentary by Frank Henenlotter, a veritable guide through the film's creation and its place within exploitation cinema. Complemented by a meticulously restored short film from Quality Pictures, viewers are offered a snippet of contemporaneous genre conventions. Trailers lifted directly from Dr. Humpp's Laboratory showcase a cornucopia of similarly themed exploitation films, immersing the audience further into the peculiar sub-genre. However, the crown jewel is undoubtedly the inclusion of "La Venganza del Sexo," the original Spanish version of the movie, providing an essential comparative experience for enthusiasts and scholars alike, illuminated by Henenlotter’s commentary. It's a comprehensive package that significantly enriches the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Frank Henenlotter: Filmmaker Frank Henenlotter provides commentary.
• Tomb It May Concern: A short film from Quality Pictures featuring Little Jack Little.
• Brain Damaged Trailers Direct from Dr. Humpp's Laboratory: Includes trailers for “The Curious Dr. Humpp” and other exploitation films.
• Bonus Movie: La Venganza del Sexo: The original Spanish language version of the film with English subtitles.

The Curious Dr. Humpp," a singular piece hailing from the imaginative soils of Argentina and given new life by the American Genre Film Archive, manages to straddle a line between the gothic horror traditions and an almost comedic emphasis on sensual escapades, with an eccentricity that holds a mirror up to the counterculture movements of its time. Helmed by Emilio Vieyra, the film presents itself as an extraordinary combination of themes ranging from a mad scientist’s bizarre quest for eternal life through the harvesting of human libido, to a monster musically inclined towards the guitar. The notion suggested, that this could be the brainchild of a hypothetical collaboration between Mario Bava and Doris Wishman after an acid-fueled brainstorming session, does not seem far from the mark, thread with vibrant colors of pulp and unmatched creative liberty.

Given this visually arresting backdrop, "The Curious Dr. Humpp," through a cross-cultural transformation led by Jerald Intrator for the American market, transcends its original narrative to incorporate additional soft-core scenes that, while seemingly ludicrous to a modern audience, are interwoven with a surprising level of craft into the fabric of the Argentinean ethos. This blend lends the film a distinctive charm that complements its more grotesque or horror-centric elements with an undeniable humor and a bevy of gratuitous nudity that is as absurd as it is copious. Remarkably, the commentary provided by Frank Henenlotter sheds light on this fascinating metamorphosis from "La Venganza del Sexo" into its final incarnation, emphasizing not just the increase in titillating content but how these insertions manage to coexist harmoniously with the source material.

Beneath its surface of overt sensuality and comic absurdity, "The Curious Dr. Humpp" encapsulates a narrative filled with traditional horror tropes, including hapless damsels and heroic figures inadvertently tangled in Dr. Humpp's sinister schemes. Yet it's the film's undulating venture into psychedelic territories and its ability to evoke a dreamlike state amidst the chaos that elevates it beyond mere exploitation into something uniquely compelling. The cinematography, unexpectedly evocative for a film of its genre and era, coupled with moments of unintended hilarity and non-sequitur dialogues, crafts a viewing experience that is peculiar yet intriguing. This is not simply a case of "so bad it's good" but rather "so weird it’s good," highlighting a cinematic oddity that thrives on its own remarkable terms.

The Curious Dr. Humpp" Blu-ray release by AGFA presents an intriguing case study in the revival of esoteric cinema, especially for films that nestle comfortably within the “so bad, it's enjoyable” niche. Therein lies the charm of "The Curious Dr. Humpp," a piece that not only embraces its peculiar narrative with unabashed zeal but also benefits significantly from a meticulous restoration effort that elevates its technical presentation. The inclusion of both film versions provides an invaluable opportunity for aficionados and newcomers alike to delve into its varied cinematic dimensions, thereby appreciating the stark contrasts and unique qualities each version offers. Frank Henenlotter’s commentary is a standout, offering insights and entertainment in equal measure, which enriches the viewing experience considerably.

Technically, AGFA’s release excels in delivering quality that surpasses expectations for a cult film of this obscurity. The attention to detail in the transfer process is evident, with commendable video and audio restoration that enhances the delightfully oddball essence of "The Curious Dr. Humpp." This meticulous approach not only ensures that the film’s unique charm is preserved but also introduces it to potentially a new audience with a level of quality that might surprise those unfamiliar with AGFA’s dedication to cinematic oddities.

In conclusion, "The Curious Dr. Humpp" Blu-ray is a testament to AGFA’s commitment to rescuing and revitalizing cult cinema, providing both an enjoyable experience and a significant comparison exercise between its distinct versions. With technical merits that exceed expectations and enriching supplemental features like Henenlotter’s commentary, this release stands as a compelling recommendation for cineastes with a penchant for cinema's more curious corners. Whether for seasoned collectors or curious newcomers, this edition affirms that the peculiar allure of Dr. Humpp is more accessible and enjoyable than ever.