The Exterminator Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Exterminator" Blu-ray release showcases a notable, though imperfect, enhancement over previous standard-definition versions. Synapse Films has utilized an AVC-encoded transfer from the original negative, framed at 1.78:1. The results are mixed but generally favorable. The image stability and black levels are commendable, maintaining strong contrast and depth, except for instances of slight crushing. Grain texture is inconsistent, with some scenes displaying thicker grain and others appearing smoothed by Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). Street scenes and mid-ground shots remain lackluster, but close-ups reveal significant details, such as wounds, facial features, and various objects.

Color vibrancy and detail integration are somewhat inconsistent. While primary colors exhibit strength, the overall palette often seems diffused and lacks vibrancy. Background colors suffer from noticeable banding issues, particularly in scenes with thick hues or shadowy glows. The opening explosions and fireball scenes in Vietnam, despite their clarity, also exhibit flared-out banding. This issue persists sporadically throughout the film but diminishes in prominence as the movie progresses.

Despite certain flaws like noise in darker scenes and occasional blocky backgrounds, the transfer still demonstrates significant improvement over previous releases. The high-definition resolution brings a revitalized visual experience to this cult classic, though its soft focus and limited fine detail prevent it from reaching modern high-definition standards. Overall, for fans of "The Exterminator," this Blu-ray edition represents a worthwhile upgrade that enhances the film's visual depth and atmosphere while acknowledging the limitations inherent in its original low-budget production.

The audio presentation for the Blu-ray of "The Exterminator" provides listeners with two options: a restored DTS-HD MA 2.0 stereo track and a DTS-HD MA mono mix. Both tracks showcase inherent limitations due to the original source material, with Synapse making efforts to restore and improve the audio. The stereo track offers some slight width and acceptable clarity, with a touch more vibrancy in the music, despite harboring a somewhat scratchy and harsh edge. Dialogue, however, remains disappointingly shallow and sometimes tinny across both mixes, with low levels that struggle to maintain audibility even at higher volumes.

The action sequences, especially the gunfire and explosions, lack the punch and depth typically desired in such scenes. The restored stereo track makes minor strides in rendering the mechanical sounds of weaponry, like Eastland's M16, with some satisfying clarity in the slapping-in of the magazine, but overall impact is minimal. The mono track presents slightly better-balanced dialogue and improved clarity but still falls short in delivering a truly dynamic experience. Both tracks suffer from minimal frequency differentiation and an almost complete absence of robust bass.

Overall, while Synapse's audio restoration efforts result in a presentation that isn't the worst available on Blu-ray, the mixes remain flat and unengaging. Joe Renzetti's score occasionally suffers from muddiness, though Chip Taylor's ballad “Theme For An American Hero” manages to stand out more clearly. Despite limitations, the end result is passable for purists but unlikely to be satisfying for audiophiles seeking a more dynamic and impactful audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Exterminator" offer a mixed bag of content that, while limited, provide valuable insights into the film's production and legacy. The standout feature is the audio commentary by writer/director James Glickenhaus, accompanied by blogger Chris Poggiali. Their synergistic rapport leads to an informative and engaging track, delving into various aspects of the film such as budget constraints, the gritty essence of 1980s New York, and the unique approach taken to its subject matter. Glickenhaus shares fascinating anecdotes, including behind-the-scenes stories about cast members Robert Ginty, Christopher George, and Steve James, as well as the infamous helicopter used in the film's Vietnam sequence. This commentary is a treasure trove of trivia and production tales, making it indispensable for aficionados of the genre.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Writer/Director James Glickenhaus and Blogger Chris Poggiali discuss the film.
• Theatrical Trailer: A trailer showcasing the film.
• Television Spots: TV spots providing a glimpse into the movie's marketing.
• DVD Copy: A DVD version of the film.

The Exterminator, directed by James Glickenhaus, is a quintessential vigilante film that dives headlong into the gritty and violent world of 1980s New York. Inspired by the success of 'Death Wish' and 'Taxi Driver,' this grindhouse classic follows Robert Ginty's character, John Eastland, a Vietnam veteran pushed to the edge by the brutal attack on his best friend, Michael Jefferson (Steve James). What sets The Exterminator apart is its unflinching portrayal of a decaying metropolis where justice is a dish best served with an M-16 and a flamethrower. Ginty’s performance is both believable and compelling, making viewers empathize with his quest for vengeance, even as he wreaks havoc on the city's criminal underbelly.

The film is unapologetically raw, featuring gruesome and innovative methods of delivering street justice, from barbecuing child-pimping scumbags to mincing up corrupt mobsters. This relentless brutality gives the movie an edgy, almost nauseating atmosphere of depravity, supplemented by New York's grimy setting, which itself becomes a character in this modern urban nightmare. The film's pace can be sluggish due to choppy editing that at times hampers the narrative flow. However, this rough-around-the-edges style adds to its gritty realism, making it effective as a dirty workhorse of the genre.

While the plot isn’t groundbreaking, it manages to maintain audience interest through its shock value and Ginty's nuanced characterization of a man grappling with PTSD amidst an unrelentingly depressing environment. The Blu-ray release by Synapse Films provides a much-needed upgrade in terms of picture quality and features a valuable commentary track by Glickenhaus himself. Although it doesn’t bring anything revolutionary to the genre, The Exterminator remains a staple of early '80s exploitation cinema, capturing its era's socio-political angst and offering fans a vicarious catharsis through its raw depiction of vigilante justice.

The Exterminator is a notable addition to the hardcore Vigilante sub-genre, best known for its striking portrayal of gritty, dilapidated New York from decades past, creating a palpable sense of dread and decay. While the performances may be inconsistent and the editing somewhat disjointed, the film still manages to deliver a powerful and resonant experience centered around the themes of justice and retribution. Directed by James Glickenhaus, it brings a matter-of-fact portrayal of violence that aligns well with the expectations of its genre despite its evident production constraints.

Synapse's Blu-ray release of "The Exterminator" undeniably enhances the picture quality compared to previous versions, capturing the raw atmosphere more effectively. However, the audio quality remains average, not quite matching the improvements seen in the visual presentation. Furthermore, while the release includes one noteworthy supplement, overall, the extras fall short of providing substantial additional content, leaving room for improvement.

In conclusion, "The Exterminator" Blu-ray offers an adequate yet imperfect presentation. It is a worthwhile purchase for dedicated fans and genre collectors, particularly given the likelihood that this edition may remain the best available for some time. The film’s value lies in its authentic depiction of a bygone era and its unapologetic approach to storytelling within the revenge/vigilante framework. Despite its technical limitations, "The Exterminator" retains its significance and appeal within its genre.