The Gore Gore Girls Blu-ray Review

Arrow Films' restoration of "The Gore Gore Girls" on Blu-ray highlights a dedicated effort to preserve the original essence of this cult classic, despite the innate challenges presented by the source material's condition. Under the supervision of James White, the film was scanned at 2K resolution using a 4K Lasergraphics Director Scanner at Deluxe Media in Burbank, ensuring that the visual transfer to 1080p with an AVC encode in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio captures as much detail and color as possible. The restoration work, completed at Deluxe Restoration in London, meticulously addressed thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and light scratches. Efforts to improve image stability and density fluctuation were also made, aiming to enhance the viewing experience without straying from the film’s original photochemical appearance.

The resulting visual presentation of "The Gore Gore Girls" is notably vibrant, specifically the handling of red hues, which play a crucial role in the film's gory aesthetics. However, despite these improvements, the transfer does have its drawbacks, such as persistent vertical scratches and an occasional digital smoothness that suggests high-frequency filtering might have been applied. This lends to a somewhat unnatural appearance in darker scenes and detracts slightly from the otherwise commendable detail work, particularly in close-ups where the special effects come to life.

Arrow’s commitment to retaining the film’s inherent characteristics while addressing the myriad issues posed by the original elements is evident throughout the restoration process. The description provided by Arrow Films about their comprehensive approach underlines the challenges encountered due to extensive damage such as dirt, scratches, missing frames, and color fading present in the original materials. It’s a testament to their dedication that "The Gore Gore Girls" emerges with its gritty charm intact, offering fans a blend of authenticity and enhanced visual fidelity. Even as some imperfections remain, they serve as a reminder of the film's storied history and physical legacy, adhering to a philosophy of preservation that respects the film’s original integrity above all.

The LPCM mono track featured in the Blu Ray audio presentation of "The Gore Gore Girls" offers a mixed but overall satisfactory listening experience. While the track is not devoid of issues, with a noticeable presence of hiss throughout, it maintains a relative clarity that salvages its overall quality. Distinct from several other entries in its collection, this audio transfer escapes the more common afflictions of pops, cracks, and scuffs, which can significantly detract from the audio fidelity. The dialogue, a pivotal element for narrative comprehension, is delivered with a general cleanliness, ensuring the viewer's engagement without the need for constant adjustment. Musical components, however essential to setting the film's tone, exhibit a degree of clarity but are somewhat marred by a boxy and tinny resonance, slightly diminishing the intended atmospheric impact.

The sein audio track attempts to balance its shortcomings with competence in rendering speech and music, two core aspects of the film's auditory experience. Nevertheless, it is not without its faults. The presence of occasional slight distortion during peaks in volume reveals the track's limitations, especially in scenes demanding high dynamic range. Such moments, though not pervasive to the point of severe distraction, hint at what could have been an improved experience with a more robust audio restoration effort or a different transfer approach.

In conclusion, while "The Gore Gore Girls" LPCM mono track on Blu Ray may not impress audiophiles seeking an immaculate audio experience, it demonstrates a commendable effort to preserve the film's original sonic essence. The hiss and minor distortions are unfortunate blemishes on an otherwise adequate transfer, highlighting the challenges in balancing authenticity with the expectations for modern audio clarity. This track serves its purpose, enabling enjoyment of the film with an acceptance of its vintage character and reminding us of the inherent quirks in preserving classic cinema for contemporary audiences.

The Blu-ray extra presentation of "The Gore Gore Girls" is curated with an eye for both the film aficionado and the Herschell Gordon Lewis devotee. Arrow's decision to bundle the supplements for both "The Gore Gore Girls" and "This Stuff'll Kill Ya" on a single disc underscores a commitment to value, albeit with a slightly unconventional approach. The extras seamlessly blend film-specific insights—such as Herschell Gordon Lewis's own commentary and introduction for "The Gore Gore Girls"—with broader thematic discussions like the influence of regional filmmaking on Lewis's work. This comprehensive package not only pays homage to Lewis's unique place in genre cinema but also serves as an educational tool for those interested in the intricacies of low-budget filmmaking and its impact on American cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Stephen Thrower on The Gore Gore Girls: Deep dive into the film by author and critic, Stephen Thrower.
• Regional Bloodshed: Joe Swanberg and Spencer Parsons discuss Herschell Gordon Lewis's impact on regional filmmaking.
• Herschell Spills His Guts: Lewis discusses his career post-filmmaking.
• The Gore Gore Girls Commentary: Audio commentary by Herschell Gordon Lewis.
• Herschell Gordon Lewis Introduction to The Gore Gore Girls: A brief introduction to the film by Lewis.
• This Stuff'll Kill Ya Trailer: Preview of the companion film on the disc.
• This Stuff'll Kill Ya Commentary: Audio commentary by Daniel Krogh.
• Herschell Gordon Lewis Introduction to This Stuff'll Kill Ya: Lewis introduces the companion film.

In the realm of cult cinema, the name Herschell Gordon Lewis rings with a distinct echo of notoriety, especially when discussing his final work from his original filmmaking era, "The Gore Gore Girls." This 1972 splatter movie serves as a flamboyant testament to Lewis’s audacity in pushing the boundaries of on-screen gore and exploitation. As society's mores began to relax, Lewis seized the opportunity to amplify the portrayal of violence and sexuality in a manner that was unprecedented for its time. While contemporary viewers might find the film's content less shocking by today's standards, "The Gore Gore Girls" still stands as a pivotal piece in the evolution of horror cinema, marking the end of an era for Lewis before his long hiatus.

Arrow Video's release of this film as part of The Herschell Gordon Lewis Feast, especially within the expansive oeuvre of cult cinema, is nothing short of a tribute to Lewis's legacy as the Godfather of Gore. The inclusion of this film, amongst fourteen others in the collection, reflects a comprehensive acknowledgment of Lewis’s influential albeit controversial career. The set not only showcases Lewis’s unique brand of horror but also presents an elegy to his work, providing fans and newcomers alike a lavish gateway to exploring his filmography.

"The Gore Gore Girls" itself dwells on a series of grotesque murders that eerily mimic the Italian giallo genre's penchant for stylish violence, albeit with Lewis’s signature smarmy humor. This blend of dark comedy with explicit horror elements underscored by savvy social commentary on the era's shifting societal norms makes the film an intriguing study in the exploitation genre’s capabilities. It epitomizes Lewis’s flair for melding shock with satire, wrapped in the kind of low-budget aesthetic that would endear him to generations of horror aficionados, ensuring his legacy endures well beyond his years.

The Gore Gore Girls Blu Ray edition presents a unique slice of horror history, akin to other entries within the H.G. Lewis oeuvre. While the film itself, rich in its bloody excesses, is an acquired taste that may not appeal to all viewers, the presentation of this classic on Blu Ray confronts occasional video and audio challenges. This is particularly noticeable to aficionados of pristine visual and auditory experiences. However, these issues are not completely detrimental to the overall viewing experience, as the essence of the film's gritty and visceral appeal remains intact.

In terms of additional content, this release mirrors others in the Lewis collection by offering an array of enjoyable supplements. These added features are not just mere fillers but enrich the viewing experience significantly, providing context and deepening the appreciation for what many consider a cult classic. They serve as a redemption of sorts for the technical hiccups encountered during playback. The recommendation to fast-forward through the interstitials, as suggested by Casey Broadwater for a different Lewis film, might also apply here for some, indicating that the primary allure for viewers lies within the film’s notorious kill scenes rather than its narrative coherence or police procedural elements.

In conclusion, The Gore Gore Girls Blu Ray edition is a commendable release that, despite its occasional video and audio imperfections, offers an engaging experience for fans of Herschell Gordon Lewis’s work. The supplements provided add substantial value, making this edition a noteworthy addition to any horror aficionado's collection. While it may not convert the uninitiated to Lewis's distinctive style of gore cinema, it stands as a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts who cherish the genre’s raw and unapologetic roots.