Thriller: A Cruel Picture 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Vinegar Syndrome's 4K UHD presentation of "Thriller: A Cruel Picture" marks an outstanding upgrade from any previous releases, most notably transcending its VHS roots. This resurgence is a major win for fans of the 1973 cult classic, thanks to its meticulous restoration from the original 16mm camera negatives. The image clarity achieved here is striking, offering viewers unparalleled texture details in skin surfaces, facial expressions, and costume designs, as well as in the more gory elements of the film. Despite the inherent graininess expected from 16mm stock, which adds to the cinematic feel, the preservation of detail is commendable, especially in close-ups that showcase nuanced facial features and textures with exceptional clarity.

The color grading benefits from the HDR10 treatment, revealing a vivid palette where primaries pop with intensity, skin tones appear naturally robust, and the unique color schemes of the 70s are revived with authenticity. Notable mentions include the deep, vibrant reds of blood that stand out strikingly against the film's various backdrops. However, despite these enhancements, some minor blemishes such as occasional mild speckling and scratches do remain, subtly reminding viewers of the film's age and original format. The grain structure remains heavy yet filmic, contributing to the overall authentic retro feel without overwhelming the visual experience.

Black levels are impressively managed, contributing to a multitude of scenes with deep, inky blacks that avoid loss of detail even in the darkest moments of Frigga's revenge saga. While there are instances where colors or black levels might not be perfectly consistent—occasional moments of characters appearing slightly too red or black outfits melding into shadows—these are minor and do not detract from an otherwise stellar visual presentation. Enhanced textures, along with the natural and crisp white levels (notably in Frigga’s Karate gi), further ensure that this presentation honors the original’s gritty aesthetic while providing a clear, restored image that undoubtedly surpasses previous iterations.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray audio presentation of "Thriller: A Cruel Picture" delivers a compelling auditory experience through its two 2.0 DTS-HD MA tracks, one in the original Swedish and the other as an English dub. Despite the film being predominantly silent, save for infrequent dialogue exchanges, the audio quality shines, especially in its rendering of the score. The heavy, clean synth sounds envelop the viewer, contributing significantly to the unsettling and peculiar atmosphere that the movie aims to evoke. Sound effects are purposeful and well-realized, ensuring that each auditory detail amplifies the impact of the visuals without overshadowing them.

Both versions of the film, including "They Call Her One-Eye," are treated with the same meticulous sound quality, devoid of any age-related auditory defects like hiss or pops, maintaining a crisp and clear listening experience across all tracks. The English dubbed version offers an alternative to the original Swedish track without compromising the film's auditory integrity. The synth-heavy score that dominates the soundscape performs a critical role in maintaining the film's tension and mood, even adjusting slightly for "They Call Her One-Eye" to accommodate different sequences without altering the general tone of the film drastically.

Regardless of the choice between original or dubbed tracks, viewers can expect an engaging sound mix that emphasizes the film's unique tone. The dialogue, though sparse, is clear and nuanced, allowing for full appreciation of the performances. Additionally, the soundtrack's adaptation in segments where "They Call Her One-Eye" diverges from "Thriller: A Cruel Picture" demonstrates a thoughtful approach to auditory continuity, ensuring that even with minimal dialogue, the audio presentation remains a key component of the film's immersive experience.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Thriller: A Cruel Picture" brings a meticulously curated selection of extras that is sure to entice both new viewers and long-time fans. With the inclusion of a detailed commentary by film historian Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, the package promises insightful perspectives into the film's creation and legacy. "Thriller: A Cruel Documentary" stands out by offering a comprehensive look at the making of this cult classic, supplemented by interviews with key figures including Christina Lindberg and director Bo Arne Vibenius, enriching the viewing experience with historical and personal contexts. The assortment of trailers, including a TV spot and theatrical previews for both the original film and its alternate title "They Call Her One Eye," alongside rare material such as outtakes and a Saab commercial directed by Vibenius, enhances the release's value. This collection is rounded off with engaging interviews and a variety of galleries that showcase the film's visual and promotional history. Adhering to Vinegar Syndrome's tradition, this assembly not only preserves but celebrates the film's storied history, making it essential for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features Alexandra Heller-Nicholas, diving into the film's significance.
• Thriller - A Cruel Documentary: A making-of piece that explores the film's production and impact.
• Original Trailers: Includes Teaser, Theatrical Trailer for both the original and "They Call Her One Eye," plus "Hooker’s Revenge Theatrical."
• Adrian and Christina: A revealing 2017 interview with Christina Lindberg.
• The Paris Interview: A comprehensive 2015 conversation with Christina Lindberg.
• Alamo Drafthouse Q&A: Christina Lindberg shares insights in this engaging session.
• Outtakes: Rare footage presenting a glimpse behind the scenes.
• Christina Lindberg Single: A dive into Lindberg's pop star phase.
• Saab Commercial: Directed by Bo Arne Vibenius, echoing the film's style.
• Still Galleries: Collections of behind-the-scenes images, publicity photos, and art & press materials.
• Radio Spots: Audio commercials for "They Call Her One Eye.

In the stark, unnerving world of 1973's Thriller: A Cruel Picture, directed by Bo Arne Vibenius, viewers are plunged into a relentless tale of retaliation fueled by trauma and sustained by sheer willpower. Christina Lindberg delivers a hauntingly silent performance as Madeleine, whose life takes a harrowing turn into the depths of exploitation and vengeance. After being trapped by the deceptively charming Tony (Heinz Hopf), Madeleine finds herself ensnared in a grim cycle of addiction and abuse, a storyline that takes its viewers through a nightmarish journey that's as much about survival as it is about revenge. Vibenius masterfully explores the darkest crevices of human depravity, offset only by the movie's slow pace, which, while aiming to build tension, often veers towards tedium with extended scenes of mundane activities and unnecessary exploitation.

The narrative effectively mirrors its protagonist's psychological evolution from victim to avenger, though it's marred by conflicting tones — oscillating uncomfortably between revenge fantasy and exploitative shock value. The insertion of hardcore scenes appears more a gratuitous afterthought than a coherent part of the narrative structure, detracting from the movie's otherwise potent atmosphere of looming dread and retribution. Despite this, the intricate planning and execution of Madeleine’s vengeance, underscored by intense training montages that culminate in a flurry of violence, afford the film moments of gratifying catharsis.

Offering two distinct viewing experiences, the original uncut festival version and the abridged American release titled They Call Her One-Eye carve out different paths through the same harrowing story. The latter provides a more streamlined narrative at the expense of some depth to Madeleine's tale of revenge, highlighting the fine balancing act between maintaining atmospheric tension and delivering a cohesive cinematic journey. Despite its pacing issues and occasional tonal missteps, Thriller: A Cruel Picture remains an emblematic piece within the exploitation genre. Its portrayal of the transformation from victimhood to empowerment resonates through Lindberg’s captivatingly mute performance, anchored by Vibenius’s ambitious if flawed, directorial vision.

Thriller: A Cruel Picture," also known as "They Call Her One Eye," receives a meticulous upgrade to 4K UHD Blu-ray, providing fans and newcomers alike a fresh perspective on this exploitation classic. The dual release, encompassing both the uncut and edited versions, is brought to life with an HDR10 transfer that glorifies the original 16mm film's gritty essence. Vinegar Syndrome's efforts yield a visual feast that honors director Bo Arne Vibenius's unique vision, complete with both Swedish and English audio tracks. The inclusion of hours of bonus features adds considerable value to this package. While the film itself might test the boundaries of even the most seasoned exploitation connoisseur, there's undeniable craft in its execution—from Christina Lindberg's compelling performance to Vibenius's use of high-speed cameras for the portrayal of slow-motion vengeance.

Despite its moments of clunkiness and a tendency towards the artfully static, "Thriller: A Cruel Picture" carves out its niche with remarkable influence and a merciless narrative. Lindberg's portrayal is notably powerful, leaving a lasting impression that has echoed through cinematic history, directly inspiring elements in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill." The performances breathe life into the somewhat stifling atmosphere of the film, with noteworthy urgency provided by Hopf in his portrayal of Tony. This 4K UHD presentation captures all these nuances, ensuring that every detail, from the film’s deliberate pace to its explosive moments of revenge, is preserved with utmost fidelity.

In conclusion, this release not only serves as a testament to the film's enduring legacy but also as a beacon for collectors and fans seeking the ultimate viewing experience. Though "Thriller: A Cruel Picture" may not be universally appealing, its transition to 4K UHD Blu-ray underlines its significance and showcases the painstaking efforts to preserve its controversial brilliance. For aficionados of the genre or cinema history buffs intrigued by its influential stature, this edition is an essential acquisition—assuming one can overcome the hurdle of its limited availability.