Killer's Moon Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Killer's Moon" demonstrates a commendable effort by Kino and Redemption Films to deliver a faithful 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that respects the film's source material. Nevertheless, viewers should calibrate their expectations properly, considering its origins as a low-budget 1970s horror film. The 35mm print, inherently problematic with frequent white and black specks, small scratches, and occasional brightness flickering, projects a thoroughly nostalgic yet flawed image. Although the picture never achieves sharpness, the increase in resolution provides a more refined detail, especially noticeable in well-lit scenes.

Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this high-definition transfer showcases robust contrast levels and clean whites, with blacks appearing accurately rendered and solid shadow delineation. Color performance is commendable; brighter scenes exhibit stable color fidelity without bleeding. However, the film's second half endures visibility issues characterized by dim murkiness, particularly during nighttime woodland scenes. While there is no evidence of excessive noise reduction or edge enhancement and the grain structure remains intact, any compression noise is hard to discern amidst the already present chunky grain. Ultimately, this 1080p presentation stands as the best plausible rendition of "Killer's Moon," given the limitations of its original materials.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Killer's Moon" utilizes an uncompressed LPCM 2.0 track that ultimately does what it can with the film's inherently lo-fi original audio. While there are noticeable crackles, splice pops, and a persistent low-level tape hiss, this mix remains reasonably listenable. Foremost, dialogue is clear and intelligible throughout the film, although not always perfectly crisp. The absence of bass response is evident, leaving voices and effects like shotgun blasts pretty much devoid of low-end impact.

Redemption's uncompressed PCM mono soundtrack similarly underscores the film's age. Though the lossless mix provides a decent sense of presence centered on the screen, its dynamic range is notably limited, leading to a somewhat canned and narrow audio experience. Unintentional room reverberation and echoes occasionally disrupt immersion, accentuated against sections of ADR work that standout. The high frequencies from elements like peaking flutes and the girls' singing come across a bit brittle. Background noise including hissing and low-level artifacts permeate the track, making it functional yet undeniably average overall.

Overall, the audio lacks the enhanced clarity and fullness found in higher-end formats such as DTS or Dolby Atmos; however, considering the source material's inherent limitations, it still delivers a serviceable listening experience without excessive distractions. Note, subtitles are unfortunately not included in this edition.

The "Killer's Moon" Blu-ray extras offer a comprehensive look into the making of this cult classic film. The Audio Commentary, hosted by James Blackford and featuring director Alan Birkinshaw and actress Joanna Good, provides rich insights into British filmmaking and personal anecdotes from the production. The interviews dive deeper, with Birkinshaw discussing his earlier works and the inception of "Killer's Moon," while Good reflects on the camaraderie among cast members and the challenges faced during filming. The disc also includes two trailers for "Killer's Moon," a user-directed gallery with production stills, and trailers for recent Jean Rollin films. Overall, the extras maintain a professional and engaging tone, offering valuable historical context and behind-the-scenes perspectives.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Discussion with Alan Birkinshaw and Joanna Good.
• Interview with Alan Birkinshaw: Insights into his career and "Killer's Moon."
• Interview with Joanna Good: Reflections on filming experiences.
• Trailer A: Original theatrical preview.
• Trailer B: Additional theatrical preview.
• Gallery: User-directed gallery with 16 stills.
• Redemption Trailers: Previews for five Jean Rollin films.

Alan Birkinshaw's 1978 low-budget horror film “Killer's Moon” remains a contentious relic from a provocative era in British cinema, teetering between the laughably inept and the reprehensibly exploitative. The plot revolves around four psychotic criminals under the influence of LSD, who believe they are trapped in a shared dream, indulging in acts of murder, rape, and animal cruelty. The film's crude dialogue, poorly structured narrative, and proclivity toward tasteless shock tactics swiftly place it in the 'so bad it’s good' category for some viewers. The resemblance of these white-clad loonies to the droogs of Stanley Kubrick’s "A Clockwork Orange" is unmistakable, although Birkinshaw dubiously claims otherwise. Faux-soundstage settings and amateur special effects enhance its inadvertent comedic appeal rather than its intended horror.

The script, revised by feminist writer Fay Weldon, yields some sporadic commentary on women's issues but is largely exploitative and tone-deaf regarding sexual violence. At times, the dialogue is bafflingly incongruous with one memorable line consoling a recent rape victim that downplays her trauma. This mixture of crass exploitation and attempted social satire renders "Killer's Moon" a perplexing watch. Characters’ irrational decisions—like trading a shotgun for a schoolgirl disguise—only amplify the film's credibility issues. Despite any commentary on societal dysfunction or the descent into madness, the film fails to incisively address these themes, and its attempt at social critique is thoroughly incompetent.

“Killer's Moon” has garnered some degree of cult popularity for its absurdity and inadvertent humor. However, it remains a minor cult classic at best, largely forgotten except for its association with exploitation cinema of the 1970s. It lacks substantial character development, coherent plotting, or meaningful originality, echoing more polished antecedents without achieving their impact. The film's primary significance lies in its historical context within British independent filmmaking, and its current revival on Blu-ray might only serve nostalgia or academic curiosity rather than genuine acclaim.

"Killer's Moon" stands as a minor cult classic in the slasher genre, originating from the years preceding the notorious era of video nasties. Despite its low production values, bad acting, and occasionally atrocious dialogue, it possesses a certain charm that might appeal to aficionados of campy, low-budget 1970s horror films. The film is characterized by its mix of sexualized violence and off-kilter humor, though its appeal may be limited to those who enjoy such niche content.

The Blu-ray presentation, despite being derived from the original 35mm elements, offers only a modest upgrade in audio and video quality compared to existing DVD releases. The improvements are noticeable but not groundbreaking; thus, the visual and auditory experience remains relatively average. Nevertheless, the technical effort to restore the film for modern audiences is commendable, even if it doesn't quite achieve high-definition perfection.

In conclusion, "Killer's Moon" may resonate with die-hard horror enthusiasts who appreciate the quirks of seventies cinema. While it has its moments of unintentional comedy and over-the-top silliness, it's not a film for everyone. Those already in possession of the DVD might find Kino's Blu-ray version a slight but worthwhile enhancement. Personal enjoyment will largely depend on one's affinity for this distinct subgenre of horror. Your mileage may vary.