Scum Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Scum" features a commendable 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer, restored meticulously from the original 35mm negative by Pinewood Studio's restoration team in 2012. This near-pristine transfer exhibits remarkable clarity, with extensive cleanup eliminating virtually all scratches, spots, and debris. Impressively, the integrity of the image and its inherent grain structure remain untouched by digital noise reduction or edge enhancement, preserving its filmic quality. The result is a warm and organic picture that feels akin to an original film print rather than an over-digitized rendition. The texture resolution in facial features, hair, and clothing is significantly enhanced compared to standard definition versions.

Colors in this transfer are balanced, with good density and saturation, complemented by stable contrast. This creates a consistent visual experience throughout the film. The fine detail is particularly impressive in close-ups, capturing nuanced expressions and fabric textures expertly. Wide-angle shots maintain high detail fidelity, enriching the viewer's understanding of the film’s setting and the isolation of its characters. Noteworthy is the absence of screen flicker or distortion, with only a few minor instances of white specks.

However, there is a minor issue with occasional soft focus, likely attributable to the original filming techniques rather than the restoration process. While these instances are noticeable, they do not detract significantly from the overall visual experience, which remains highly engaging and satisfying. Despite this slight drawback, the Blu-ray presentation of "Scum" stands out as one of Kino-Lorber’s best transfers to date, showcasing a restoration process that respects the film’s original aesthetic while significantly enhancing its visual clarity.

The Blu-ray release of "Scum" offers two audio options: a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track and an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 mono mix. Considering the film's original monaural mix, audiophiles will likely prefer the PCM 2.0 track for its authenticity. However, the default DTS-HD 5.1 track performs admirably by expanding the sound design with subtle atmospheric effects in the rear speakers, such as footsteps and ambient cafeteria noise, without drawing undue attention. Both audio tracks deliver a commendable level of clarity given the film's age and genre. However, occasional ADR'd dialogue sequences are noticeable, though they do not significantly detract from the overall listening experience. Dialogue remains clear and comprehensible throughout.

One notable aspect of "Scum" is its lack of a musical score, placing greater importance on the audio track to carry the film's atmosphere. The DTS-HD track excels in balancing dialogues with ambient sounds, making the interactions within the borstal environment—like game room chatter and corridor echoes—feel authentic. There are some inherent limitations in the sound mix, including moments where dialogue can become pitchy during intense scenes and certain sound effects that may feel tinny or hollow. Despite these imperfections, the overall audio presentation effectively serves the film's minimalistic soundscape and enhances viewer immersion.

Unfortunately, there are no subtitle options included, which could have been useful for understanding the distinctive Anglo slang used by the characters. Nonetheless, the audio tracks provided on this Blu-ray release fulfill their roles proficiently, preserving the film's gritty atmosphere and maintaining clarity across both dialogue and environmental sounds. Overall, the audio presentation does justice to the film's stark narrative, aligning well with its raw and unembellished storytelling style.

The Blu-ray extras for "Scum" provide a comprehensive and engaging look into the film's creation and its effect on both cast and critics. Particularly notable is the audio commentary hosted by Time Out film critic Nigel Floyd, which features Ray Winstone recounting his experiences with entertaining anecdotes and vivid details about his reluctant entry into acting. The disc also includes a series of insightful interviews with key figures such as writer Roy Minton and producers Clive Parsons and Davina Belling, who delve into the challenges of translating the TV version to the big screen and the controversies it sparked. The "Cast Memories" segment offers a nostalgic glimpse into the filming process, particularly the intense final scenes. Additionally, viewers can compare the film’s promotional approaches through both censored and uncensored trailers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An informative and entertaining commentary featuring Ray Winstone, hosted by Nigel Floyd.
• Interviews:
  • Clive Parsons & Roy Minton
  • Davina Belling & Clive Parsons
  • Roy Minton
  • Don Boyd
• Cast Memories: Interviews with key actors reflecting on their experience.
• Trailers: Includes both censored and uncensored versions.

Alan Clarke's "Scum" (1979) is a formidable piece of British cinema, deeply rooted in the social realism movement. Originally conceived as a teleplay for the BBC in 1977, it was banned due to its graphic content and controversial themes surrounding the UK's borstal reformatory system. Undeterred, Clarke remade "Scum" for theatrical release, intensifying the violence and cultural commentary to deliver a hard-hitting indictment of a fundamentally dehumanizing institution. The film’s raw portrayal of sexual abuse, suicide, and the corrosive power dynamics within these reformatories serves as a harrowing yet effective critique of the punitive system.

The film features Ray Winstone in his breakthrough role as Carlin, a young offender navigating the brutal hierarchy of a remote borstal. Alongside him are memorable performances from Mick Ford as the intellectual and subversive Archer, Julian Firth as the perpetually bullied Davis, and Alrick Riley as the racially tormented Angel. The narrative focuses on Carlin's reluctant rise to power after being pushed to retaliate against the reigning inmate leader, Pongo Banks (John Blundell). These performances elevate the film beyond its shocking elements, providing a poignant exploration of the psychological impact of institutional brutality.

Roy Minton’s screenplay skillfully avoids conventional prison-film clichés, instead delving into themes of control, conformity, and systemic failure. Clarke's direction complements this with fluid tracking shots and raw performances that underscore the film’s disturbing content while maintaining artistic integrity. Not an exploitation film, "Scum" uses its unflinching depiction of violence and degradation to drive home its social message. It’s a provocative and thought-provoking work that challenges viewers to reflect on the abuses within punitive systems, making it a significant and enduring piece of cinematic history.

The Blu-ray release of "Scum" delivers a hard-hitting portrayal of Britain's borstal rehabilitation system, offering an unflinching look at the brutal and dehumanizing conditions faced by young inmates. Alan Clarke’s direction, coupled with Ray Winstone’s compelling performance, makes this film a visceral experience that remains powerful and relevant today. Kino's restoration and remastering work shine through, presenting the film with excellent picture quality that elevates the raw intensity of the original cinematography. The audio transfer is equally commendable, ensuring that the sparse yet poignant soundtrack, along with the dialogue, is clear and immersive.

In addition to the technical enhancements, this Blu-ray release includes substantial bonus content that enriches the viewing experience. The audio commentary featuring Ray Winstone provides valuable insights into the production process and the impact of the film, while interviews with various cast and crew members offer deeper understanding and context. These extras are highly informative and serve to complement the main feature, making this edition a must-have for both long-time fans and those new to the film.

It may not be as celebrated as the social realist films of Mike Leigh and Ken Loach, but Alan Clarke's "Scum" was and is just as vital—a gritty juvenile drama that set out to expose the cruelty and dehumanizing effect of Britain's borstal rehabilitation system. Though the borstal days are long gone, the film is still a powerful experience—shocking, uncomfortable, and thought-provoking. It's a shame that Kino couldn't have included the original BBC teleplay version of "Scum" here too, but otherwise, this is a fantastic Blu-ray release with a restored and remastered transfer, an audio commentary with star Ray Winstone, and several interviews with the cast and crew. Highly recommended!