The New York Ripper Blu-ray Review

Blue Underground's transfer of "The New York Ripper" to Blu-ray has garnered commendable praise for its impressive technical execution. The 1080p, 2.35:1 AVC MPEG-4 encoding provides a revelatory viewing experience that wipes the floor with all previous releases. The film retains a consistent, moderately thick grain that bolsters the gritty, grim atmosphere Fulci intended. Throughout the movie, colors are robust and vibrant, with no hints of smearing or banding. Flesh tones remain ghoulish yet fitting, while primary colors like the neon lights and American flag hues are superbly rendered. Detail is notably enhanced, with facial textures, hair, and various minutia like upholstery and street scenes appearing much more precise.

The integrity of the image is further supported by a significant reduction in digital tampering artifacts. The previous issues with edge enhancement and overt noise reduction are virtually non-existent. The transfer from the original camera negative results in clean, vivid images that emphasize Fulci's intended sickly color palette. Although occasional scratches, speckles, and debris are observable, these remain minor distractions. Skin tones generally maintain accuracy but suffer from slight wavering contrast towards the climax. The claret-red gore effects appear more lifelike and horrific, suiting the film’s intense depiction of violence.

Black levels hold up admirably, preserving detail in shadows without becoming crushed. The three-dimensionality isn't pronounced but improves depth perception in street scenes and interiors like the climactic house. Foregrounds frequently sparkle with clarity while backgrounds may slightly soften but remain clear enough to maintain immersion. Despite some quirks, such as unstable opening credits and sporadic digital noise, this high-def transfer of "The New York Ripper" achieves a fantastic balance of sharpness and cinematic grit, making it a must-have for fans and collectors of 1980s giallo films.

The Blu-ray release of "The New York Ripper" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 surround track, representing an upgrade from the original mono presentation that previously accompanied this film. While the 7.1 mix provides clear and crisp audio, the overall experience is front-heavy and lacks significant surround engagement. The soundscape captures the quirky, funk-infused score with commendable energy and maintains the clarity of the dialogue despite the noticeable dubbing and occasional lip-synch issues. The infamous quacking voice of the killer, along with various other sounds such as screams, blade slashes, and metallic clashes, are well reproduced, lending a sharp and vivid feel to the track. However, ambient noises like city sounds—screeching tires, shattering glass, and pedestrian buzz—remain predominantly confined to the front channels.

Despite some limitations, the 7.1 mix does a respectable job of breathing new life into the film's audio presentation. The sound effects during violent sequences are detailed and immersive enough to enhance the visceral experience without relying too much on the rear channels. While the soundtrack remains true to its 1980s roots and might not fully exploit modern surround capabilities, it surpasses older mono versions in clarity and dynamism. The included original mono track, now cleaned up and restored, provides a valuable option for purists who may prefer the film's audio without any extensions or enhancements. Overall, Blue Underground remains faithful to the source material, offering an audio experience that respects the original while providing a modest improvement for contemporary listeners.

The Blu-ray extras for "The New York Ripper" provide an insightful and nostalgic look into the film's production and its impact on cast members. "I'm An Actress!" features an engaging interview with Zora Kerova, one of the film's lead actresses, who recalls her challenging experiences with Lucio Fulci’s direction and the politically charged environment she faced back in communist Czechoslovakia. She also discusses her work in other infamous films like "Cannibal Ferox" and provides a defense of Fulci against accusations of misogyny. Another extra, "NYC Locations Then and Now", offers a fascinating visual comparison of the movie's Manhattan filming locations with their current state, underscoring the drastic changes over time. The package also includes Theatrical Trailer, an eye-opening piece showcasing the film’s explicit themes with notable synch issues, adding a layer of nostalgia for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• I'm An Actress!: Interview with Zora Kerova about her career and experiences.
• NYC Locations Then and Now: A comparison of New York City filming locations from the movie to now.
• Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer featuring explicit scenes and classic soundtrack.

Lucio Fulci's "The New York Ripper" is a quintessential Giallo experience that has both appalled and fascinated viewers since its release in 1982. This particularly controversial film provides a gritty portrayal of a serial killer terrorizing the women of New York City. Known for its unapologetic depiction of violence and a rather bizarre quacking voice of the killer, the film is emblematic of '80s exploitation cinema. The plot centers around Detective Fred Williams (Jack Hedley) and Dr. Paul Davis (Paolo Malco) as they frantically attempt to piece together clues from increasingly gruesome crime scenes. Although its narrative occasionally teeters toward the nonsensical, "The New York Ripper" remains a disturbing yet historically influential snapshot of genre filmmaking.

The film’s ability to oscillate between moments of genuine terror and almost laughable absurdity contributes to its cult status. Despite significant criticism on grounds of misogynistic undertones and explicit sexual violence, it remains an unsettling venture that challenges viewers' limits. The peculiar presence of the killer, whose voice echoes Donald Duck, adds an eerie layer to his sinister acts. Its extensive use of shadowy urban locations, including graffiti-laden subways and desolate streets, lends a darkly immersive atmosphere, doubling New York City as a character itself. The gory special effects and Fulci’s burgeoning maturity in direction are especially noteworthy, marking a peak in his career.

Technically speaking, "The New York Ripper" has benefited greatly from meticulous remastering. Presented in pristine condition on Blue Underground’s Blu-ray release, the film showcases an exceptional transfer with astonishing clarity, managing to amplify its grisly aesthetic. Despite its polarizing nature and dated elements in gore compared to modern horror staples like "Saw V" or "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," this Blu-ray edition guarantees the film is seen as Fulci envisioned—raw, uncut, and uncompromising. For aficionados of horror and exploitation cinema, this release is indispensable for both its visual fidelity and historical significance.

Blue Underground’s release of “The New York Ripper” elevates this classic exploitation film from the shadows of sleazy movie houses and bootleg videocassettes to a must-have Blu-ray for fans of the genre. The 1080p picture quality is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the grittiness and raw energy of the film in vivid detail. Such technical prowess advances the viewing experience, delivering a high-quality presentation that is impressive for a movie of its type. However, the supplements are sparse, which might be a minor disappointment for collectors seeking more behind-the-scenes content.

The film itself is unapologetically gory and sleazy, featuring an abundance of nudity, graphic violence, and scenes designed to shock and disturb. It is far from mainstream appeal, making it crucial for potential viewers to gauge their tolerance for such content before diving in. Fans of extreme cinema, particularly those who appreciate '70s and '80s horror exploitation, will find a lot to admire about this release. The thrills are intense, the violence brutal, and there is an almost campy delight in its portrayal of a quacking serial killer.

In conclusion, “The New York Ripper” on Blu-ray is a solid addition to any collection of cult horror films. Its visual presentation is top-notch given the nature of the original material, even if the audio and extra features fall somewhat short. For those unacquainted with this notorious piece of horror history, it’s an opportunity to experience a defining piece of exploitation cinema. For fans and collectors, it’s a recommended upgrade that ensures this controversial film will continue to be available in the highest quality possible.