Nurse Sherri Blu-ray Review

Vinegar Syndrome's Blu-ray presentation of "Nurse Sherri" is technically intriguing yet fraught with inherent challenges primarily due to its original production constraints. The film was shot on 16mm with additional footage reshot in 35mm, and the final version crafts a 35mm blow-up from these elements. The loss of original 16mm camera elements means the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) is sourced solely from the 35mm blow-up version. This results in noticeable fluctuations in grain structure and overall image quality. The delineation includes issues like blurred details and crushed black levels, giving dense objects an almost photo-negative appearance. Despite the inherent obstacles, the Blu-ray effort succeeds in retaining a filmic quality which suits the scrappy nature of the production, delivering respectable detail for graphic scenes and a natural skin tone.

The 2K scan derived from the 35mm negative print highlights both the strengths and limitations of the source material. The clarity ranges inconsistently across scenes, especially between the 16mm origin sequences and later 35mm additions. Some footage boasts remarkable fine detailing, while other parts appear faded. Color saturation also oscillates, with some hues appearing vivid and others muted, contributing to occasional uneven skin tones. The blacks are generally crushed, but brightness and contrast maintain a stable consistency. The image contains plenty of film artifacts such as scratches, speckling, and reel changes, yet it remarkably sustains a coherent viewer experience without becoming overwhelmingly distracting.

Accompanying the video is an English mono DTS-HD audio track that, while understandably flat, ensures dialogue remains clear and discernible. Minor background distortions and vintage sound effects are present but do not detract from the overall experience. Subtitles in English SDH are included for additional accessibility. Despite its technical imperfections, this Blu-ray presentation upholds a solid viewing experience for a film grappling with significant archival challenges.

The audio presentation of "Nurse Sherri," as available on Vinegar Syndrome’s Blu-ray, utilizes a 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix. The quality of this track is reflective of the film's age and production background, leading to some technical imperfections. For instance, the track is susceptible to harsh S-sounds, intermittent popping, and fluctuations in overall quality. Dialogue can suffer from muddiness, though quieter moments benefit from clearer exchanges. The musical score, although not particularly precise, provides an adequate atmospheric backdrop that enhances the viewing experience.

Importantly, the mono DTS-HD track carries a vintage charm but is marred by occasional distortion and background hiss. Dialogue remains discernible, maintaining intelligibility despite its flatness. Sound effects echo the period the film was made in and are sufficiently functional. Moreover, English SDH subtitles are included, aiding in comprehension. This presentation, although not without its flaws like crushed blacks and inconsistent skin tones, remains stable and reflects its historical context well, reinforcing the filmic authenticity of "Nurse Sherri."

The Blu Ray release of "Nurse Sherri" offers a variety of extras that give insight into the film's production and legacy. The commentary by producer Sam Sherman provides valuable context, while an engaging interview with stars Jill Jacobson and Marilyn Joi delves into the making of the film, with Jacobson offering particularly amusing and candid reflections. The "Locations Then and Now" segment gives a fascinating look at the film's unchanged suburban and hospital settings over the decades. Additional extras include promotional materials and a revealing look at alternate cuts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Features producer Sam Sherman.
• Interview: Stars Jill Jacobson and Marilyn Joi discuss the making of the film.
• Locations Then and Now: Examines the unchanged suburban and hospital settings.
• Promotional Still Gallery: Collects newspaper ads and reviews from the theatrical release.
• Two Theatrical Trailers: Included for additional context.
• Killer's Curse: An alternate cut of "Nurse Sherri" with different subplots and softcore elements.

1978's "Nurse Sherri," marketed as a horror sensation in line with "Carrie" and "Ruby," delivers an intriguing but occasionally uneven experience. Directed by Al Adamson, known for eclectic efforts like "Carnival Magic" and "Dracula vs. Frankenstein," the film aims for an eerie atmosphere, succeeding sporadically. When Nurse Sherri (Jill Jacobson) is possessed by the spirit of deceased cult leader Reanhauer (Bill Roy), the film dives into sequences designed to elicit dread, leveraging unexpectedly sinister turns. With the narrative revolving around her reign of terror, Sherri's transformation from innocuous nurse to malevolent vessel intrigues, though it scarcely matches the impact of its genre predecessors.

The plot journeys beyond Sherri's possession, exploring diverse subplots within the hospital setting. Characters such as fellow nurse Tara (Marilyn Joi) and a voodoo-aware blinded football player add layers to the otherwise straightforward horror premise. Adamson incorporates a mix of sexuality and violence, keeping viewers intermittently engaged even if the execution falters at times. Scenes oscillate between horror-infused dramatics and provocative hospital antics, offering a curious blend of tones. Jacobson's performance, while primarily visual, manages to convey both Sherri's initial innocence and subsequent malevolence with sufficient impact, highlighting Adamson's proclivity for visual storytelling imbued with unsettling elements.

Over the years, "Nurse Sherri" has gained notoriety under various titles globally, solidifying its status as a low-profile, drive-in circuit staple. Despite its seedy narrative and modest production values, it retains charm for aficionados of vintage horror. The film's merits lie in its sporadic thrills and peculiar eccentricities rather than cohesive storytelling or profound performances. For viewers willing to embrace its flaws and occasional campiness, "Nurse Sherri" offers a nostalgic glimpse into late 1970s horror cinema.

The Blu Ray release of "Nurse Sherri" offers an intriguing glimpse into Al Adamson's 1978 supernatural-horror film. Injecting a blend of bizarre, barely coherent storytelling with occasional standout moments of genre brilliance, the movie navigates filler sequences like an extended car chase to stagger the runtime to 90 minutes. However, elements like shadowy encounters, laughing wrath scenes by Reanhauer, graveyard visits, and visceral stabbings enrich the film's atmospheric tension and exploitative charm.

The Blu Ray set boasts a comprehensive array of extras that cater to both cinephiles and casual viewers. Highlights include an insightful audio commentary by producer Sam Sherman, revealing interviews with actresses Jill Jacobson and Marilyn Joi in "Nurses' Confession," and a nostalgic "Nurse Sherri Locations: Then and Now" featurette. Additionally, an animated promotional still gallery, two theatrical trailers, and a DVD companion enrich the set. The DVD adds an alternate cut of the film in lower resolution, featuring three softcore sex scenes and comedic elements that diverge from the primary film's tone.

In conclusion, while "Nurse Sherri" may falter with incoherent stretches and an over-reliance on filler, its moments of horror exemplify Adamson's unique directorial touch. The robust extras package elevates this Blu Ray release beyond mere nostalgia, offering valuable insights and behind-the-scenes content that enhance the viewing experience. For fans of 1970s exploitation cinema, this release is a compelling addition to any collection.