The Driller Killer Blu-ray Review

"The Driller Killer" receives a thorough and consistent Blu-ray presentation from Arrow Films, featuring AVC encoded 1080p transfers in both 1.37:1 and 1.85:1 aspect ratios for the Theatrical and Pre-Release Versions. Restoration efforts included a meticulous 4K scan of the original 16mm AB camera negative. However, due to portions of the original negative being lost, a 35mm print was utilized for those segments. Film grading and restoration, executed by Deluxe Restoration in London, addressed thousands of instances of dirt, debris, and light scratches. Although some damage remains reflective of the film's age, these instances have been minimized. The restoration has received endorsements from both director Abel Ferrara and director of photography Ken Kelsch.

Being shot primarily on 16mm film, the presentation of "The Driller Killer" is intentionally grainy and gritty, which adheres to its original ambience. Detail levels are modest, partly due to the often dark environments and numerous nighttime shots. The color palette skews towards red and purple hues, lending a somewhat otherworldly quality to flesh tones but enhancing the visual impact during bloodletting scenes. Despite some inevitable crush in the darker moments, shadow definition remains good and contrast is consistent. The grain resolves organically throughout all variations, delivering a faithful replication of the 16mm source materials. As noted, while not the most polished viewing experience, it is an authentic representation that preserves the film’s original stylistic intentions.

Technical specifications include MPEG-4 AVC encoding and a resolution of 1080p, available in both 1.85:1 and 1.37:1 aspect ratios. The clarity and detail are satisfactory, presenting kills and action sequences with late 70’s grain that enhances its grounded feel. Black levels are strong, crucial for a film with numerous dark scenes. Color reproduction remains subdued with occasional crisp and clean flesh tones. Overall, noise and artifacts have been effectively minimized, resulting in a clean presentation despite the inherent limitations of the source material.

The audio presentation of "The Driller Killer" on Blu-ray features English Uncompressed Mono PCM tracks across all four versions, capturing the film's gritty urban atmosphere with commendable conviction. The punk music elements, while somewhat compacted at times, contribute effectively to the intense and hyperbolic setting of the film. Notably, the restorative efforts ensure no overt damage or noticeable imperfections, showcasing a clean and undisturbed listening experience.

Dialogue reproduction, though slightly muted—likely due to on-set recording issues—remains intelligible throughout. Dynamic range is evident, particularly considering the music-heavy nature of the film, which begins with the notable screen direction: "This Film Should Be Played Loud." Low-frequency extension subtly enhances the ambiance in quieter street scenes before the infamous drill scenes take over. The surround sound presentation remains appropriately front and center, ensuring a focused and immersive auditory experience without undue distraction.

Overall, the LPCM Mono tracks successfully render the film's dialogue and myriad urban sound effects with sufficient clarity. Director Abel Ferrara includes a pre-film text card providing specific instructions to viewers and listeners, adding a unique touch to the experience. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that fans of "The Driller Killer" will find the audio restoration both faithful and engaging.

The supplementary content offered in the Blu-ray release of "The Driller Killer" provides a comprehensive and insightful look into the creative world of Abel Ferrara. It includes both the Theatrical and Pre-Release versions, each available in two distinct aspect ratios, offering viewers choices that best suit their preferences. Standout features include an in-depth interview with Ferrara, an insightful commentary track moderated by Brad Stevens, and a detailed visual essay on the director's career. Notably, the inclusions of Ferrara's documentary "Mulberry Street" and a collector’s booklet with rich essays add significant value, making this Blu-ray a must-have for both fans and film scholars.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Version: Available in 1080p with two aspect ratios.
• Pre-Release Version: Available in 1080p with two aspect ratios.
• Laine and Abel: An Interview with the Driller Killer: Fascinating interview with Abel Ferrara.
• Willing and Abel: Ferraraology 101: Visual essay on Ferrara's career.
• Mulberry Street: Documentary by Ferrara about Lower Manhattan.
• Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Commentary: By Abel Ferrara, moderated by Brad Stevens.

Abel Ferrara's "The Driller Killer" epitomizes the gritty, unforgiving essence of late 1970s New York City, starkly portraying a deteriorating artist's descent into psychosis. Reno Miller, played by Ferrara himself under the pseudonym John Laine, struggles with declining finances, an overbearing girlfriend, and obnoxiously loud neighbors. These pressures mount until Reno snaps, leading to a series of grisly murders. Styled as a psychological horror with a touch of ultra black comedy, the film juxtaposes profound despair with bursts of chaotic violence. The film’s 16mm verit� approach enhances its raw feel, contrasting sharply with the saccharine horror common during its release.

In this 4K restoration Blu-ray, "The Driller Killer", despite its titular promise and infamous video nasty status, is more of an experimental journey than a coherent horror narrative. Much of its runtime delves into aimless scenes that build the film's unseemly undercurrent of hopelessness before eventually indulging in the gory spectacle anticipated by viewers. The kills themselves start only after the 27-minute mark and are hyperbolic yet somewhat humorous due to less-than-ideal acting. Despite its chaotic structure, Ferrara’s fascination with Catholic iconography and the sacred-profane intersection infuses an eerie undertone throughout, merging grotesque visuals with sporadic profundity.

While "The Driller Killer" carves a unique niche with its avant-garde style and visceral content, it also feels disjointed and at times meandering. Ferrara's anarchic storytelling might be off-putting to some, though it resonates as an emblem of urban despair and artistic madness. The film’s notoriety as a video nasty has perhaps inflated expectations beyond its actual merit. Nonetheless, it remains a curious cult artifact, embodying the chaotic and grim realities of an era now sanitized by subsequent urban renewal efforts.

The Blu-ray release of Abel Ferrara’s "The Driller Killer" offers an intriguing presentation of the director's early work. This version stands out by enhancing the visual and audio fidelity, capturing the gritty essence of 1970s New York City in striking detail. The transfer is commendable, preserving the raw and grainy cinematography while improving clarity and color accuracy. The audio mix effectively conveys the unsettling ambiance, vital for a film navigating the realms of psychological horror and urban decay. Supplementary materials are another highlight, featuring insightful commentaries and a visual essay that provide essential context about the film’s production and its place in Ferrara’s oeuvre.

While some may expect a typical slasher, "The Driller Killer" diverges by delving deeply into its protagonist’s deteriorating mental state amidst the backdrop of a decaying metropolis. This focus on psychological tension over straightforward gore might not cater to everyone but showcases Ferrara's intent to explore societal and individual anxieties. Longtime Ferrara fans might find it less satisfying when compared to "Ms. 45" or "Bad Lieutenant," considering its slower pace and minimalistic narrative structure. However, the palpable sense of oppression and boundary-pushing tendencies remain emblematic of Ferrara’s style, making it a compelling watch for connoisseurs.

In conclusion, "The Driller Killer" Blu-ray is a recommendable addition for enthusiasts and collectors, appreciated for its technical merits and extensive supplemental content. It offers enough value to warrant a place in any genre lover's collection. Casual viewers might not resonate with its unconventional approach, but its distinctive atmosphere and enriching extras solidify its appeal for dedicated followers of Ferrara’s cinematic explorations.