Hands of the Ripper Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image presentation of "Hands of the Ripper" in 1.66:1 aspect ratio demonstrates a commendable handling of period ornamentation and the film's dark themes. Shadow detail, though slightly thick in the dimmest scenes, remains sufficient to preserve the intricate textures of costuming and subtle details within obscured areas. The colors are stable and fresh, providing realistic skintones and rich hues that accentuate the fabric and set designs. The presence of red blood is notable for its vividness and impact.

Detail reproduction excels, offering clear delineation of facial features and intense gore sequences, while studio set pieces maintain convincing depth. Print damage is minimal, with only occasional nicks and debris, and grain is managed tastefully to enhance the filmic look without distracting from the viewing experience. Overall, the video presentation is robust, with a pleasing balance of clarity, color fidelity, and texture preservation.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio track on the Blu-ray of "Hands of the Ripper" delivers a commendable presentation, closely adhering to the film's original sound design while bringing noticeable enhancements. The dialogue is consistently clear and natural, efficiently managing various accents and interactions without any distortions. This clarity extends to the more intense moments of violence and suspense, maintaining a firm composure and avoiding any overly high-pitched discomfort.

Atmospheric elements are solidly reproduced, creating an immersive experience despite the inherent limitations of a 2.0 track. The film's score, while occasionally hitting a crackly high, remains vibrant and supportive of the visual narrative, blending seamlessly with the dialogue. There is a respectable depth achieved within the confines of the 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix, ensuring that listeners are engaged throughout the viewing experience. Overall, the track effectively balances crisp dialogue, ambient atmospherics, and dynamic scoring to deliver an enjoyable audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Hands of the Ripper" present a well-rounded, comprehensive exploration of the film's historical context and production intricacies. The isolated music and effects track allows for an immersive audio experience, while "The Devil's Bloody Plaything: Possessed by the 'Hands of the Ripper'" offers a detailed, 28-minute documentary featuring interviews with key cast and crew, providing valuable insights into the film's place within the Hammer Horror legacy, censorship challenges, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. "Slaughter of Innocence: The Evolution of Hammer Gore" is a concise yet vivid slideshow capturing the studio's creative spectrum of horror. The preserved audio from the "U.S. Television Introduction," despite missing visuals, adds a level of historical intrigue. Additionally, the still gallery, U.S. theatrical trailer, and TV spots round out the package by showcasing visual marketing efforts. Both fans and historians will find these extras highly rewarding.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Music & Effects Track: Enhanced audio-only option.
• The Devil's Bloody Plaything: Possessed by the 'Hands of the Ripper': In-depth documentary with cast and crew interviews.
• Slaughter of Innocence: The Evolution of Hammer Gore: Slide show of Hammer's horror imagery.
• U.S. Television Introduction: Audio from ABC presentation, preserving deleted scene context.
• Still Gallery: Collection of 72 production and marketing images.
• U.S Theatrical Trailer: Original movie preview.
• Three T.V. Spots: Short promotional clips.

"Hands of the Ripper" offers a mesmerizing delve into the macabre world of serial murder through the eyes of Hammer Films. This production kicks off with an intensely unsettling scene as we witness Jack the Ripper murder his wife in front of his daughter, Anna. This opening is not just gruesome, but it effectively sets the tone for a film entrenched in psychological terror and vivid gore. Despite its modest budget, the film excels with its absorbing story, bolstered by commendable performances that drive home the chilling narrative. Angharad Rees as Anna delivers a compelling portrayal, shifting from an orphaned, manipulated young girl to a person capable of heinous violence, triggered by certain actions and sensations.

The plot navigates through Anna’s disturbed journey under the watchful eye of Freudian psychoanalyst Pritchard, portrayed impressively by Eric Porter. Pritchard’s character shifts from curiosity to obsession as he tries to unravel the depths of Anna's mental illness, which is riddled with moments of bloody rampage. The film masterfully constructs suspense within its Edwardian setting, with director Peter Sasdy’s eloquent representation of the era through meticulous costume design and effective use of studio backlot transformations. This atmospheric dedication adds a touch of authenticity and sophistication to an otherwise violent narrative.

"Hands of the Ripper" also marks a transitional period for Hammer Horror, shifting from atmospheric storytelling to more graphic portrayals of horror. The screenplay, adapted by L.W. Davidson from Edward Spencer Shew’s book, injects layers of psychoanalytical intrigue into the traditional slasher formula. The film’s exploration of Anna’s latent murderous tendencies and Pritchard’s increasingly desperate attempts to control his 'experiment' provide ample fodder for both psychological and visceral horror. The practical effects, though simple, deliver effective shock moments that heighten the film’s chilling atmosphere without overshadowing its narrative depth. In conclusion, it stands as a fascinating psychological chiller that seamlessly blends turmoil and terror in classic Hammer style.

Synapse Films has once again demonstrated their expertise with the Blu-ray release of "Hands of the Ripper," an illustrious addition to the Hammer Horror Collection. The HD transfer is exemplary, presenting a crisp and vibrant visual experience that allows the film's atmospheric horror to shine. The mono sound, although dated, retains clarity and complements the chilling narrative well. The highlight of the supplemental features is the 28-minute documentary, "The Devil’s Bloody Plaything," which delivers in-depth insights into the film's production and cultural impact through interviews with notable figures such as Sasdy, Kim Newman, Tim Lucas, and Joe Dante.

Additionally, the disc boasts several valuable extras including audio from the US television premiere introduction, a Hands of the Ripper still gallery, the US trailer, TV spots, and an isolated music/effects track. Despite "Slaughter of Innocence: The Evolution of Hammer Gore" being more of a still gallery rather than a documentary as one might hope, the collection of images is beautifully rendered in HD. These comprehensive features ensure a well-rounded appreciation of both the film and its place within Hammer's illustrious history.

The final act of "Hands of the Ripper" takes a few bold visual steps, displaying creative use of rear-projection technology to sell the whispering gallery interior of St. Paul's Cathedral. The painterly design of the concluding shot delivers an unexpectedly poetic note of salvation, rounding off a film that is both smartly crafted and deeply engaging. Synapse Films continues to uphold high standards, making "Hands of the Ripper" a must-have for any serious enthusiast of horror cinema.