Bloody Moon Blu-ray Review

Severin Films presents "Bloody Moon" on Blu-ray with an excellent AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Among the trio of horror films released simultaneously by Severin, this transfer stands out for its superior color reproduction, avoiding the brown and yellow tints that affect the others. The color palette is vivid and varied, particularly during group scenes like the opening dance party where vibrant primaries are prominent. Naturally filmic, the grain appears occasionally clumped, but it generally enhances the vintage aesthetic. The fine detail is above average, though not exceptional, with the film maintaining an overall soft look typical of its era.

Detail and texture are commendably sharp, especially during close-ups of facial complexions and fabrics. The contrast is comfortably bright, presenting crisp whites and deep blacks with strong shadow delineation. However, certain scenes reveal inconsistencies, particularly in darker segments where contrast can vary. Additionally, some minor specks and vertical lines emerge in aged sequences, along with raggedly spliced-in footage from lower-quality sources like old video or 16mm elements during the most graphic scenes. Despite these minor issues, the high-def transfer of "Bloody Moon" is expertly handled and visually engaging, making it a standout presentation for aficionados of vintage horror films.

The audio presentation of "Bloody Moon" on Blu-ray, though rooted in its uncompressed PCM mono soundtrack, offers a satisfactory listening experience given the film's age and production constraints. While the LPCM 2.0 mono track delivers clear and clean sound, the notably stilted dialogue and sometimes inartful dubbing may detract slightly from the overall auditory experience. The synth-heavy score, characteristic of the film's era, is well-reproduced, adding a layer of nostalgia for aficionados of vintage horror.

Severin's choice to limit the audio to a single English dub option might be viewed as a downside, but it's important to note the surprisingly dynamic range it offers. Vocals are consistently precise and intelligible, concentrated in the center with laudable separation between mids and highs. The soundtrack boasts a broad presence with engaging imaging and off-screen effects that are strikingly active. Despite the low bass being average, it remains suitable for a film over three decades old, ensuring a rounded listening experience that complements the equally impressive video presentation.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Bloody Moon" provide a fascinating and occasionally contentious glimpse into the film's production and reception. Director Jess Franco's featurette, "Franco's Moon," is a captivating watch where he oscillates between jollity and criticism, offering both amusing anecdotes and pointed remarks about the mishandling of his work. The inclusion of the theatrical trailer in standard definition adds to the nostalgic value of the disc.

Extras included in this disc:

Franco's Moon: Featurette with Director Jess Franco, who shares entertaining memories and criticisms about the film. Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer for the film.

"Bloody Moon" adheres to the raw, exploitative styles that define Jess Franco’s work in Euro-sleaze and exploitation cinema. This 1981 German-Spanish production places Miguel (Alexander Waechter), a grotesquely scarred man recently released from a mental institution, at its core. From the outset, Miguel's identity as the killer is disclosed, which deviates from typical giallo conventions. Instead of a suspenseful mask reveal, "Bloody Moon" opens with Miguel's brutal act of murder, establishing its narrative upfront. The story meanders through increasingly gruesome murders centered around an international boarding school in Spain, seamlessly blending giallo style with slasher tropes. While the plot is simple and riddled with cliché, Franco’s direction brings an engaging European flair.

Set in an exotic Spanish locale, the film drips with sex and violence, featuring cringe-worthy yet thrillingly graphic scenes—like a lumber mill decapitation and a skewer that exits through a female nipple. Several sources even suggest the film includes a real snake beheading. These elements contribute to its notoriety and an X-rating that led to its ban in the United Kingdom. Yet, the film's gore is matched by its laughable execution—clunky dialogue, poor acting, and ludicrous English dubbing punctuate this horror feature with unintentional humor. Despite its flaws, "Bloody Moon" unpredictably crafts bits of eerie suspense and maintains viewer engagement through shocking revelations like Miguel's incestuous relationship with his sister Manuela (Nadja Gerganoff).

Ultimately, "Bloody Moon" serves both as a bloody spectacle and a testament to Franco’s distinctive style. Its success is minimalistic but effective; the fluid editing and passable special effects transcend the film's shoe-string production value. The story may lack depth or genuine mystery, but for those seeking slasher entertainment with a delirious blend of sex, violence, and outright absurdity, "Bloody Moon" offers a chaotic yet captivating experience.

"Bloody Moon" on Blu-ray stands out as a commendable entry for fans of Jesús Franco's distinct directorial style, particularly those who appreciate his low-budget, unconventional approach to filmmaking. The film embraces its outlandish slasher roots with a European twist, offering viewers a splatter-filled romp underscored by an incest angle and characteristic over-the-top scenarios. Technically speaking, the Blu-ray presentation is a pleasant surprise, providing an excellent picture quality that showcases Franco's eccentric visuals in their best light, alongside a very good audio track that enhances the overall viewing experience.

For aficionados of exploitation cinema, the Blu-ray release of "Bloody Moon" includes a particularly entertaining interview with Franco, adding an invaluable layer of context and humor. While it contains only one supplemental feature, it is sufficiently amusing and insightful to satiate Franco enthusiasts. The film itself, though predictable in its adherence to the genre's tropes, inadvertently offers a meta commentary on slasher conventions while simultaneously elevating them with its unique European flair.

In conclusion, "Bloody Moon" might not deliver the deliberate shock value or suspense of other slasher films released by Severin, but it manages to carve out its own niche with its unabashed ridiculousness and charm. The Blu-ray’s robust technical presentation and the amusing Franco interview make it a worthwhile addition for fans of campy slasher fare and Franco's oeuvre, though it may not convert those indifferent to the genre's more outlandish tendencies.