Basket Case Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Basket Case" by Arrow Video showcases an impressive restoration effort, leveraging a 4K scan of the original 16mm AB negative and a 35mm interpositive for certain shots. Arrow Video's AVC encoded 1080p transfer, framed at 1.37:1, offers a significant visual upgrade over previous releases. Grain is notably more pronounced, retaining the film's inherent lo-fi and gritty aesthetic, which some might find adds authenticity and charm to this cult classic. The restoration undertook extensive picture stabilization and removal of artifacts, resulting in an overall clean and stable image despite occasional minor heterogeneity due to varying source elements.

One standout aspect of this release is the color grading. This version appears cooler with less vivid saturation compared to the previous Image release, presenting a more natural palette that fits the film’s grimy atmosphere. Detail levels are remarkably improved, allowing viewers to notice finer elements such as the seams of the Belial puppet and the meticulous makeup effects. Although some scenes exhibit heftier grain fields, these moments enrich rather than detract from the viewing experience, enhancing the film's grindhouse vibe.

Black levels are robust, providing a considerable sense of depth and dimension despite occasional haziness. The overall clarity and definition are commendable, marking a substantial upgrade from prior iterations. The restoration was carried out with great care, reflecting an authentic cinematic presentation that honors the film's origins. This Arrow Video release exemplifies a high standard in genre film restorations, encouraging anticipation for future collaborations with institutions like MoMA or Criterion for more genre classics.

The audio presentation of "Basket Case" on Blu-ray offers an LPCM Mono track, which remains largely faithful to previous releases. The high-end brightness is noticeable, but the synth-laden score retains a full-bodied presence that enhances the viewing experience. Dialogues are consistently clear, ensuring intelligibility without any significant issues. Notably, Arrow includes optional subtitles, enhancing accessibility compared to earlier releases.

Restoration efforts drew from original elements, yet the inherent low-budget production quality is still evident. Audio can occasionally feel flat and lifeless, with a prevalent canned sound effect and obvious dubbing and ADR work. Despite these limitations, there are moments where the audio mix achieves a natural sense of space. The Gus Russo score adds a distinctive flavor and enjoyment to the film. Overall, while it maintains its rough edges, this mix serviceably complements the enduring charm of "Basket Case."

The Blu-ray release of "Basket Case" by Arrow Video is a meticulously crafted package brimming with insightful extras that should delight fans. The inclusion of both new and archival content provides a comprehensive look at the film’s impact and legacy. The two audio commentaries offer rich historical context, while the expansive documentary "What's in the Basket?" delivers an in-depth franchise overview. Interviews with key cast and crew, including director Frank Henenlotter and star Kevin Van Hentenryck, add further depth. Other notable features include interesting shorts like "Basket Case 3 1/2" and "Belial's Dream," and several behind-the-scenes featurettes. This release masterfully blends nostalgic content with new material, making it an essential pick for aficionados of cult cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Brand New Audio Commentary: With Frank Henenlotter and Kevin VanHentenryck.
• Archival Audio Commentary: With Henenlotter, Edgar Ievins, Beverly Bonner, and Scooter McRae.
• Basket Case 3 1/2: An Interview with Duane Bradley.
• Me and the Bradley Boys: Interview with Kevin Van Hentenryck.
• Director Frank Henenlotter Interview: A brief but odd interview.
• Seeing Double: Interviews with the Basket Case Twins.
• Blood, Basket and Beyond: Interview with Beverly Bonner.
• The Latvian Connection: Interviews with Edgar Ievins, Ilze Balodis, Ugis Nigals, and Kika Nigals.
• Belial Goes to the Drive-In: Interview with critic Joe Bob Briggs.
• Basket Case at MoMA: Coverage from the 2017 restoration premiere.
• What's in the Basket?: Documentary on all three Basket Case films.
• In Search of the Hotel Broslin: Archival featurette on shooting locations.
• The Frisson of Fission: Visual essay by Travis Crawford on cinema outcasts.
• Slash of the Knife: Short film by Henenlotter with optional commentary.
• Slash of the Knife Outtakes
• Slash of the Knife Image Gallery
• Basket Case Outtakes
• Belial's Dream: Animated short by Robert Morgan.
• Making Belial's Dream
• Image Galleries: Promotional Stills, Behind the Scenes, Ephemera, Advertisements, Home Video Releases
• Promo Gallery: Trailers, TV Spot, Radio Spot

Frank Henenlotter’s 1982 cult classic, "Basket Case," endures as a peculiar gem of schlock cinema. Originating as a low-budget project, the film tells the absurdly captivating story of Duane Bradley (Kevin Van Hentenryck) and his grotesque conjoined twin Belial, who lives in a locked wicker basket. This underground horror delight captures the brothers' gruesome quest for revenge against the doctors who performed their illegal separation surgery. As Duane attempts to lead a normal life and falls for a woman named Sharon (Terri Susan Smith), the film balances between horror and dark comedy, often eliciting both chills and laughter from its audience.

"Basket Case" excels in its use of practical effects despite limited resources. The film's charm lies in its creativity with latex creatures and stop-motion animation, providing an authentic feel lost in today's CGI-heavy productions. Henenlotter's knack for making the most out of minimal expressive props, particularly with Belial's puppet, showcases an innovative spirit akin to early works of Sam Raimi and Peter Jackson. The film thrives on its gritty, campy aesthetics, and thanks to Kevin Van Hentenryck’s compelling performance, it cements itself as a timeless entry in exploitation cinema.

The recent Arrow Video Blu-ray release of "Basket Case" ensures that new audiences can experience this bizarre classic in restored format, enhancing its already distinctive visual and auditory style. The physical packaging is a delightful touch, featuring a wicker-styled slipcover with reversible artwork options. Presented on a single BD-50 disc, the transfer maintains the film's lo-fi appeal while subtly modernizing its presentation. This release is a testament to the lasting legacy of "Basket Case," reminding us why it remains a cherished piece of horror history.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of Frank Henenlotter's cult classic "Basket Case" is truly impressive, presenting a film long cherished by fans in its best possible form. The video restoration is nothing short of stellar, with new transfers that breathe fresh life into the midnight movie favorite. The stop-motion animations, while not perfect, add a charmingly ridiculous element to the film's appeal. This release also includes a solid audio mix that complements the visual upgrade, ensuring the film is appreciated in both look and sound.

This Blu-ray edition stands out with an extensive array of bonus features and supplements that enhance the viewing experience. Henenlotter's sweetly ingenuous shock at "Basket Case"'s enduring appeal is palpable in these extras, which are as delightful and eccentric as the film itself. These additional materials underline Arrow Video's commitment to providing a top-tier treatment for this beloved horror-comedy gem and make this release particularly noteworthy.

Frank Henenlotter’s “Basket Case” may not be high art, but it provides a hell of a lot of fun and undeniably charming entertainment that has enthralled its fans for decades. Arrow Video’s dedication has resulted in what is arguably the definitive home video experience for this off-the-wall classic. With its fantastic new video and audio restoration and a bounty of bonus features, this Blu-ray is a must-have for any fan. Highly recommended to anyone curious about the bizarre contents of the basket.