Konga Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Konga" benefits from a new 2K scan, delivering a high-definition 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded presentation in the original 1.66:1 aspect ratio. The transfer effectively showcases the film's color reproduction, with deep purples and greens that pop, lifelike flesh tones, and exceptional detail. Naturalistic film grain has been preserved, avoiding the pitfalls of digital noise reduction that can often compromise the quality. While occasional specks of dirt and minimal compression artifacts are present, these minor issues do not significantly detract from the overall experience.

This release features dynamic contrast and brightness levels that enhance the viewing experience, particularly in scenes with tight shadows and strong lighting. The resulting image is consistently sharp, with stellar facial definitions and well-defined exteriors. Despite the slight murkiness in special effects scenes, particularly during Konga’s climactic sequences, the print maintains depth and clarity. Elements like the painted veins on greenhouse plants and the detailed textures in prop designs are highlighted beautifully. An occasional speckling appears primarily during optical effects shots, but this remains a minor quibble.

Overall, “Konga” on Blu-ray exhibits fantastic image quality with bold primary colors and deep blacks, contributing to a natural, film-like appearance. The upgrade from previous faded prints to this more stable, vibrant version underscores a significant improvement in visual fidelity. Viewers will appreciate the combination of impressive detail and atmospheric color saturation that elevates “Konga” beyond its dodgy effects and into a remarkable high-definition presentation.

The audio presentation of "Konga" on Blu-Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio mono soundtrack that delivers clear and precise dialogue reproduction, essential for its dialogue-driven narrative. The British cast articulates their lines with clarity, ensuring every wacky, sordid line is thoroughly understood by the audience. The music score, while somewhat generic, is well-integrated into the mix, enhancing the overall excitement of the film without overshadowing the dialogue. Notably, the lossless audio mix adds a significant resolution boost, making the listening experience more rewarding despite the soundtrack's inherent flat soundstage.

While the DTS-HD mono track does its best to handle the material, some issues persist. Dialog exchanges can sometimes suffer from scratchiness and a tinny quality, and the treble is occasionally hammered out of key, particularly in high-action sequences. This roughness is more pronounced in a few critical moments near the film's conclusion. Despite these setbacks, the soundscape does manage to open up during Konga's rampage, with crowd noises and ape sounds being effectively highlighted. Overall, levels are well-balanced, and there's no need for volume adjustment throughout the film.

In summary, "Konga’s" DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono mix offers a solid audio experience. While it may not provide a robust or immersive soundstage, it excels in areas crucial for the film's comprehension and enjoyment, such as dialogue clarity and strategic use of sound effects. The soundtrack faithfully captures the intended tone and tension of the film's climax without overwhelming the narrative’s more subdued elements. Despite minor technical issues, it succeeds in delivering an enjoyable auditory experience that complements the visual aspects of this classic film.

The extras for the Blu Ray of "Konga" provide a concise yet engaging collection of supplementary content that enhances the overall viewing experience. The Promotional and Stills Gallery offers high-resolution, behind-the-scenes photographs and marketing imagery, forming a delightful visual narrative of the film's production and promotional efforts. The Konga Radio Spot is a brief but nostalgic advertisement, evoking a sense of vintage charm and establishing a historical context for the film's initial release. Additionally, the Konga Theatrical Trailer brings a taste of the film’s original marketing push directly to the viewer. While the collection could benefit from more in-depth content like an audio commentary, the included features serve as valuable appendices to the main feature.

Extras included in this disc:

• Promotional and Stills Gallery: High-resolution behind-the-scenes photos and marketing images.
• Konga Radio Spot: Brief, entertaining radio advertisement.
• Konga Theatrical Trailer: Original marketing trailer.
• Trailers from Kino Lorber: Additional trailers for APE, Dinosaurus!, and The Land Unknown.

"Konga" may be often dismissed as a low-budget King Kong knockoff, but the film surprises with its audacious charm and unintentional hilarity. The plot follows Dr. Charles Decker (Michael Gough) as he returns from Africa with a chimpanzee and a serum to grow plants and Konga to enormous size. Michael Gough's peculiar and fervent performance anchors this eccentric journey into mad science, generating both jaw-dropping moments and unintentional humor. The screenplay by Aben Kandel and Herman Cohen leans heavily into the absurd, offering bizarre subplots involving jealous boyfriends, deadly carnivorous plants, and hypnotic control over the transformed chimp.

The special effects, helmed by Ronnie Whitehouse, embrace their campy roots, especially in the climax where an oversized Konga rips through London. Despite the obvious budget constraints, the visuals succeed in driving home the splendidly chaotic experience of a giant ape on the loose. Desmond Dickinson's vibrant cinematography and Gerard Schurmann's energetic score significantly elevate the film’s camp appeal, ensuring it remains visually and aurally engaging from start to finish. John Lemont’s directorial efforts result in a peculiar but engaging cine-experience that teeters between over-the-top drama and farcical satire, holding true to its ambitious spectacle.

Though Konga does not fit within the lineage of more esteemed giant ape movies, its gall to push forward against all logical constraints makes it a must-watch for fans of cult cinema. Vividly brought to life by Gough's gleefully wicked portrayal, "Konga" revels in its genre tropes without attempting to be a highbrow adventure. For those embracing kitschy sci-fi classics, this film provides inexorable fun complemented by top-tier cheesy special effects and a surprisingly robust narrative structure.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Konga" offers an engaging exploration into B-movie charm with an impressive technical presentation. The film is anchored by Michael Gough’s performance as the diabolically over-the-top Dr. Charles Decker, whose sheer commitment and charisma make the ludicrous plot surprisingly compelling. While the special effects, such as the intriguing killer plants, add a distinctive flair, the absurdity of the chimp-to-gorilla transformation provides unintentionally hilarious moments that enhance the film's entertainment value. The finale stands out as particularly worth the buildup, striking a fine balance between action and camp.

The audio mix on this Blu-ray features an English mono DTS-HD soundtrack where dialogue remains clear and precise, amplified by the enunciated delivery of the predominantly British cast. Despite being an action film, "Konga" surprisingly lacks extensive action sequences, relying more on its generic yet excitement-boosting score. Some sound effects and screams may come off as phony, adding to the film's unintentionally humorous side rather than evoking genuine terror. These technical and creative choices contribute to a unique viewing experience that balances between intended thrills and accidental comedy.

In conclusion, "Konga" may not attain classic status within cinema but excels within its sub-genre of giant ape films. The high-definition video transfer ensures that the film looks far superior compared to any old 16mm prints many might remember. While additional bonus features are absent from this release, the film itself, with its mix of cheesy charm and nostalgia-inducing fun, makes it a worthy addition to any cult classic collection. Recommended for those who appreciate vintage cinematic oddities.