Jack the Ripper Blu-ray Review

Severin Films presents "Jack the Ripper" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in two aspect ratios: 1.67:1 for the US version and 1.34:1 for the British version. The US version, despite its fair share of damages such as long-lasting scratches, missing frames, and various nicks and blemishes, offers a darker, more controlled contrast that enhances the moody visual atmosphere. Notably, a brief color insert in the US version appears significantly faded, with what was supposed to mimic vivid Hammer red blood now looking brown. Despite these imperfections, the overall visual quality of the US version stands out as the superior presentation.

Conversely, the British version, while also a progressive presentation, appears to have gone through an interlaced interstitial step during telecine, resulting in numerous combing artifacts. These artifacts cause some scenes to appear as if they were shot with a "jiggly cam." This version also exhibits vertical line anomalies throughout the entire frame, reminiscent of less successful transfers by other companies. Additionally, the British transfer looks somewhat blanched when compared to the richer and darker aesthetics of the US version. These technical inconsistencies detract from the viewing experience, highlighting the US version as the better choice despite its own set of flaws.

The audio presentation of "Jack the Ripper" on Blu-ray features LPCM 2.0 Mono tracks for both the British and American versions. A significant distinction between these tracks lies in their musical scores: the British version boasts a Stanley Black score, while the American version opts for a more dynamic, jazzy composition by Pete Rugolo and Jimmy McHugh. Despite some minor hiccups such as background hiss and occasional glitches due to missing frames, the overall fidelity of the audio is commendable. Dialogue remains consistently clear and intelligible throughout.

One notable technical detail is that optional English subtitles are only provided for the British version, adding accessibility but also highlighting a potential discrepancy for the American version. The imperfections in the audio tracks, while present, do not significantly detract from the viewing experience, with both versions offering an authentic auditory journey back to the film's era. Overall, the LPCM 2.0 Mono tracks offer a reliable audio experience that complements this historical drama well.

The Blu-ray release of "Jack the Ripper" offers a robust selection of extras that both enrich the viewing experience and deepen the understanding of the film's historical context. Included are two versions of the film, the British and US versions, alongside an insightful audio commentary by key figures such as Co-Director Robert S. Baker, Screenwriter Jimmy Sangster, and Assistant Director Peter Manley, expertly moderated by British Horror Historian Marcus Hearn. Additionally, viewers can explore alternate continental takes and an interview with Denis Merkle, who delves into both the historical events and cinematic portrayals of Jack the Ripper. This package is further complemented by an in-depth look at the real-life Whitechapel murders and a collection of visual promotional materials.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Commentary with key figures and historian.

Alternate Continental Takes: Provides different film perspectives.

Interview with Denis Merkle: Discusses history and films.

Gentleman Jack - The Whit chapel Murders Revisited: Examination of real murders.

Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.

Poster and Still Gallery: Collection of visual materials.

The 1959 film "Jack the Ripper," directed by Robert S. Baker and Monty Berman, offers a provocative and surprising take on the infamous Whitechapel murders. Despite its relatively low profile, this iteration stands out due to its graphic content for the era and its engaging, if not entirely intriguing, whodunit approach. Joseph E. Levine re-edited the British film for American audiences in 1960, including a new score and narration by Paul Frees, but it failed to resonate with the U.S. audience. The film's strength lies in its atmospheric depiction of the dark and foggy streets of London, although the whodunit aspect may not intrigue viewers familiar with Jack the Ripper lore.

The narrative follows British investigator O'Neill (Eddie Byrne) and American compatriot Sam Lowry (Lee Patterson) as they hunt for the killer, with some effective spooky moments scattered throughout the film, notably during stalking sequences. The inclusion of Anne Ford (Betty McDowall) adds a damsel-in-distress element, typical of the era. Despite a low budget and some almost comically set-bound scenes meant to represent outdoor locations, Baker imparts the tale with style. His use of skewed framings during murder scenes, inspired by Sir Carol Reed’s work in "The Third Man," lends the film a distinct visual identity. Technical aspects are compelling enough to maintain viewer engagement even if the narrative structure is not groundbreaking.

Overall, while far from definitive in its portrayal of Jack the Ripper, this version offers unique elements and stylistic choices that make it an interesting watch for fans of classic horror and crime narratives.

Severin Films' Blu-ray release of "Jack the Ripper" offers an engaging and extensive package that will appeal to both collectors and genre enthusiasts. The release notably includes two versions of the film, enhancing the depth and breadth of viewers’ experience. One remarkable aspect is the incorporation of material from the Alternate Continental Takes, contributing to an enriched narrative perspective. While some technical issues concerning image quality persist, these are offset by the commendable effort put into the supplementary content.

The disc comes packed with well-curated extras that provide insightful context, adding significant value for dedicated fans. This supplemental material not only provides a deeper understanding of the film's historical and cinematic importance but also compensates for the loss of some original elements due to time and preservation limitations. The professional execution of the supplementary package speaks to Severin Films' commitment to delivering a comprehensive viewing experience despite inherent challenges in source material quality.

In conclusion, Severin Films really went all out with various releases of "Jack the Ripper," including a now sold-out Limited Edition that featured a specially cobbled-together third version of the film. "Jack the Ripper" is probably the very paradigm of a cult film, and considering the fact that one of the introductory text cards suggests all original elements of any version of the film appear to be lost, this release will no doubt satisfy the itch of some ardent collectors. Technical merits encounter some obstacles, but the supplementary package is very well done for those who are considering a purchase.