Rabid Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's release of "Rabid" on Blu-ray as a Collector's Edition is nothing short of remarkable, offering significant technical advancements over previous editions available in other regions. Utilizing an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-50 disc, this North American debut showcases a new 2K scan sourced directly from the original negative, maintaining director David Cronenberg's preferred aspect ratio of 1.66:1. The video streams are encoded with an average bitrate of 28994 kbps, peaking at 38.44 Mbps, ensuring high-quality image fidelity.

Comparing this release to the UK Arrow edition reveals substantial improvements. Shout!'s transfer avoids the horizontal stretching seen in Arrow's, preserving more visual information along the left edges and slightly more on the bottom. Additionally, Shout! enhances contrast, particularly in lower-lit scenes where Arrow falls short, rendering faces and objects discernible and maintaining the integrity of details even in darker settings. Skin tones also exhibit a more natural hue on Shout!'s release, while Arrow’s colors appear washed-out with excessive brightness. A persistent thin grain layer adds a cinematic texture, only intensifying briefly in whiter and grayer sequences.

The transfer is impressively clean, though not without minor flaws. A smudge on the camera lens during the main titles is notably visible, but the print remains free of distracting Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). Only two instances of thin vertical tramlines were observed, suggesting a meticulous frame-by-frame restoration effort by Shout! Factory. This edition further benefits from thoughtful organization, dividing the main feature into a dozen accessible chapter stops, enhancing navigation through the film.

Overall, Shout! Factory’s Blu-ray release of "Rabid" demonstrates a high level of technical precision and a clear improvement over previous versions, solidifying its status as the definitive home video presentation of this David Cronenberg classic.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Rabid" is encapsulated through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track at 1806 kbps, 24-bit. Although the original monaural soundtrack is generally well-preserved, occasional analog hiss can be heard. The track is free from noticeable distortions, ensuring that the dialogue remains fairly clear, albeit slightly muffled during scenes laden with radio effects or other foley elements. The soundtrack features a score comprised mostly of dated library cues which do not exhibit dynamic range or high-pitched elements. Music and sound effects are both functional but unremarkable.

Directed towards the horror genre, the soundscape lacks substantial dynamics or atmospherics, save for the piercing scream of Marilyn Chambers in a particularly intense scene. While some reviewers suggest that a 5.1 remix might modestly enhance the ambiance, it would likely require significant effort to revamp the soundtrack from scratch. Given the existing source material, the DTS-HD 2.0 track sufficiently accomplishes its goal with straightforward clarity.

Supporting accessibility, Shout! has appended three additional audio commentary tracks and provided optional English SDH subtitles. While a lossless stereo mix would have been an ideal inclusion, the current presentation still delivers a coherent listening experience that aligns with the film's retro aesthetic and practical production values.

The Blu-ray extras for David Cronenberg's "Rabid" represent a comprehensive and engaging collection, offering valuable insights and rare archival materials. Shout! Factory has effectively licensed and combined previously available content with new, exclusive material to cater to both longtime fans and newcomers. The package includes a range of feature-length commentaries, interviews with key figures involved in the film, and various promotional materials. Particularly noteworthy are the audio commentary tracks with Cronenberg himself, an interview with Susan Roman, and an in-depth video essay on Canadian horror. Additionally, the various archival interviews add depth to the understanding of the production's historical context. While not entirely exhaustive compared to the Arrow package, this Blu-ray compilation remains a well-rounded experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Writer/Director David Cronenberg: In-depth commentary on the film’s production and themes.
• Audio Commentary with William Beard: Analysis from the author of The Artist as Monster: The Cinema of David Cronenberg.
• NEW Audio Commentary with Author Jill C. Nelson and Ken Leicht: Fresh insights from a scholar and Marilyn Chambers's personal appearances manager.
• NEW Young and Rabid – An Interview with Actress Susan Roman: A contemporary interview discussing her role.
• Archival Interview with David Cronenberg: Historic interview upconverted to HD.
• Interview with Executive Producer Ivan Reitman: Insights from the executive producer.
• Interview with Co-producer Don Carmody: A detailed discussion from the co-producer.
• From Stereo to Video – A Video Essay by Caelum Vatnsdal: A half-hour analysis on Canadian horror cinema.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The film’s initial trailer, upconverted to HD.
• TV Spot: A brief commercial spot for the film.
• Radio Spots (U.S. and U.K.): Promotional radio clips.
• Stills Gallery: A visual compilation of production stills.

David Cronenberg's "Rabid" (1977) marks a significant evolution in the Canadian filmmaker's career, showcasing a more polished and mature filmic approach compared to his previous efforts. Harnessing a larger budget and diverse locations, Cronenberg delves deep into body horror through an intriguing narrative. Marilyn Chambers, controversially cast due to her background in adult entertainment, embodies the duality of innocence and sensuality in her role as Rose. Initially considered for the role was Sissy Spacek, but producers favored Chambers for her mass appeal. The film's music—partly derived from previous soft-core films in Cinépix’s library—provides an ironic layer to the story, enhancing Rose's tragic transformation.

"Rabid" begins with Rose on a motorcycle ride with her boyfriend Hart Read, leading to a devastating accident that leaves her critically injured. Dr. Dan Keloid’s experimental skin grafting significantly alters her physiology, resulting in a grotesque mutation: a phallic-like appendage in her armpit that thirsts for human blood. This bizarre surgery-induced condition initiates a rabies-like epidemic throughout Montreal. Cronenberg's ability to build tension is remarkable; he intercuts the suspenseful scenes of Rose’s predatory urges with the frantic search by Hart to stop her rampage. Contrary to criticisms of chaotic storytelling, such as those from Los Angeles Times critic Linda Gross, the film maintains a tight, suspenseful rhythm, skillfully balancing character arcs and escalating terror.

Despite its seemingly B-movie premise, "Rabid" is elevated by Cronenberg's sophisticated visual style and meticulous editing. The combination of shocking imagery and nuanced character work positions the film as an A-grade horror experience. Cronenberg’s clever use of intertextual references and the unsettling metamorphosis of Chambers’ character underscore the film’s thematic depth. The parallel narratives of Rose's destructive path and Hart's desperate quest create a gripping, edge-of-the-seat experience, further solidifying "Rabid" as a landmark entry in Cronenberg’s oeuvre and the body horror genre.

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray release of David Cronenberg’s "Rabid" significantly improves upon its predecessors in both video and audio quality. The new digital intermediate print far surpasses Arrow Video's previous transfer, transforming the visual experience with heightened clarity and depth that emphasizes Cronenberg's unique aesthetic. The film is presented in a pristine condition that underscores its lasting impact in the horror genre, highlighting Cronenberg’s ability to interweave themes of sex, death, and bodily fluids with unsettling precision.

In terms of special features, Shout! Factory’s edition adds valuable content that complements Arrow's previous release. While Arrow possesses some exclusive bonus materials, Shout! provides two new supplements that are indispensable for fans and collectors. Owners of the Arrow edition might still find value in retaining it for its unique offerings, but Shout! Factory's package stands out as the definitive version in terms of overall value and packaging.

"Rabid" may not rank as Cronenberg’s most famous work—but it foreshadows his burgeoning genius, showcasing a filmmaker on the cusp of major acclaim. Despite an impending remake, the original film remains robust and engaging. Shout! Factory’s Blu-ray release, with its exceptional audio/visual presentation and thoughtful extras, solidifies it as a highly recommended acquisition for any fan or collector of Cronenberg’s oeuvre.

Shout! Factory's release of "Rabid" reveals Cronenberg's perverse fascination with and ingenious combination of sex, death, and bodily fluids. The augmented video quality of the new digital intermediate print greatly surpasses Arrow Video's dated transfer. In terms of special features, Shout! acts as a complementary release to Arrow’s, adding its own supplements while Arrow has unique bonus material. Overall, Shout! Factory provides the best-package presentation, making it VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.