Hot Spur Blu-ray Review

Severin Films has outdone itself with the Blu-ray presentation of "Hot Spur," featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a classic 1.38:1 aspect ratio. This edition has been ambitiously restored and uncensored, sourced from a 4K scan of the recently unearthed original camera negative, marking a monumental improvement over previous releases. The visual clarity and fidelity are striking, presenting Lee Frost's unique directorial style with an unexpected crispness. Attention to detail is evident in every frame, from the rustic textures of burlap curtains in a secluded shack to the vibrant hues of the outdoor scenes which burst forth with vitality. Despite minor drawbacks in shadow detail and clarity, particularly in some of the day-for-night shots, the overall image quality retains a pleasing natural grain structure that film enthusiasts will appreciate.

Crafted in the once-popular Eastmancolor, the HD transfer shines, making it a significant leap from the earlier Alpha Blue DVD bootleg and Something Weird DVD-R editions. The restoration showcases the film in an almost timeless light, with negligible signs of age or damage. Colors are rendered beautifully, with particularly realistic flesh tones and a well-balanced contrast that enhances even the most dimly lit scenes without traditional set lighting. This meticulous attention to visual quality ensures that every scene, regardless of its lighting conditions, is portrayed with clarity and depth, showcasing Severin's commitment to honoring the film's original aesthetic.

The technical prowess displayed in this Blu-ray edition is commendable, demonstrating Severin Films' dedication to preserving cult classics like "Hot Spur" with the utmost quality. The natural resolution of grain throughout the presentation, coupled with the impressive restoration work, makes for a viewing experience that both respects and revitalizes the film's visual legacy. The Blu-ray serves as a definitive version for collectors and new viewers alike, providing a vivid window into Lee Frost's cinematic vision and ensuring that "Hot Spur" is appreciated in its most pristine form yet.

The audio presentation of "Hot Spur" on Blu Ray is serviced through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track that aligns well with the film's original sound design nuances, characteristic of a lower-budget production. This track excels in its faithful reproduction of the film's score, composed by D. Roger Martin, particularly highlighting an adept use of brass instruments that adds a layer of depth to the audio experience. Moreover, the track maintains a crisp and clear delivery of dialogue, ensuring that every word is intelligible, complementing the film's auditory experience without overwhelming it.

In terms of technical quality, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track showcases a pristine condition that mirrors the original cinematic output (OCN) with admirable fidelity. While the soundtrack does feature moments where narration tends to overshadow the mix, these instances are few and manage not to detract significantly from the overall experience. The track exhibits some deftly executed foley work that brings a sense of dynamism and realism to the scenes, particularly in sequences involving non-dialogue action or outdoor environments. All elements, from sound effects to dialogue, are balanced effectively, ensuring a coherent and enjoyable listening experience.

Evidently, the audio track for "Hot Spur" on Blu Ray makes the most of its mono presentation, with a strong emphasis on clarity and integrity of sound. Despite the limitations inherent in a 2.0 mono setup, this audio treatment navigates these constraints with finesse, offering an experience that is both engaging and nostalgically authentic. The meticulous preservation and presentation of the film's auditory elements showcase a commendable effort to honor the original sound design while providing viewers with an audio experience that is both technically proficient and emotionally resonant.

The Blu-ray extra features for "Hot Spur" present a meticulously curated selection, showcasing a deep dive into the sexploitation genre's history and production nuances. With contributions from Vinegar Syndrome's Joe Rubin, Severin Films' Andrew Furtado, and former Something Weird general manager Tim Lewis, the audio commentary offers an enlightening exploration of the film's unique position within its genre. Furthermore, the inclusion of a rare early Frost/Cresse feature, "Hollywood's World of Flesh," and the short film "The Casting Director," starring Bob Cresse and directed by David F. Friedman, provide invaluable context and entertainment. Additional audio discussions between David F. Friedman and Something Weird founder Mike Vraney serve as a fascinating alternate commentary track, enriching viewers' understanding of the film's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With Vinegar Syndrome's Joe Rubin, Severin Films' Andrew Furtado, and Something Weird's Tim Lewis.
• Recently Discovered Audio Discussion on Frost/Cresse: By David F. Friedman and Mike Vraney.
• Hollywood’s World of Flesh: An early Frost/Cresse feature.
• The Casting Director: A rare short starring Bob Cresse, directed by David F. Friedman.
• Theatrical Trailer: Featuring Bob Cresse.
• Teaser: A brief promotional glimpse.

In the provocative and infamous realm of '60s exploitation cinema, "Hot Spur" stands as a distinct and vibrant entry, directed by the less-renowned, yet audacious team of Bob Cresse and Lee Frost. This film diverges from the era's more traditional western narratives, incorporating a blend of full-frontal nudity, sexual violence, and a stunning use of vibrantly colored and expansive settings that set it apart from its contemporaries. While "Hot Spur" unmistakably ventures into the roughie subgenre, its plot unfolds against a surprisingly rich visual backdrop not commonly associated with exploitation fare of the time, pushing boundaries with its forthright depiction of taboo subjects wrapped in what could be described as a Freudian exploration of revenge and moral corruption.

The narrative centers around Carlo (James Arena), a character whose journey from a victim of sexual violence to an avenger mirrors the film’s exploration of cyclical violence and moral ambiguity. His actions, driven by the trauma of witnessing his sister's violation, spiral into a dark quest for retribution that challenges the viewer's perceptions of justice and revenge. Notably, "Hot Spur" employs its cinematography to amplify these themes, utilizing vibrant colors and detailed location shooting to enhance the film's engagement with its audience. This visual approach not only differentiates the film from its roughie counterparts but also accentuates the visceral impact of its controversial content.

While maintaining a technical edge with its color saturation and location utilization, "Hot Spur" also critically engages with its subjects' interiority, particularly through the character development of Susan (Virginia Gordon). The narrative skillfully navigates the complexities of victimhood and agency within the context of exploitation cinema. This depth, combined with the film's audacious content and innovative visual style, positions "Hot Spur" as a unique entry in the exploitation genre that not only shocked its audience with its explicitness and violent themes but also elevated the aesthetic and narrative ambitions of sexploitation cinema in the late 1960s.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Hot Spur" by Severin Films delves into an intriguing amalgamation of the Western genre with sexploitation, delivering an experience marked by both a vibrant and rough edge. This release impresses with its technical prowess, notably featuring a stunning new 4K restoration from the recently uncovered original film negative. The restoration ensures that "Hot Spur" is showcased in the best light possible, offering viewers a visual feast that harks back to its controversial allure in 1969. Alongside the film's visual upgrade, the package is bolstered by a curated selection of special features that provide deeper insight into this underappreciated piece of cinema, making this offering not just a mere viewing but an exploration.

The collective merits of this Blu-ray extend beyond just the technical, touching upon the film’s inherent nature that caught the eye of critics and audiences alike during its original release. Described as more dynamic than "True Grit" and sexier than "I Am Curious - Yellow," "Hot Spur" occupies a unique space in cinema that might seem like an alternate universe for some. The film’s portrayal of its characters injects a gritty and nihilistic tone that is both captivating and repellant, showcasing the depths of human depravity against a backdrop of undeniable cinematic craft. The inclusion of both the film's historical context and technical assessment in this release caters well to those looking to delve into a piece of cinematic history that challenges norms.

In conclusion, "Hot Spur" presented on Blu-ray by Severin Films stands as a testament to the film’s unique place within the annals of sexploitation and Western cinema. The meticulous 4K restoration coupled with a thoughtful assembly of extras makes this release highly recommended, not only for aficionados of the genre but also for those seeking to appreciate the technical aspects of film restoration and historical context of cinema that dares to explore the darker facets of human nature and storytelling. It remains a dynamic, if not controversial, snapshot of 1969 cinema, guaranteed to engage viewers with its quality presentation and provocative content.