The Violent Years Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Violent Years" is presented with a 1080p AVC encoded transfer at a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, though originally intended for 1.85:1. This high-definition presentation was meticulously crafted by the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA) using a 4K film scan from the 35mm camera negative. This transfer retains an unaltered and authentic raw filmic look, capturing the original cinema experience with spots and damaged sections intact. This deliberate choice allows viewers to experience the film's organic character despite its noticeable age-related wear and tear.

The black-and-white imagery is faithfully captured, revealing consistent black levels and high contrast, which greatly enhance the overall visual depth of the presentation. The compression transparency on the BD-50 disc preserves these elements without introducing artifacts, offering satisfying detail and clarity given the film’s production constraints. However, the preservation of raw scan elements means viewers will encounter various forms of damage, such as scratches and occasional frame loss, that might distract some but add a certain charm for others.

The additional feature, "Anatomy of a Psycho," benefits from a similar high-quality treatment, being digitized at 2K from a 35mm theatrical print. Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, it shows fewer visible damages compared to "The Violent Years," though not quite matching its sharpness or vividness due to the different source materials. Nevertheless, this supplement adds value by maintaining the film's inherent qualities with minimal processing, making for a respectable viewing experience alongside the main feature.

The audio presentation of "The Violent Years" on Blu-Ray employs a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track. This track does not exhibit the same extent of age-related wear and tear as the video element; however, the audio remains somewhat shallow and boxy. The soundtrack, characterized by a near-monotone delivery of dialogue from several characters, maintains a flat aspect with minimal dynamic range. While the overall sound quality is acceptable, it never quite achieves outstanding levels.

Both included films have their original monaural soundtracks, remastered and presented in 2.0 DTS-HD MA quality. Despite being digitally enhanced with Pro Tools HD, the audio retains some minor issues such as temporary drop-outs and static. These issues, combined with flat audio design and minor recording irregularities, render the soundtracks serviceable but unspectacular. The dialogue remains largely intelligible throughout, allowing for a functional, if somewhat unremarkable, listening experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are also available, presented in a clear white font for accessibility.

AGFA and Something Weird have curated an impressive set of extras for the Blu-ray release of "The Violent Years," complete with a bonus film and several unique features. The commentary track by filmmaker Frank Henenlotter and Ed Wood biographer Rudolph Grey provides an uncensored, though occasionally NSFW, insight into the feature film. Highlights include "Hellborn," showcasing rare, unfinished footage from an uncompleted Ed Wood project, and the treasure trove of "Gutter Noir Trailers" offering a glimpse into 1950s smut cinema. The set also boasts a nicely appointed booklet, enhancing the collector's value. This effectively caters to both Ed Wood enthusiasts and fans of obscure genre cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Filmmaker Frank Henenlotter and Ed Wood biographer Rudolph Grey.
• The Violent Years Theatrical Trailer: The original theatrical trailer.
• Gutter Noir Trailers From The Something Weird Vault: Various trailers from 1950s smut theaters.
• Hellborn Footage: Uncompleted footage of an Ed Wood film.
• Anatomy of a Psycho: Bonus movie with ties to Ed Wood's screenplay work.

"The Violent Years," a striking 1956 psychodrama penned by the infamous Ed Wood, offers a fascinating glimpse into the era's thematic concerns and stylistic quirks. Renowned for his notoriety as one of cinema’s most inept directors, Wood pivots here to screenplay writing, crafting a tale that is both ridiculous and charming. At the core, the film revolves around Paula Parkins, played by Playboy Playmate Jean Moorehead, a middle-class teenager turned gang-leader involved in activities ranging from gas station robberies to amorous and amorally-inclined parties, eventually escalating to murder. Despite being lavished with physical comforts by her parents, Paula’s lack of parental attention is painted as the catalyst for her descent into villainy.

Much like its B-movie contemporaries, "The Violent Years" thrives on hyperbolic, sensationalist storytelling underscored by stilted performances and Wood's characteristically wooden dialogue. Unlike the more nuanced family dynamics explored in films such as "Rebel Without A Cause," this film’s straightforward narrative lacks subtlety. Paula and her gang's disregard for societal norms and juvenile delinquency are depicted as almost laughable constructs born out of Wood’s flamboyant imagination. Its campy plot peaks in a delightfully absurd sequence involving a school vandalization purportedly driven by communist motives—a clear reflection of the era’s anxieties.

The film’s almost earnest sweetness, even amidst smarmy material, reveals Wood as an unintentional optimist, adding an odd charm to this low-budget endeavor. "The Violent Years" was preserved by the American Genre Film Archive, ensuring that its kitschy, off-kilter take on 1950s' moral decay survives. Running a brisk 65 minutes, the movie stands as an entertaining snapshot of the fears and fantasies of its time, now providing more amusement and bewilderment than moral edification.

"The Violent Years" Blu-Ray release offers an engrossing experience for enthusiasts of campy, low-budget cinema. Written by the infamous Ed Wood, the movie is a quintessential mid-1950s girl gang thriller brimming with outdated social norms that modern audiences will likely find amusing. Its performances are notably stiff, which paradoxically enhances its watchability for those who appreciate unintentional comedy. The plot, featuring outrageous vignettes and exaggerated storylines, provides ample material for a nostalgic exploration of period-specific cultural anxieties.

AGFA's Blu-Ray presentation does its best with a source material that's marred by inherent flaws. Despite these limitations, the film's transfer retains enough clarity to reveal the gritty charm of its original production. The audio quality, while acceptable, occasionally reflects the constraints of its era but remains intelligible throughout. Supplementary features included in this release furnish additional context and enrich the viewing experience for Ed Wood aficionados and cinema historians alike.

In conclusion, "The Violent Years" is Grade Z material, but as with so many other films that had at least some input from Ed Wood, it has a kind of delirious quality that will appeal to certain connoisseurs of the outré. To call the performances wooden is maybe an insult to trees, but the basic plotline and some of the vignettes are amped up to presentational degrees that may only become more hilarious to some viewers due largely in part to the performance acumen (or lack thereof) of the actors. AGFA offers a presentation that can't overcome some deficiencies in the source, but they've also provided some appealing supplements to help sweeten the pot. Technical merits have (understandable) hurdles at times for those considering a purchase.