Razorback Blu-ray Review

Umbrella Entertainment delivers an exceptional 1080p transfer of Russell Mulcahy’s "Razorback" on Blu-ray, presented in a 2.38:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The source material is derived from a meticulous new 4K remaster, showcasing the film's intense visual style with impressive depth and fluidity throughout, even during darker scenes where clarity is paramount. The grading effectively retains the distinctive MTV-esque cinematographic quality, ensuring a visually faithful representation.

Two minor issues are noted: certain sequences show slight instability in density levels, which may be attributed to the large volume of bonus content that could have been better optimized on a second disc. A few small white flecks are also present but do not substantially detract from the overall viewing experience. Importantly, there are no signs of digital manipulation, and the image stability remains superb. This Blu-ray release is region-free, allowing global playback compatibility. Overall score: 4.25/5.00.

The audio presentation of Razorback on this Blu-ray release is anchored by an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. This lossless track impressively handles the film's soundtrack, offering substantial depth, clarity, and dynamic range. While there's some uncertainty about whether certain surround elements were part of the original theatrical mix, the track robustly delivers an engaging listening experience that effectively utilizes the surrounds with interesting movement and ensures notable spatial distribution.

In this re-release as part of Umbrella Entertainment’s Worlds on Film: Beyond Genres – Vol. 4, audio enhancements are a key highlight. The new 5.1 DTS-HD mix includes optional English SDH subtitles and is particularly aggressive. It provides a well-suited accompaniment to the film, with sounds artfully distributed across the surrounds through frequent panning and immersive background activity. The dialogue remains mostly clean and clear, ensuring good separation from sound effects and the musical score, while low-end activity is robust, particularly accentuating the film's score and the formidable presence of the boar. Despite retaining some dated weaknesses, this sonic upgrade delivers a much more vibrant and encapsulating audio experience than a typical 5.1 remix.

The Blu-ray release of "Razorback" offers an impressive array of supplemental features, ensuring a rich viewing experience for cinephiles and genre enthusiasts alike. These extras delve deep into the film's production, critical reception, and technical nuances. The highlight is "A Certain Piggish Nature: Looking Back at Razorback," which features astute commentary from film critics, adding substantial value. The inclusion of deleted scenes, insightful cast and crew interviews, and a nostalgic VHS cut, upscaled to 1080p, further enrich the offering. Each feature is thoughtfully curated, contributing to a well-rounded exploration of this cult classic. The audio commentary with director Russell Mulcahy and critic Shayne Armstrong offers in-depth discussions on stylistic choices and the film's unique '80s tone, providing valuable insights for fans and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Razorback.
• VHS Trailer: Vintage VHS trailer for Razorback.
• Image Gallery: Collection of vintage promotional materials for the film and novel.
• A Certain Piggish Nature: Looking Back at Razorback: Featurette with film critics discussing the film's enduring appeal.
• Razorback: The VHS Cut: Standard definition presentation of the film upscaled to 1080p.
• Grisly Deleted Scenes: Deleted scenes with optional commentary by director Russell Mulcahy.
• Interviews with Cast and Crew: Selection of interviews detailing the film's challenging production and special effects.
• Jaws on Trotters: Behind-the-scenes featurette with archival interviews and production footage.
• Interview with Gregory Harrison: Audio interview where Harrison discusses his involvement and experiences on set.
• Audio Commentary: Commentary by director Russell Mulcahy and critic Shayne Armstrong.
• Cover: Reversible cover.

Umbrella Entertainment's Blu-ray release of Russell Mulcahy's "Razorback" showcases the film in a stunning 4K remaster, elevating this cult classic to new heights. Shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Dean Semler, known for iconic works like "The Road Warrior" and "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome," the film's visual allure is undeniably its strongest asset. Mulcahy, leveraging his extensive experience in music video direction, transforms the Outback into an exotic, surreal landscape where vivid, borderline hallucinatory colors and sleek cuts define the narrative essence. Rather than focusing on conventional monster movie tropes, "Razorback" offers an artistic exploration, reminiscent of classics like "Walkabout" and "Picnic at Hanging Rock," where atmosphere and stylization take precedence over plot progression.

Set in a remote Australian town, the tale follows veteran hunter Jake Cullen (Bill Kerr) who is forced into exile after being falsely accused of killing his grandson, later revealed to be a victim of the titular giant razorback. The narrative then shifts to American journalist Betty Winters (Judy Morris) and her fiancé Carl (Gregory Harrison), who confront the monstrous boar and local hostilities. What stands out is the film’s ability to morph its outlandish premise into an engaging spectacle through Mulcahy's ambitious direction. The director’s meticulous attention to visual style not only enhances the film’s exotic ambiance but also lends it an edge that borders on the surreal.

"Razorback" defies simplistic categorization as a monster movie, instead emerging as a visually striking, atmospheric journey through the Australian Outback. Its unique blend of vibrant imagery and innovative narrative techniques sets it apart, making it a testament to Mulcahy's evolving cinematic vision. This Blu-ray release not only preserves but amplifies the film's visual brilliance, offering an experience that is both nostalgic and refreshingly revitalized for contemporary audiences.

"Razorback," a cult classic in the horror-thriller genre, benefits immensely from Umbrella Entertainment's latest Blu-ray release. Sourced from a stunning new 4K remaster, the film’s visual aesthetics shine with renewed brilliance. Russell Mulcahy's direction, once considered unrefined by some critics, is now celebrated for its bold and surreal stylistic choices. The high-definition transfer emphasizes the vivid colors and dramatic landscapes of the Australian outback, enhancing both the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and its eccentric charm.

This edition of "Razorback" includes a wealth of bonus features that delve deep into the production and legacy of the film. While the decision to not allocate a separate disc for these extras might be a minor inconvenience, it does not detract significantly from the overall value of this release. The remastering process has been executed with great care, preserving the integrity of the original cinematography while providing a significant upgrade in picture quality.

The "bad" that was once criticized now marks "Razorback" as a uniquely stylized piece of cinema that excels in its audacity. This re-release underscores Mulcahy's status as an underrated auteur whose work transcends conventional expectations. Embraced by vibrant colors and unhinged direction, this version is not just a nostalgic revisit but a revelation in high-definition. Umbrella Entertainment has delivered a high-caliber release that is essential for both long-time fans and new viewers intrigued by this unparalleled Australian thriller. Highly recommended.