Burke & Hare Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Burke & Hare" on Blu-ray showcases both strengths and weaknesses, stemming largely from the condition of the original 35mm print and the quality of the digital transfer. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode is derived from 35mm elements with inconsistent results. While there are scenes where colors, notably reds, appear vivid and attention-grabbing, the overall color palette tends to be dense neutrals with occasional bright accents. Certain sequences exhibit good contrast and decent clarity, particularly during close-ups. However, other parts suffer from a discernibly washed-out appearance and soft shots, indicating the need for more extensive restoration.

A notable issue is the color strobing in certain scenes, resulting in repetitive fluctuations that transform blacks into deep purplish hues and affecting mid-tones and highlights as well. This is complemented by the sporadic presence of white specks and light scratches, inherent to the state of the original print. Compression is well-handled, with no significant issues or overt digital noise reduction, yet the positioning within the 1.66:1 aspect ratio is misaligned, often shifted to the left. Shadow delineation surprisingly holds its own despite black levels being inconsistent and generally presenting as grayish blobs.

Additionally, a peculiar pulsating effect in some scenes causes contrast levels to shift intermittently, which can detract from the viewing experience. Nonetheless, even with these artifacts, which originate from the source material itself, the transfer manages to deliver a viewing experience that is relatively stable and balanced. In summary, while "Burke & Hare" may not reach the pinnacle of high-definition sharpness or color accuracy, it maintains adequate visual appeal considering the limitations of the source material.

The uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 audio track of the Blu-ray presentation of "Burke & Hare" is generally listenable and effectively preserves the film's low-budget horror aesthetic from the 1960s. A consistent issue is a slight but audible hiss present in many scenes, along with occasional brashness in the high end and rare pops and crackles, which are expected for a film of this age and budget. The score, featuring anachronistic electric guitar elements despite being set in the 1820s, and a quirky theme song, are notable highlights even if they exhibit some light peaking. Dialogue clarity is maintained effectively despite the evident vintage imperfections.

While the uncompressed PCM stereo track exhibits some clean dynamics and pleasing background acoustical details, it suffers from a narrow range, confining most sounds to the center of the audio field. This limited breadth affects the overall immersive experience, despite the bass providing a satisfying presence that enhances both action sequences and musical elements. Dialogue reproduction is well-balanced and articulate but is undermined by persistent sibilance, which can be distracting. The soundtrack’s lossless mix is marred by substantial noise and hissing throughout, reflecting that the print is in need of a proper remaster to meet contemporary high-resolution standards.

Overall, the audio mix achieves intelligibility and maintains some enjoyable aspects of the original recordings but falls short in dynamic range and clarity, revealing notable age-related artifacts. The lack of subtitle options further detracts from an otherwise adequate presentation of this cult classic.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Burke & Hare" offer several insightful and engaging features that both fans of the film and cinema enthusiasts will appreciate. The disc provides a concise yet enriching exploration of themes related to the movie, including an authoritative short documentary on grave-robbing in films, a candid interview with a cast member, and a selection of high-definition trailers for related works. While the extras might not be extensive, they contribute valuable context and retrospective commentary that enhances the viewer’s understanding and enjoyment of "Burke & Hare."

Extras included in this disc:

• Grave Desires: Corpses on Film: Dr. Patricia MacCormack provides expert insight into grave-robbing and cadavers in movies.
• Françoise Pascal Interview: A brief conversation with actress Françoise Pascal about her involvement in the film.
• Trailers: High-definition trailers for "Burke & Hare," "The Blood Beast Terror," "Killer's Moon," "Virgin Witch," and "The Asphyx."

"Burke & Hare," directed by Vernon Sewell, offers a peculiar take on the infamous 19th-century Edinburgh grave-robbing duo. Though based on historical events involving serial murders committed by William Burke and William Hare, the film surprisingly veers into the realm of bawdy British sex comedy. Sewell introduces an abundance of topless scenes and a salacious brothel subplot, distracting from the central narrative's potential for horror and suspense. Despite these titillating elements, the film's pacing suffers, featuring uninspiring acting and a plot that thinly threads through scenes, only occasionally engaging with dark comedy or historical accuracy. The dramatic moments lack depth, making it a challenging watch for those seeking genuine thrill or horror.

While the film retains some amusement through its light-hearted portrayal of grim events, it also delves into socio-cultural commentary, touching on class divides in 19th-century society. Dr. Knox (Harry Andrews), an anatomist benefiting from Burke and Hare's gruesome trade, is depicted with unsettling charm amidst his morally ambiguous undertakings. The movie attempts to juxtapose comedic elements with ethical questions surrounding the advancement of medical science by illustrating the interactions between bourgeois academic circles and the bumbling yet opportunistic lower class, embodied by Nesbitt's and Edwards’ characters.

However, "Burke & Hare" falters in balancing its historical narrative with its desire to entertain through scantiness and innuendo. The subplot involving three medical students—one of whom falls for a prostitute—feels like an afterthought, contributing minimal cohesion to the overall story. Ultimately, this historical horror-strikes farcical tone might appeal to fans of 60s and 70s cult cinema but leaves much to be desired for viewers expecting a more sophisticated or frightful rendition of Burke and Hare's notorious legacy.

"Burke & Hare," Vernon Sewell's final film, offers a tongue-in-cheek take on the infamous real-life serial murders by Burke and Hare. The movie features an engaging but campy narrative propelled by the vivacious performances of Françoise Pascal and Yutte Stensgaard. Despite its potential in meshing humor with macabre elements, the film struggles to maintain a balance, ultimately leaning more towards kitsch than quality. The humor is sporadic, and the tension that should accentuate the horror often falls flat.

The Blu-ray release by Kino/Redemption Films presents a mixed bag concerning technical aspects. While taken directly from 35mm elements, the transfer displays noticeable color fluctuations and a general lack of visual clarity, indicating a dire need for restoration. Audio quality is similarly subpar, lacking the crispness and depth expected from modern transfers. Despite these shortcomings, the film's inherent charm may still shine through for dedicated fans of classic cult horror.

In conclusion, "Burke & Hare" on Blu-ray is an intriguing but flawed addition to any cult horror collection. The film's campy allure may appeal to some, but its technical shortcomings make it a challenging watch for those expecting high-quality audio-visual experiences. This release is best suited for die-hard devotees of Vernon Sewell and niche horror aficionados looking to complete their collections.