The Killing of America Blu-ray Review

Severin Films' Blu-ray release of "The Killing of America" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, maintaining the historically appropriate look and feel of this documentary. The transfer showcases highly variable quality in terms of sharpness, clarity, grain structure, and image artifacts, primarily because of the diverse sources and conditions from which the footage was derived. Viewers will encounter everything from marginally sharp clips to sequences that have clearly deteriorated over time, complete with video anomalies and damage.

Despite these inconsistencies, the film maintains a gritty, filmic quality throughout, accurately reflecting its initial presentation. Some segments are noted to have been sourced from old video elements, leading to noticeable jumps in quality between scenes. Occasionally, footage has been magnified to emphasize particular details, resulting in a more pronounced grain structure and noisier images. Black levels and color stability vary depending on the original source material, but overall, the transfer upholds a consistently raw and authentic aesthetic.

For those seeking an authentic viewing experience that mirrors how "The Killing of America" looked during its limited original screenings, this Blu-ray release achieves that with fidelity. While it may not meet the lofty standards of contemporary videophiles accustomed to pristine 4K restorations, the transfer excels in delivering the documentary's historical context and visual intent.

The audio presentation of "The Killing of America" on Blu-ray is delivered via uncompressed LPCM 2.0 mono tracks for both the English and Japanese versions. Given the film's age and reliance on archival footage, the sound quality is as expected, showing signs of wear and inconsistencies typical of live broadcast material. The narration, particularly with Riley’s memorable voice, stands out as clear and full-bodied, ensuring the viewer receives critical commentary without a hitch. However, lower frequencies tend to lack fullness, leaving the overall sound experience feeling somewhat constrained in depth.

Considering the documentary’s focus on gun violence, the bursts of gunfire provide noticeable energy, though they don't exhibit the kind of immersive quality modern film enthusiasts might be accustomed to. Background music and sound effects are sparse and essentially dependent on the inherent quality of the source material from news segments. Consequently, some sequences have a tinny or strained audio quality, detracting slightly from the viewing experience. Nonetheless, given the documentary’s reliance on narration and its historical context, these limitations in the audio track are understandable and don't significantly detract from the impactful nature of the film.

The Blu-Ray extras of "The Killing of America" provide substantial insight and context to the film, enhancing the viewer's understanding. The Japanese version of the film adds unique but somewhat eccentric content, including unrelated visuals and a homage to John Lennon, yet remains focused on serious topics like serial killers. Sheldon Renan's audio commentary on the English version is particularly enlightening, covering the film's creation and reception. Complementing this is an in-depth interview with Renan and another engaging one with editor Lee Percy, adding layers to the film's narrative process. Nick Pinkerton's interview provides historical context, highlighting the film's shockumentary aspects and its impact. Lastly, the theatrical trailer is a concise summary of what to expect.

Extras included in this disc:

• Japanese Version: Extended cut featuring additional sequences.
• Audio Commentary with Director Sheldon Renan: Insightful look into the film’s creation.
• The Madness is Real: An Interview with Sheldon Renan: Contextual interview.
• Cutting the Killing: An Interview with Editor Lee Percy: Entertaining discussion about editing.
• Interview with Mondo Movie Historian Nick Pinkerton: Historical perspective on shockumentary content.
• Killing of America Trailer: Preview of the film.

"The Killing of America," directed by Sheldon Renan and originally released in 1982, is a controversial documentary that delves deeply into America's history of gun violence. The film juxtaposes horrific events such as the assassination of President Kennedy, the Charles Whitman Texas Tower shooting, and the Manson Family murders. Using uncensored footage, including stabilized versions of the infamous Zapruder film and slow-motion segments of the Reagan assassination attempt, the film creates a visceral impact on the viewer. Chuck Riley's somber narration ties these events together, offering a grim overview while leaving some of the deeper issues unaddressed. The documentary succeeds in cataloging these tragedies but falls short in exploring the underlying causes of America's alarming rates of violence, which may make it seem exploitative to some viewers.

Despite its provocative nature, "The Killing of America" has faced criticism for its seemingly disjointed structure. The documentary pieces together footage from various violent incidents, sometimes appearing random and lacking a coherent analytical narrative. The film’s extensive use of shocking images, such as the gruesome scenes from Los Angeles coroner’s labs or Jonestown Massacre aftermath, has been deemed exploitative rather than enlightening. Moreover, while it attempts to offer a way out of the gun violence epidemic, it often feels outdated in today's media landscape saturated with graphic news. Nonetheless, the documentary remains a disturbing yet important examination of America's perennial struggle with violence, raising significant questions even if it doesn't provide all the answers.

"The Killing of America" Blu-Ray release from Severin Film certainly evokes mixed reactions. This documentary—infamous for its raw portrayal of gun violence in the United States—still manages to hold historical significance, even if it feels somewhat dated in today's context. Severin has meticulously included both the American release cut and the extended Japanese version, offering viewers comprehensive insights into this shockumentary. The audio-visual quality varies with the source material, but effectively retains the intended look and sound of the original film. The inclusion of a plethora of supplemental material adds substantial value to this release, illuminating aspects that the main feature occasionally fails to address.

Despite its noble intentions, "The Killing of America" flirts dangerously close to exploitation territory. This aspect could dilute its gravitas for those seeking deep philosophical inquiry into the issues of gun violence. The documentary may come off as surprisingly tame compared to more recent works in the genre. However, the cult status it has held over the years cannot be denied. The Blu-Ray supplements—outweighing the film itself in worth—are particularly notable, enriching the overall viewing experience with additional layers of context and analysis.

In conclusion, while "The Killing of America" might not resonate with everyone—risking disappointment for viewers who expect more intense content—it holds its ground as an important historical piece. This release is especially valuable for fans and collectors, given its meticulous presentation and extensive extras. Severin's effort in preserving this film and providing contextual supplements may appeal to a wider audience than the documentary on its own.