Murders in the Zoo Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image presentation (1.37:1 aspect ratio) for "Murders in the Zoo" is derived from a dated master, resulting in a relatively soft image throughout. This softness often limits the fine textures evident in costumes and facial surfaces and slightly mutes the detail of master shots, specifically when navigating the zoo’s cages. However, clarity holds up in close-ups, registering thespian nuances and animal attacks clearly. The grain is thick but loses some of the film-like quality. Delineation is handled well, maintaining agreeable frame information. The source material shows minor signs of wear, including mild scratches, speckling, and occasional single-frame jumps.

Despite its inclusion in Scream Factory’s “Universal” Horror Collection 2—though originally a Paramount production—the Blu-ray debut achieves moderate success with some noticeable limitations. The softened imagery signals an older master, lacking high fidelity but still offering some textural resolution up close. Definition within indoor scenes brings out the era-specific ‘30s décor effectively. The heavy grain appears pure and organic, suggesting minimal digital interference. Imperfections in the source materials are minor, including occasional deep scratches and scattered minor ones, maintaining a natural and authentic appearance.

The transfer's primary shortcoming lies in its grayscale representation. Whites occasionally clip, and black levels fail to achieve necessary depth, leading to a somewhat murky image that dulls the horror’s dimensionality and appeal. While this version suffices as an interim preservation, a new scan would enhance the presentation markedly.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA audio presentation of "Murders in the Zoo" strikes a balance between vintage authenticity and modern clarity. Dialogue is presented with a commendable degree of distinctness, ensuring that voices are easy to follow and support the overall narrative. The mix captures subtle antagonisms, although it occasionally loses some nuances in scoring selections, with instrumentation feeling somewhat basic and less precise. It's worth noting the presence of hiss that can be heard throughout which might be distracting to some listeners.

Surprisingly, this vintage mono track doesn't suffer from the usual tinny quality associated with older recordings. The DTS-HD offering shines with a deep, rich dialogue bolstered by unusual levels of bass for a film of this era. The overall audio experience is smooth and pure, with peaks maintaining their integrity without losing touch. Even the minimal score holds its ground firmly, providing an organically rich listening experience. While certain sound effects like growls may lack a bit of depth and come off as slightly dull, this remains a rare case where the age of the source material doesn't hamper its audio presentation.

The Blu-ray of "Murders in the Zoo" provides a valuable deep dive into one of Hollywood's classic horror films. The extras are succinct but informative, with a standout feature being the commentary by acclaimed film historian, Greg Mank, whose detailed insights significantly enhance the viewing experience. His narration seamlessly blends historical context and film analysis, offering a richer understanding of the film's production and legacy. Complementing this, the still gallery compiles an array of publicity materials including film stills, lobby cards, and poster art, creating a nostalgic visual journey. Despite the absence of a trailer, these well-curated extras ensure an engaging supplemental experience for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Features film historian Greg Mank.
• Still Gallery: Collects film stills, publicity shots, lobby cards, and poster art.

1933's "Murders in the Zoo," directed by A. Edward Sutherland, opens with a graphically arresting scene where the villain, portrayed by Lionel Atwill, sews a man's mouth shut, signaling an intent to maintain a high threshold of horror throughout. Atwill plays Gorman, a hunter and zoologist who becomes embroiled in a dark narrative driven by his jealousy over his wife Evelyn (Kathleen Burke) and her suitor Hewitt (John Lodge). The movie leverages this jealousy to orchestrate a unique series of zoo-centric murders, each death shrouded in an eerie sense of 'accidental' animal attacks. Sutherland effectively amplifies the suspense with sequences involving snake bites and alligator attacks, injecting the narrative with macabre energy.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, "Murders in the Zoo" doesn't shy away from exploring the socio-economic despair of its era, adding layers of realism to its horror narrative. Charles Ruggles provides comic relief as a cowardly zoo public relations officer, his high-pitched squeals somewhat easing the film's grim atmosphere. However, his role feels tangential in the compact 60-minute runtime. Lionel Atwill's portrayal of Gorman is top-notch, illustrating an individual driven by primal instincts and unsanctioned methods, such as using venomous snakes as weapons—an innovation that adds dimension to his villainy. The movie juxtaposes Atwill's ferocity with frequent shots of wild animals, subtly drawing parallels between man and beast.

Although the exploration of Gorman’s character is somewhat limited by the brief runtime, "Murders in the Zoo" compensates with moments of chilling shock value and unnerving set pieces. The film cleverly uses suggestion over explicit gore, such as in scenes where victims are fed to alligators—a method that enhances overall tension. Despite its budgetary constraints and era-specific limitations, "Murders in the Zoo" offers a compelling blend of horror and social commentary, maintaining an engaging pace and an exotic, unsettling ambiance.

Murders in the Zoo offers a captivating experience through its unnerving narrative and strategic location choices. Set against the backdrop of a zoo, the film effectively harnesses both its premise and setting to create a unique atmosphere of tension and dread. The story revolves around a deranged serial killer whose actions are amplified by the sometimes unpredictable involvement of animals, enhancing the stakes and keeping the audience on edge. Notably, viewers who prioritize animal welfare might find the film’s 1933 production standards discomforting, as they contrast sharply with contemporary expectations.

Technically, the Blu-ray transfer is commendable, presenting the film in a sharp resolution that highlights its intricate cinematography. The restored visuals and clean audio contribute significantly to an immersive viewing experience, drawing attention to the film's sinister ambiance. The black-and-white aesthetic is preserved with high fidelity, showcasing shadow play and lighting that accentuate the eerie mood. The supplemental features included in the Blu-ray release also offer insightful context, making it a valuable acquisition for both collectors and casual enthusiasts of the genre.

While "Murders in the Zoo" falters when it attempts comedic relief, its infrequent diversion into humor does not detract significantly from its overall impact. Predominantly, the film stays true to its dark narrative, plunging viewers into a semi-demented serial killer’s psyche. With its roots planted firmly in the horror genre and relevance to the era of the Great Depression, it stands as a notable entry in early horror cinema.

While it dies when it aims for laughs, Murders in the Zoo doesn't frequent scenes of levity, mostly staying on course as a semi-demented serial killer tale that uses its location well, bringing in occasional animal action to add some unpredictability to the feature (animal lovers might not enjoy 1933 production standards when it comes to the welfare of the co-stars), connecting as a genre exercise in creepiness. An early example of the horror comedy, Murders in the Zoo is seedy and relevant enough to the depression era to earn notice.