Corruption Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) of "Corruption" on Blu-ray delivers a visually striking experience, available in both the International Cut (90:39) and U.K. Cut (91:23). Despite differences in violent content, including notably different prostitute encounters, the overall viewing quality remains consistent. The U.K. Cut does exhibit marginally more print damage, and flicker is present in both versions. Black levels can be somewhat impenetrable in low-light scenes, but the film maintains a handsome, crisp, and pleasantly filmic appearance. The details in the frame are well-defined, bringing out textures in fabrics and make-up with precision, while the visceral images of wounds and bloodletting retain their intense impact.

Colors shine brightly, with Cushing's deep blue eyes standing out vividly and the Swinging London set designs bursting with vibrant hues, enhancing the liveliness of each scene. Skin tones appear natural, lending authenticity to the portrayal of characters. The grain structure is subtle and effective, providing an additional layer of filmic depth without detracting from the clarity of the image. Overall, this Blu-ray presentation of "Corruption" successfully preserves the visual integrity of the film, making it a commendable release for both enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix of "Corruption" offers a straightforward audio presentation, primarily driven by its frontal soundstage. While this approach maintains clarity in most scenarios, there are instances where dialogue is subdued by the dominant scoring and sound effects. Nevertheless, Peter Cushing's distinct line deliveries are consistently clear, and the depiction of victims' distress is portrayed with precision. The jazzy score, though insistent at times, provides adequate support without overwhelming the narrative, creating a well-balanced auditory experience.

Atmospheric elements are skillfully rendered, as evidenced in sequences set by the seaside and aboard trains, which brim with lively activity. These moments contribute significantly to the film's immersive quality. Additionally, the disc offers a Music & Effects track, allowing viewers to appreciate the meticulous sound design without dialogue interference. Despite a few moments of imbalance, the audio mix successfully communicates the intended mood and intensity throughout the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Corruption" present a comprehensive collection of materials, ranging from insightful commentaries and interviews to alternate scenes and promotional content. The commentary by Jonathan Rigby and David Miller offers an engaging and educational discussion, blending scholarly analysis with occasional humor. Several high-definition interviews from 2012 and 2013 feature cast members Billy Murray, Jan Waters, and Wendy Varnals, each sharing personal anecdotes and reflections on their experiences working with Peter Cushing. Additionally, an audio interview with Cushing himself provides a nostalgic glimpse into his thoughts on various aspects of his career and the horror genre. The supplementary content is further enriched by the inclusion of director's shooting scripts, filmographies, extensive still galleries, and multiple trailers and promotional spots, rendering this Blu-ray a treasure trove for fans and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Liner Notes: From writer Allan Bryce.
• Commentary: With Jonathan Rigby and David Miller.
• Alternate Scenes: Prostitute slaughter sequence from the International Cut.
• Interview with Billy Murray: Overview of the movie experience.
• Interview with Jan Waters: Discussion on rewrites and professionalism.
• Interview with Wendy Varnals: Insights into her career and filming.
• Audio Interview with Peter Cushing: Views on profanity, horror cinema, and history.
• Original Director's Shooting Script: Full script provided.
• Robert Hartford-Davis Filmography: Complete film history.
• Still Galleries: Color Stills, Black & White Stills, Promotional Materials.
• International Theatrical Trailer: Promotional clip for international release.
• U.S. Theatrical Trailer: Promotional clip for U.S. release.
• Five T.V. Spots: Several television promotional segments.
• Two Radio Spots: Audio-only promotional segments.

"Corruption" is paradoxically poised, blending the era's freewheeling exuberance with a chilling narrative that capitalizes on Peter Cushing's refined onscreen presence. The film, set against the vibrant backdrop of Swinging London, juxtaposes its colorful, liberated essence with a series of brutal and deliberate murders. Cushing's portrayal of John, a top surgeon tormented by guilt over disfiguring his model girlfriend Lynn (Sue Lloyd), is both sophisticated and deeply unsettling. His desperate attempts to restore her beauty via gland transplants—at the cost of innocent lives—provide a riveting depiction of manipulation and remorse. Remarkably, Cushing and Lloyd elevate the lurid subject matter, lending unexpected depth and pathos to their characters.

Director Robert Hartford-Davis and screenwriters Derek and Donald Ford craft an unsettling story where the veneer of civility masks grotesque compulsions. John isn't a vulgar killer but a man burdened by love and guilt, driven to homicidal extremes because of Lynn's unyielding vanity. This moral complexity is further enriched by Lynn's transformation into a monstrous figure, goading John to continue his murderous acts. Their relationship becomes a dark dance of ethical decay, painting John as a reluctant villain whose brutality stems not from inherent evil but from his devotion and self-disgust.

With intense performances and a distinct period aesthetic, "Corruption" transcends typical horror conventions. Its depiction of relentless surgical horrors, including visceral beheadings, is starkly contrasted by Cushing’s nuanced performance infused with professional gravitas. Despite its moments of sheer vileness, the film maintains a taut suspense, avoiding overt sleaziness while exploring the horrifying depths of human desperation. The infusion of period-specific fashion and settings only adds to its allure, making "Corruption" not just a study in terror but also a vivid snapshot of an erratically liberated epoch.

Corruption, a 1968 horror film directed by Robert Hartford-Davis and starring Peter Cushing, receives a robust Blu-ray release from Grindhouse Releasing that effectively reintroduces this long-obscure thriller to modern audiences. The restoration work is exemplary, offering a pristine picture quality that showcases the film's striking visuals and color palette. The audio has also been carefully remastered, delivering clear dialogue and a suitably eerie soundtrack that enhances the suspenseful atmosphere. Special features on the disc are extensive, including insightful commentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, and newly recorded interviews with surviving cast members, further enriching the viewing experience.

The film itself is an intriguing blend of B-movie horror and psychological thriller. Cushing delivers a compelling performance as Dr. John Rowan, whose descent into madness is both thrilling and tragic. The narrative is engaging, though it occasionally dips into melodrama, and the pacing is generally tight. However, "Corruption" undergoes a stark tonal shift in its third act, transitioning into a home invasion thriller that features an eccentric gang of criminals, some in Beatles garb. This sudden change detracts slightly from the film's initial momentum but adds a layer of unpredictability that keeps viewers on their toes. Despite this, the film retains its B-movie charm and offers plenty of grisly fun for fans of vintage horror.

The effort does stumble in its third act, where a gang of clownish ruffians (some dressed in Beatles garb, the leader in a cape) breaks into John's beach home to retrieve Terry and rob the joint (they also hilariously threaten to suffocate Lynn with a brandy snifter). Corruption suddenly switches gears, becoming a home invasion thriller without a compelling threat, leaking tension before reaching a bizarre finale that's boldly interpretational. The tonal switch doesn't destroy the feature, but it does knock the wind out of an otherwise exceptional horror film. However, it would take a major malfunction to dilute the production's accomplishments. Somehow, someway, Corruption teases irredeemable behavior and vicious visuals, only to emerge as a solid offering of B-movie entertainment.