The Honeymoon Killers Blu-ray Review

The Honeymoon Killers receives a stellar video presentation on Blu-ray with a remarkable 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, displayed in the original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. This new digital transfer, sourced from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, showcases considerable improvements in image clarity and detail. The restoration process, managed at FilmRestore in Hyderabad, India, has successfully mitigated previous imperfections including clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and crackle using Pro Tools HD, AudioCube's workstation, and iZotope RX4. These technical efforts result in an exceptionally clean and sharp image that brings Leonard Kastle's work to life with far greater precision than prior DVD releases.

From the outset, the visual presentation impresses with consistent depth and excellent stability. The film grain is naturally rendered and remains finely balanced throughout the viewing experience. Contrast levels are superb, providing deep blacks and vivid whites, although there are instances where light sources within the frame bloom excessively. This is particularly evident in scenes with intense light, such as sunlight streaming through windows or lamps in dimly lit areas. While shadow delineation falters slightly in certain segments, such as when Ray descends the staircase into darkness, these moments are few and do not detract significantly from the overall quality.

Focus integrity is maintained in most scenes, offering sharp visuals that sometimes softly blur at the edges. Notably, frames involving wide shots occasionally display limited depth and a slight fuzziness, as evidenced in restaurant scenes with Ray, Martha, and Janet. Despite these minor issues, there are no obtrusive digital artifacts, ensuring a seamless viewing experience. Overall, this Blu-ray release by Criterion represents a major upgrade in video quality, providing an excellent technical presentation of The Honeymoon Killers that seasoned fans and new viewers alike will appreciate.

The audio presentation of "The Honeymoon Killers" on this Blu-ray release features a single standard track in English LPCM 1.0, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles. The clarity of the audio is commendable; however, the depth remains modest. Noteworthy is the inclusion of excerpts from Gustav Mahler's 5th and 6th symphonies, which effectively elevate certain sequences. Despite this, the dynamic intensity overall is limited, a constraint more reflective of the original production rather than the transfer process. Dialogue remains stable and clean throughout, devoid of any significant distortions such as pops, cracks, hiss, or dropouts.

The monaural soundtrack underwent a meticulous remastering process at 24-bit from the original 35 mm magnetic track, utilizing Pro Tools HD, AudioCube's integrated workstation, and iZotope RX 4 to eliminate clicks, thumps, hiss, hum, and cracks. While the dialogue is generally clear, some instances, such as Bunny’s quiet phone call to Ray, can be notably soft. The dynamic range is narrow; loudness peaks primarily during shouting scenes. The music, mainly pre-recorded Mahler pieces, is well-balanced in most sequences but occasionally overwhelms the dialogue, such as in the scene where Martha needs rescuing by Ray. There is a subtle hiss present but it remains non-intrusive.

Overall, the audio experience is shaped significantly by the limitations inherent in the original elements, yet it still delivers a stable and relatively clear presentation that respects the historical context of the film.

The Blu-ray release of "The Honeymoon Killers" offers a compelling assortment of extras that deepen the viewer's understanding of this cult classic. The archival interview with Leonard Kastle is particularly insightful, providing context on the film’s production history, including Martin Scorsese's early involvement and the influence of films like "Bonnie and Clyde." Complementing this are contemporary reflections from actors Tony Lo Bianco and Marilyn Chris, as well as editor Stan Warnow, who share their experiences during filming. The video essay by Scott Christianson brings an academic rigor to the package, exploring the real-life events that inspired the film through rare photos and documents. Additionally, an original trailer and an illustrated leaflet featuring Gary Giddins' essay round out the offering, making this a must-have for cinephiles interested in true crime and film history.

Extras included in this disc:

Leonard Kastle: Archival interview covering film production and casting insights.

Love Letters: Documentary featuring cast and crew discussions on production history.

Dear Martha...: Video essay with archival materials on the real case behind the film.

Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "The Honeymoon Killers".

Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring Gary Giddins' essay "Broken Promises".

Leonard Kastle's "The Honeymoon Killers" (1969), released on Blu-ray through The Criterion Collection, is a gripping and unsettling foray into the true-crime genre. Kastle’s sole directorial effort centers on the harrowing true story of Raymond Fernandez (Tony Lo Bianco) and Martha Beck (Shirley Stoler), dubbed the Lonely Hearts Killers. The film's narrative plunges into their depraved relationship, driven by Martha's desperate loneliness and Ray's manipulative charm, portraying them as victims of their environment rather than mere criminals.

The film stands out for its casual tone and atmospheric storytelling, which diverges from conventional portrayals of ruthless killers. Instead of focusing on the mechanics of their gruesome acts, Kastle emphasizes the evolution of their tumultuous relationship, marked by jealousy and possessiveness, transforming them into chillingly relatable figures. Notably, the technical limitations and rough aesthetics of the film enhance its authenticity, making the unsettling events it depicts feel all the more real.

Despite its modest budget of $150,000, "The Honeymoon Killers" excels due to Kastle’s strong script and the compelling performances by Stoler and Lo Bianco. Their portrayal of anxious and calculating minds never at rest adds depth to their characters. The sociopolitical undercurrents of the late '60s subtly permeate the narrative, with Kastle critiquing blind patriotism and societal disillusionment through symbolic moments involving the victims. This approach distances "The Honeymoon Killers" from sensationalist crime dramas, presenting a thought-provoking dissection of pathological narcissism and the socio-environmental factors contributing to such deviance.

The Honeymoon Killers arrives on Blu-ray with much anticipation, and Criterion's new 4K restoration undoubtedly sets a high standard. The visual quality achieved here is remarkable, given the film's modest production values. The transfer impresses with its clarity and preservation of fine details, showcasing a significant improvement over previous releases. The depth of field, particularly in the atmospheric black-and-white cinematography, reflects the movie's gritty and raw aesthetic, reminiscent of the works of John Cassavetes. This authenticity renders the unsettling narrative all the more powerful and immersive.

Supplementing the outstanding visual presentation is a faithful audio track that captures the minimalistic yet effective sound design. Dialogue is clear, and the sparse musical score, enhancing the film's tension, is well balanced. The packaging includes insightful special features that delve into the film’s creation and significance, further enriching the viewing experience. Leonard Kastle’s only directorial venture retains its disturbing potency through thoughtful remastering, and Criterion has ensured both purists and new audiences will appreciate its stark reality.

The visual style and rhythm of Leonard Kastle's The Honeymoon Killers remind of John Cassavetes' work. Indeed, there is a sense of raw authenticity that permeates the film that makes it remarkably unsettling. Martin Scorsese was initially set to direct it, but after a week of shooting he left and Kastle completed the film. It was the one and only time he directed a feature film. Criterion's upcoming Blu-ray release is sourced from a new 4K restoration of the The Honeymoon Killers which will almost certainly remain the film's definitive presentation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Although the film's small budget and production has limited what could be done in presenting it in high definition, 'The Honeymoon Killers' is such a great film in terms of story and acting, I can't recommend it enough.