Basket Case 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video’s 4K UHD release of "Basket Case" offers a faithful representation of the original 16mm source, showcasing a significant improvement in video quality from previous editions. Leveraging the efforts of MOMA’s restoration, a new 4K master has been created, preserving the film’s integrity while enhancing clarity and color. The addition of Dolby Vision HDR grading further emphasizes the richness of colors and the depth of blacks, making New York's neon-lit landmarks and nighttime scenes exceptionally vivid and engaging. Notably, the HDR grading does not drastically alter the original color timing but rather enhances natural primaries and skin tones, with whites being crisp and shadows more nuanced.

Although limited by the inherent qualities of the 16mm source material, with a moderate uptick in detail clarity, the 4K format better resolves the film grain compared to previous Blu-ray releases. The encode adeptly manages the grain, though certain scenes, like those with intense color palettes, can still present minor issues in grain structure. Nevertheless, this release undoubtedly represents the best visual presentation of "Basket Case" to date on home video. For those considering an upgrade from the Blu-ray, while the differences may not be night and day, the 4K version's improvements in color fidelity and detail resolution could sway dedicated fans or first-time buyers seeking top-tier image quality.

The audio presentation of Basket Case on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers a serviceable but limited PCM mono track. The source material inherently restricts the depth and clarity, with dialogue presenting as strained and occasionally tinny within the labyrinthine hallways of the hotel. The track is overly dry and faded, at times necessitating the use of subtitles for clear understanding. While efforts have been made to clean up hisses and pops, the overall audio experience continues to suffer from the original low-budget sound recording limitations.

Comparing this 4K release to previous iterations, it appears that the same LPCM Mono track has been reused from the 2018 Blu-ray edition. Although this track handles the audio workload sufficiently, there remains a sense of restriction and limitation. Dialogue exchanges, particularly those overdubbed during post-production, still sound somewhat off. Nevertheless, Belial's rampage sequences remain a standout, adding loud, delightful hits to an otherwise constrained mix. The Gus Russo score retains its excellent quality despite the inherent limitations of the mono presentation.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Basket Case" is brimming with an extensive array of supplementary content, making it a must-have for fans and collectors alike. The package includes two commentaries: a new engaging one with director Frank Henenlotter and star Kevin Van Hentenryck, and an archival commentary with additional cast and crew. Noteworthy features include a mockumentary-style short film, various interviews with cast and crew, exploration of filming locations, critical essays, and outtakes. Although the general consensus is that this bonus feature selection is comprehensive, there are no major updates or new additions specific to this release. The content delivers hours of insight not just into the film but also into its cultural impact. Audio and video quality are moderately faithful to the original's gritty aesthetic, aligning perfectly with the film’s hand-crafted feel.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring writer/director Frank Henenlotter and star Kevin Van Hentenryck.
• Archival Audio Commentary: With Henenlotter, producer Edgar Ievins, actress Beverly Bonner, and Scooter McRae.
• What's in the Basket?: In-depth feature on the franchise's three films.
• Basket Case 3 1/2: An Interview with Duane Bradley: Mockumentary-style short film.
• Me and the Bradley Boys: Interview with Kevin Van Hentenryck.
• Director Frank Henenlotter Interview: Unusual interview with the director.
• Seeing Double: The Basket Case Twins: Interview with twin actresses.
• Blood, Basket and Beyond: Beverly Bonner discusses her role.
• The Latvian Connection: Team members from Latvia speak about their roles.
• Belial Goes to the Drive-In: Critic Joe Bob Briggs discusses the film.
• Basket Case at MoMA: Coverage of the restored premiere.
• In Search of the Hotel Broslin: Director revisits filming locations.
• The Frisson of Fission: Essay on freakish cinema.
• Slash of the Knife: Short film by Henenlotter.
• Basket Case Outtakes
• Slash of the Knife Outtakes
• Belial's Dream: Animated short film.
• Making Belial's Dream
• Basket Case Image Gallery
• Promotional Gallery: Trailers, TV spots, and a radio spot.

Frank Henenlotter’s "Basket Case," originally conceived for the grindhouse circuit of 42nd Street, channels the raw energy and gritty essence of 1980s New York City. The film emerges as a vivid portrayal of urban decay and gritty subcultures, meshing elements of sibling tension, grotesque effects, and unexpected sympathy. Duane Bradley (Kevin VanHentenryck), carrying his hidden conjoined twin Belial, embarks on a blood-soaked journey of revenge. The premise, a throwback to Todd Browning’s 1932 classic "Freaks," presents a horror narrative tangled in existential dread. Despite an overtly absurd narrative, Henenlotter sustains an earnest tone - much like John Waters’ dark humor - avoiding farce and maintaining a melancholic undercurrent that evokes genuine empathy for its bizarre protagonists.

Kevin VanHentenryck shines as Duane, his naive yet tormented portrayal tethering the outlandish plot to believability. Supporting characters exude an authentic "NYC spirit," embodying gritty realism amidst the film’s surreal elements. Despite the film's undeniable low-budget origins - evident in its 16mm film grain, rudimentary synth score, and sometimes laughable special effects - these apparent flaws are part of its charming, endearing appeal. The practical effects, while crude, retain a captivating personality and the scenes of gruesome carnage punctuate the narrative effectively, highlighting Henenlotter’s fervent showmanship.

"Basket Case" stands as a testament to the era’s guerrilla filmmaking spirit - unapologetically in-your-face and proud of its ludicrous yet oddly empathetic core concept. In this newly restored 4K UHD edition by Arrow Video, fans can indulge in elevated levels of detail that bring the makeup and gore effects into sharper focus than ever before. From the visceral opening kill to the shocking climax, this restoration allows modern viewers to appreciate the film’s sleazy charm and inventive spirit in unprecedented quality.

Frank Henenlotter’s “Basket Case” emerges as a quintessential cult classic, delivering an unforgettable blend of horror and schlocky entertainment that remains captivating over four decades later. The newly released 4K UHD Blu-ray edition by Arrow Video shines a fresh light on this iconic grindhouse feature, offering noticeable enhancements in both visual and auditory experience. The Dolby Vision HDR grading, alongside the increased bitrate, propels this release to be the best visual rendition of the film yet. Audio retains its solid quality from previous releases, ensuring that the film’s infamous eerie soundscapes continue to resonate effectively.

While longtime enthusiasts who possess earlier Blu-ray versions might find the visual improvements modest, 4K aficionados and new buyers will undeniably benefit from the slight, yet appreciable, upgrades. Additionally, Arrow Video enriches this release with a substantial collection of bonus features, providing ample content to satisfy fans long after the credits roll. These extras not only serve as a time capsule for fans of retro New York cinema but also deepen appreciation for Henenlotter’s unique vision and craftsmanship.

The very definition of a cult classic, Frank Henenlotter’s very cheap and hugely cheerful splatter feature remains a fun and compelling piece of schlocky entertainment and a fascinating time capsule for a New York that is all but forgotten by most of mainstream modern society. Not for everyone – as cult classics often are – but it remains a devilishly well put together and compelling grindhouse jam over forty years later. And for those who didn’t pick up Arrow’s previous US-only release, this 4K restoration and release offers up a fantastic technical upgrade and a huge amount of fun extras to satisfy pretty much every type of fan who would pick the disc up. More superb genre work from Arrow. Basket Case on 4K from Arrow Video is available from Monday, 29th April 2024.