Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Cut Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov January 6, 2020

Kimble Rendall's "Cut" (2000) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Australian label Umbrella Entertainment. The supplemental features on the disc include an original trailer for the film; new audio commentary by Kimble Rendall and writer Dave Warner; large collection of archival cast and crew interviews; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.

Let's shoot!

Seasoned genre afficionados will quickly figure out not only where Kimble Rendall’s directorial debut, Cut, wants to go, but how it will get there because it incorporates just about all of the main tricks that slashers have utilized over the years to impress. It is not a bad film, but it is quite predictable.

The fun begins when a group of talented students decide to revive and complete an old horror film that was junked after its director (pop diva Kylie Minogue) was brutally murdered by an unidentified madman. After a long flashback introduces the madman, the aspiring filmmakers create a business plan and book a very pretentious American B-movie actress (Molly Ringwald) to be the new star of their film.

A few weeks later, the American actress arrives in Australia and everyone heads back to the same location where production of the original film was halted. After some quick tests, the new director, also a female, then steps behind the camera and begins shooting. However, shortly after the first scene is completed the madman reappears and methodically begins killing the visitors.

The film is based on an original story by Dave Warner (TV’s Canal Road) and Mark Lamprell (Babe: Pig in the City) which is not at all bad. Indeed, it’s got nice twists and promotes a sense of humor that gives the bloody action the old campy vibe that transformed a whole range of similar ‘80s slashers into cult favorites.

Once the madman returns, however, the film quickly heads down a familiar path and then unleashes all of its thrills and chills in a very conventional genre fashion. Now, one could very easily make a case that this is precisely what the film needs to do so that it appeals to its targeted audience. After all, why tweak a proven formula that works, right? On the other hand, the material offers plenty of opportunities for unorthodox surprises, so perhaps a few tweaks could have made a positive difference. This is exactly how during the ‘70s and ‘80s various Italian directors struck gold -- they took chances and did some pretty colorful films that are now considered genre milestones.

The cast is solid, but the film does not have a clear star that leads the way. And it feels like it needs one, especially during the second half, where the drama begins to build. Jessica Napier, who plays the new director, nearly takes the lead, but the film then becomes a lot more interested in the eccentric behavior of the American actress and she effectively loses the momentum. The madman also does not have a big enough presence, it is the mystery that surrounds his identity that becomes a lot more prominent as the carnage begins to unfold.

The masks and special effects are good, though virtually all are of the kind that would be instantly forgotten as soon as the final credits disappear.

A cool soundtrack courtesy of Guy Gross (The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert) adds a decent dose of extra flavor to the bloody fun.

*Umbrella Entertainment’s recent release of Cut is sourced from an exclusive 4K restoration that was completed for the Blu-ray premiere of the film.

Cut Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Cut arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Umbrella Entertainment.

The release is sourced from an exclusive new 4K master that was struck from a 35mm interpositive. The presentation has that kind of an appearance -- it is very healthy and stable, boasting good depth and clarity with solid fluidity. In some of darker areas delineation could be slightly better so that finer nuances and shadow definition are superior, but I still like the end product a lot because on a large screen there are plenty of healthy nuances. The color grading is convincing as well. The primaries are stable and lush, coexisting with proper and equally healthy supporting nuances. Image stability is very good. I noticed a couple of tiny white flecks, but there are no large debris, cuts, damage marks, warped or torn frames to report. My score is 4.25/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

Cut Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

Prior to receiving the Blu-ray release I had not seen the film before, so I don't know if it is supposed to have a more elaborate 5.1 track. This being said, I think that the 2.0 track handles the film's sound design exceptionally well. And this isn't as easy as it may appear because this film actually has plenty of material with some pretty serious dynamic intensity. I like what I heard a lot.

Cut Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Trailer - original theatrical trailer for Cut. In English, not subtitled. (2 min, 720p).

• Commentary - director Kimble Rendall and writer Dave Warner head down memory lane and discuss the conception and production of Cut. There are some particularly good comments about the location in Adelaide where the film was shot as well as the soundtrack that was created for it.

• Behind the Scenes of Cut - presented here is raw footage from the shooting of Cut. In English, not subtitled. (3 min, 720p).

• Cast and Crew Interviews - a large collection of archival interviews with various people that contributed to Cut. The bulk of the comments address the production of the film and its atmosphere and genre identity. In English, not subtitled. (1080p).
  
  1. Molly Ringwald (3 min).
  2. Sarah Kants (2 min).
  3. Jessica Napier (2 min).
  4. Kylie Minogue (3 min).
  5. Sam Lewis (1 min).
  6. Geoff Revell (1 min).
  7. Simon Bossel (1 min).
  8. Kimble Rendall (3 min).
  9. Martin Fabinyi (3 min).
  10. Michael Gudinski (2 min).

• Storyboards - presented in a large gallery. (4 min, 1080p).

• Hayride to Hell (1995) - a short from Kimble Rendall about a salesman whose world is turned upside down after he stops to help a mysterious girl. Starring Kylie Minogue and Richard Roxburgh. In English, not subtitled. (12 min, 720p).

• Cover - reversible cover.

Cut Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

While slightly predictable, Cut is a fine throwback to the '80s and the many cult slashers the decade produced. To be honest, I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. Umbrella Entertainment's release is sourced from a solid new 4K restoration of the film and offers a predictably attractive selection of bonus features. One of them is a very atmospheric short film starring Kylie Minogue and Richard Roxburgh. RECOMMENDED.