6.3 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
A serial killer is murdering women in the Whitechapel district of London. An American policeman is brought in to help Scotland Yard solve the case.
Starring: Lee Patterson, Eddie Byrne, Betty McDowall, Ewen Solon, John Le MesurierHorror | 100% |
Mystery | 6% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.67:1, 1.34:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.66:1
English: LPCM 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 16-bit)
English
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Considering the fact that films that have had at least a tangential connection to Jack the Ripper have included everything from The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (and The Lodger) to Dr Jekyll and Sister Hyde to The Ruling Class may help to explain at least in part why relatively lower profile films like the more prosaically titled Jack the Ripper might not be at the top of any discerning cineaste’s list of Ripper-centric material. That said, this particular iteration of the tale (or perhaps more appropriately iterations, given the two versions included on this Blu-ray disc) is rather surprisingly graphic and provocative for its production era of the late fifties. Joseph E. Levine must have seen something of exploitation value in this British enterprise, since he rejiggered it, including adding a completely new score, for American exhibition in 1960, though probably due at least in part to the lack of any identifiable Hollywood marquee stars, the film failed to connect with audiences here.
Jack the Ripper is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Severin Films with AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.67:1 (for the US version) and 1.34:1 (for the British version). If you look at screenshots 18 and 19, I've uploaded the text cards that appear before each presentation (in case it's not contextually obvious, screenshot 18 is from the British version and screenshot 19 is from the US version). There are some noticeable differences between the two presentations aside and apart from the aspect ratio changes, but in that particular regard, I've tried to provide a few comparison shots between the two versions so that those interested can see some of the framing variances. You can see these "pairs" in screenshot positions 2-3, 5-6, 7-8, 11-12 and 15-16. To my eyes, the US version is the better looking transfer, though it has its fair share of issues, including some pretty bad damage in the form of large (and occasionally long lasting) scratches, occasional missing frames and other nicks and blemishes that regularly dot the proceedings. That said, the US version has a somewhat darker look with more controlled contrast that probably helps establish the moody visuals a bit better. There's a brief color insert at the very end of the US version which looks pretty badly faded, so that what was probably supposed to mimic "Hammer red" blood looks a bit on the brown side. While the British version is ostensibly another progressive presentation, I'm wondering if due to the telecine workflow at some point there was an interlaced interstitial step, because there are what look like combing artifacts in abundance, to the point that occasional moments of movement can look like they were shot with jiggly cam. As can perhaps be made out in the screenshots of that version if looked at in full resolution, there are some rather odd anomalies that reminded me of some of VCI's less successful efforts, with what almost look like vertical lines running through the entirety of the frame. The British version is also a bit blanched looking when compared to at least the bulk of the US version.
Jack the Ripper features LPCM 2.0 Mono tracks for both versions. The biggest difference between the two is the underscore, with Levine swapping out the British version's perfectly fine Stanley Black score for a somewhat more propulsive, jazzy effort by the great Pete Rugolo and Jimmy McHugh. There is a bit of damage in both versions, with slight background hiss and occasional hiccups when, for example, frames are missing. Otherwise, though, fidelity is at least acceptable, and dialogue is presented cleanly and clearly. While optional English subtitles are available, they're only on the British version.
Severin Films really went all out with various releases of Jack the Ripper, including a now sold out (but still findable if you're willing to spend some considerable scratch) Limited Edition that evidently featured a specially cobbled together third version of the film which incorporated some of the footage seen in the Alternate Continental Takes supplement included on this disc. Jack the Ripper is probably the very paradigm of a cult film, and considering the fact that one of the introductory text cards suggests all original elements of any version of the film appear to be lost, this release will no doubt satisfy the itch of some ardent collectors. Technical merits encounter some obstacles, but the supplementary package is very well done, for those who are considering a purchase.
Jack L'Eventreur / European Release Version
1959
Black Friday Exclusive / Limited to 1,500 copies SOLD OUT
1959
1970
1965
מי מפחד מהזאב הרע / Mi mefakhed mehaze'ev hara
2013
Collector's Edition
1983
2013
Hellraiser V
2000
2021
2017
2004
1980
1971
1978
1979
1980
2018
Collector's Edition | + Director's Cut on BD
1990
1986
1979
2010
1988