Killer Barbys Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		1.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.0
Overall		3.5

Killer Barbys Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 26, 2017

After covering Jess Franco titles from the 1960s and ‘70s, it’s interesting to watch the frightfully prolific filmmaker take on the 1990s. “Killer Barbys” is a 1996 effort that’s meant to give Franco some appeal to younger audiences, merging his interests in gothic horror with the wicked musical and sexual appetites of punk band traveling across Europe. As with most Franco endeavors, it’s all borderline unwatchable, but I recognize the man has his fans. I just need them to explain his appeal to me, because “Killer Barbys” is a complete mess of ideas aching for proper direction.

“Killer Barbys” (thank Mattel lawyers for that goofy title) has the right idea, commencing a battle between the rockers and evil happenings occurring inside a remote European castle. There are cannibals, sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, but in Franco’s care, everything falls apart in a hurry. A better title for the film would be, “Let’s Just Get This Thing to 90 Minutes.” Creepiness is never allowed a chance to simmer, and violence is absurd, with Franco taking his sweet time to put scenes together. As for characterization, there isn’t any, just a loose handle on witchcraft and dim-witted musicians. In fact, Franco seems more interested in selling a soundtrack of Killer Barbies (the band’s real name) songs than putting together a proper chiller.

Killer Barbys Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation is billed as "Newly restored from a 4K scan of the original film elements." And perhaps it was, delivering a fresh feel to a forgotten picture. It's a difficult viewing experience to begin with, featuring some of the softest cinematography I've seen in recent memory, which results in bloomy whites throughout. Delineation is challenged as well, but this is likely an inherent issue. Colors are acceptable, best with rock club interiors and some costuming, but the palette remains subdued for a gothic feel. Source has its share of wear and tear, with blips of chemical damage, scratches and speckling. Grain is heavy, almost impenetrable at times.

Killer Barbys Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The DTS 2.0 track is a strange one, as it uses a lot of audio effects to create a realm of the unreal for the characters. At least I think periodic distortion and echo effects are intentional. Unmolested dialogue exchanges are adequate, capturing the rhythms of the different languages offered. Soundtrack selections are most urgent, with punk rock raging through the mix, popping up without warning, but enjoying reasonable instrumentation and heaviness. Hiss is also detected.

Killer Barbys Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Troy Howarth.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included.

Killer Barbys Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

As dull and grabby as Franco gets, "Killer Barbys" is autopilot work of the worst kind. It's enough to have Franco mentally check out right away, but to make his audience suffer for the next hour and a half while the movie meanders to a non-ending is a special kind of cruelty.