Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

Link Blu-ray Movie Review

Apes with cigars, anyone?

An entertaining hybrid horror-thriller with a mind, Link is a tense genre-film which builds on a unique concept. From executive producer Verity Lambert ( A Cry in the Dark), the suspense-filled film is an interesting descent into madness. The gorgeous Elisabeth Shue stars in the lead role.

Jane Chase (Elisabeth Shue) is a beautiful and young college student who starts attending a class from the brilliant zoology professor Dr. Steven Phillip (Terence Stamp). The class includes a in-depth study on orangutans with examples of ways in which orangutans are capable of thinking and learning like humans. With these experimental teachings, Professor Phillip skills the apes in how to walk, dress, and even smoke cigars.

Upon hearing her professors detailed lectures, Jane decides to approach him and ask if she can be his assistant. With a job offer in tow (which includes free room and board at his estate), she treks out to help out with the orangutans development. The biggest success of the orangutan training lies in the elderly ape, Link. Link is the most skilled and intelligent of them all.

Can we try non-killer monkey's instead?

As the story turns from science-experiment to horror-thriller Link turns into a surprisingly fun genre flick. Link is almost like a slasher film with apes as the knife-holding psychopaths. It also has a fun madness behind it which is reminiscent of Gremlins (as chaos ensues and gradually worsens over the story).

The film has great production aesthetics on a number of different levels with superb cinematography by Mike Molloy (Shock Treatment, Reflections). The costume designs are by Catherine Cook (Slipstream, King Ralph). Perhaps the best element of the film's technical backdrop is the memorable score by the legend Jerry Goldsmith (Alien, Poltergeist).

Based upon a story crafted by Lee David Zlotoff and Tom Ackermann, the screenplay was written by Everett De Roche (Fortress, Windrider). The script has a lot of fun with the concept and it shows in spades. For horror fans, it's a great thrill ride. Directed by Richard Franklin (Psycho II, Cloak & Dagger), Link plays up the orangutan as killer concept with glee. During the last act of the film, Franklin's voice as a director helps lead to some of the most fun moments (including a epic shot presenting a shot-through door). No genre film enthusiast should go without seeing this horror showstopper.

Link Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Link arrives on Blu-ray from Kino with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1 widescreen. This is a excellent presentation which has impressive clarity and detail. This is due to the source utilized being a 4K scan of the original camera negative. The naturally filmic presentation excels with preserving the fine film grain. The print used for this release is generally clean and proficient without distracting print wear or damage. The film was shot on 35mm and has a beautiful cinematographic style which is well rendered with this presentation.

Link Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio is encoded in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo and utilizes a mono audio track. Despite only utilizing a mono source remaster this is a decent sounding lossless audio presentation which is extremely clear. Kino utilized a restoration master from Studio Canal. The highlight of the release is unquestionably the terrific score by Jerry Goldsmith. In terms of reproducing the original music, the release preserves the score with its excellent detail.

Dialogue is well-reproduced and easy to understand as well. If there is any minor drawback, it's that the track has less punch than a more modern production. Some of the action beats may have benefited from a little more bass. Link still sounds terrific though and the audio quality satisfies.

Link Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio commentary by film historian Lee Gambin and film critic Jarret Gahan

Deleted workprint scenes (SD, 24 min. 25 sec.) showcase sequences which were ultimately cut from the final theatrical version of Link. Although there is much wear to the footage included on these early workprint sequences it's a fascinating view at the development of Link as a project. Some of the scenes are entirely unique from the final cut of the film and others are only moderately altered versions of the edits included in the final release. Viewers hoping to see some rare footage will enjoy exploring these scenes.

Audio interview featuring director Richard Franklin (4 min. 44 sec.) as he discusses the film and it's origins during the production process.

Link theme music demo (3 min. 5 sec.) is an early version of the bizarre-but-charming theme music composed by the great Jerry Goldsmith. Presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo.

The release also includes several trailers promoting the release of the film: UK Theatrical Teaser (SD, 37 sec.), French Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1 min. 47 sec.), and the US Theatrical Trailer (SD, 1 min. 17 sec.)

Link Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Orangutans aren't usually the first thing to come to my mind when I think about thrillers from the 80's. Yet with the surprisingly superb thriller Link, director Richard Franklin has crafted a horror gem which feels almost like it's Gremlins but with orangutans instead. It's a zany, off-the-wall genre picture at times and it builds to a terrific conclusion with a final frame that is sure to stay in one's thoughts well after the credits roll.

For horror and thriller aficionados, Link is an underrated and overlooked 80's gem which is well worth discovery. Kino's release includes a strong 4K restoration taken from the original camera negative. This is a strong presentation and the release includes some engaging extras. Fans should certainly consider purchasing this worthwhile release.