Madman 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Madman 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Created during a fertile period in slasher film distribution, 1982’s “Madman” takes a slightly different route than the average kill-all-the-campers genre offering. Rooted in urban legend idolatry and executed with the slow-burn build of a campfire tale, the feature hopes to creep out audiences with prolonged silences and extended stalking sequences. Patience levels are periodically tested during the run time, but as the effort unfolds, there’s an appreciation for frights and atmosphere that keeps the picture interesting when it stops being engaging. Perhaps it doesn’t reach the iconic highs of “Friday the 13th,” but “Madman” has its simple pleasures, including attention to character and an unusual interest in music to help secure its creepy intent.

Madman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screenshots are taken from the Blu-ray release of "Madman."

"Madman" was originally released on Blu-ray in 2015, and now Vinegar Syndrome returns to the title for a new 4K release, sourced from the 35mm original camera negative. The results are impressive, offering refreshed clarity with facial particulars, which are wonderfully defined here, picking out fine hair and fibrous outfits. Skin surfaces are textured. Forest locations carry some depth, and interiors are appreciable. Colors are exciting, examining the blueness of moonlight, yellow and white lighting sources, and rich red blood. Skintones are natural. Delineation is exact, offering deep blacks that handle shadow play well. Highlights are pleasant, securing a warmer sense of fire and brighter lights. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition, with some brief moments of damage.

Madman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA provides a bit more presence for the "Madman" experience, which isn't too dynamic to begin with. Dialogue exchanges are as clear as possible for this low-budget production, handling performance excitement and a few hushed encounters. Scoring supports with more power, supplying a deeper synth sound that emphasizes suspense sequences. Vocal contributions emerge with clarity as well.

Madman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

New to Blu-ray:

• "I'm Not a Screamer" (19:30, HD) is an interview with actress Gaylen Ross, who was initially approached to make "Madman" after her time on "Dawn of the Dead," only to wait for the producers to find financing. While a summer camp movie, shooting began in October in the Long Island woods, requiring the painting of leaves to sustain the seasonal look. Ross details her struggle with overnight hours, but recalls tasty food available to all, and she provides a highly amusing anecdote about the hot tub scene, dealing with a temperamental co-star. Analysis of female heroism is provided, and the cult longevity of "Madman" is observed. Ross closes with thoughts on George Romero, learning much from the filmmaker, inspired to move from acting to direction, making a career as a documentarian.

• Intro (:52, HD) with producer Gary Sales welcomes viewers to the Blu-ray.

• Commentary #1 features Sales, director Joe Giannone, and actors Paul Ehlers and Tony Fish.

• Commentary #2 features The Hysteria Continues.

• "Madman: Alive at 35" (21:02, HD) returns to Sales and actors Tom Candela and Paul Ehlers, who come together once again to discuss the making of "Madman." Talk of fan art, seasonal concerns during production (requiring the spray painting of leaves to keep up the greenery), and the enduring legacy of the picture is included.

• "The Early Career of Gary Sales" (14:18, HD) sits down with the "Madman" producer, who shares his early years in film school and a transition to adult movies to achieve industry experience. Talk of the "Madman" story and its roots in urban legend is shared as well.

• "The Legend Still Lives" (91:42, SD) is an extensive 2011 documentary covering the making of "Madman," featuring interviews with select cast and crew. With more time to explore the creation of "Madman," the doc digs into the history of the picture, which was once close to casting Vincent Price in the role of Max. Footage of Sales and Ehlers visiting the original location is a hoot, and time with superfans and horror bloggers reveals the deep love for the feature that continues decades after its original release.

• Stills & Artwork Gallery (7:20) covers production and publicity pictures, along with newspaper ads and reviews. Commentary by Sales is provided.

• "Music Inspired by 'Madman'" (13:17) highlights fan submissions, hearing a handful of homemade tunes that utilize the picture's atmosphere to fuel grim lyrics.

• "In Memoriam" (5:46, SD) returns to Sales, who discusses the work of Giannone and actor Tony Fish, while a brief mention of Carl Fredericks's 2012 passing is included.

• "Dead Pit Interviews Gary Sales" (3:39, SD) is a 2008 chat with the producer at a horror convention.

• "Dead Pit Interviews Paul Ehlers" (5:17, SD) finds the titular monster at the same convention, who shares news that a "Madman" remake is on the way, scripted by his son.

• T.V. Spots (1:59, SD) offer five promotional clips.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:48, HD) is included.

Madman 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Vinegar Syndrome endeavors to deliver the best "Madman" presentation around, and they manage to best the previous Blu-ray with this UHD release. Extras from the 2015 are retained, joined by an informative interview with star Gaylen Ross, sweetening the package for fans of the feature.