6.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
A deranged and ferocious killer terrorizes the red-light district of Times Square in New York City.
Starring: George Spencer, John Moser, George Dzundza, Sandra Peabody, Anne GaybisErotic | 100% |
Mystery | 26% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Region free
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
“Massage Parlor Murders” opens with a scene that finds a lowly, frugal john negotiating with a comely working girl for special clothes-removing enhancements to his anticipated rubdown (scored to Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” natch). The scene has nothing to do with the rest of the picture, yet it’s an apt start to the feature, which continues down a path of incoherence and slapdash filmmaking. Right from the start there’s sleaze, a general reluctance to spend money, and nudity, which sums up the viewing event extraordinarily well. Exploitation cinema with a side serving of New York City travelogue, “Massage Parlor Murders” isn’t much of a movie, but it’s a heck of a viewing experience, packing in enough violence, vague confrontations, and clothing-free actors to satisfy those in the mood for gratuitous, no-budget entertainment.
"Massage Parlor Murders" was originally released on Blu-ray in 2013, and now Vinegar Syndrome returns to the title in 2023, offering a 4K presentation, sourced from its original 35mm camera negative. For a film that's all about limited cinematic reach, Vinegar Syndrome manages to refresh "Massage Parlor Murders" for fans(?), delivering an improved viewing experience with a richer sense of color, including sharp primaries and defined changes from the cooler ways of the street to warmer interiors. Skin tones are natural. Costuming is vivid, with period hues crisp. Blood red is exact. Brightness is managed, toned down from 2013. Detail reaches as far as possible, capturing skin particulars as the production explores all kinds of bodies. Sets are open for inspection, with clear decoration. Exteriors are wonderfully dimensional for this NYC time capsule. Grain is heavy and film-like. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in good condition.
The previous Blu-ray featured a 2.0 Dolby Digital track, while this new release upgrades to a 1.0 DTS-HD MA mix. Improvement is noted, with a much clearer handle on dialogue exchanges. Some sections of the movie remain hobbled by technical limitations, but the track maintains a fresher sound. Music also has a great presence, supporting with funky additions and some electro stings.
UHD
There's enough classical music presented here to qualify "Massage Parlor Murders" as the "Fantasia" of dead hooker masseuse movies, a liberal use of inner-monologue exposition that predates "Taxi Driver" by a few years, and some Herschell Gordon Lewis-style gore is tossed in to please genre fans looking for cheap thrills. It's all tied up with a sloppy bow and stained gift wrapping, but the essentials of sleaze and T.V. supercop heroism are nicely accounted for in this strange picture, while its snapshot of New York City during its most corroded era keeps the effort fascinating, especially when it wanders off to fill time.
1980
2023
2000
Limited Edition
1980
Unrated Director’s Cut
2008
1984
1983
1981
4 mosche di velluto grigio
1971
1970
2003
2016
2013
2007
Limited Edition - 1,200 copies | SOLD OUT
1987
Remastered | Paramount Presents #26
1997
2014
2012
1980
1987