Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Murder Rock Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 9, 2019

“Murder Rock” is the result of a filmmaker who wanted to craft a murder mystery and producers who craved a “Flashdance” knockoff. The genres are smashed together in this 1984 release, and the results are expectedly odd. “Murder Rock” comes from director Lucio Fulci, who assembles a proper giallo, unleashing chaos inside a troubled dance academy, offering familiar sights of black-gloved killers and dreamscape visits, keeping on track with this whodunit. The feature also pays close attention to trends of the day, offering breakdancing and gyrations to go with all the gore (the production could use an anatomy lesson, but it’s bloody), providing a dance marathon for a helmer who isn’t quite as taken with physical movement as he is with physical pain.

“Murder Rock” may seem ridiculous, and some of it is, but Fulci turns up his cinematic style for the endeavor, which is sharply shot and edited, giving the production a true cinematic presence to go with all the exploitative murder sequences. Scoring is supplied by Keith Emerson, who adapts to the challenge of a thriller while still indulging a handful of gothic, electronic moments, gifting the movie instant atmosphere to help enhance many of Fulci’s murder set-pieces.

Murder Rock Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Boasting a "Brand new 2018 scan with over 45 hours of color correction done here in the states," "Murder Rock" appears to be in good hands for its new Blu-ray release. The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation is bright and clear, reaching cinematographic limits with attention to fine detail. Skin surfaces are emphasized throughout, along with costuming, which retains fibrous textures for dance gear and luxury wear. City visits are dimensional, offering a few glory shots of New York City in the 1980s, and interior decoration is open for study. Make-up effects are also defined. Hues emerge with authority, delivering crisp primaries and extreme dreamscape colors, while delineation is secure, preserving the shadowy stalking sequences. Source is in good shape, with a few blips of chemical blotches and some speckling. Grain is fine and filmic. Some mild judder is detected.

Murder Rock Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is offered in Italian, with the English track the default selection. It's an engaging sonic event, pushing forward with heavier, louder soundtrack selections that set the period tone with disco-y beats. Scoring is also compelling, with sharp instrumentation and position, finding a few freak-out sequences playing with mild separation and panning. Dialogue exchanges handle dubbing comfortably, with clear exposition and surges of panic. Sound effects are pronounced but enjoyable.

Murder Rock Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Troy Howarth.

• Interview (25:11, HD) with Geretta Geretta offers some explanation concerning the "Murder Rock" production experience with the charming actress. Conducting the conversation herself, Geretta explains the process of auditioning for Italian producers, with her look securing her a job with the "dance giallo," hired for a cast that didn't include many professional dancers. Geretta explores the atmosphere of working with Lucio Fulci, who demanded respect from his actors, often going nuclear if someone dared to give their opinion on a scene -- a temper the actress is careful to note she avoided, even managing to make the helmer laugh. Talk of on-set relationships is included, with language barriers preventing bonding, and Geretta shares pride that her natural hair is featured in "Murder Rock." The discussion closes with anecdotes from jobs such as "Buy and Cell," "Warrior of the Lost World," and "Rats," and Geretta examines the dubbing process for Italian pictures.

• Interview (13:40, HD) with make-up artist Franco Casagni is actually split between the in-person subject and Fulci, who appears via a 1987 radio interview, sharing his take on genre expectations and challenges, and the place of "fantastic" cinema in the world. Casagni traces his career origins, describes shooting conditions on "Murder Rock," details his fondness for the stars, and highlights his special effects work.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:37, SD) is included.

Murder Rock Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

The core story that powers "Murder Rock" isn't terribly exciting, but plot isn't completely the point here. There are a lot of characters to manage, but Fulci has more fun staging stalking sequences and kills, and while he seems reluctant to add sweaty bodies bopping to pop hits, he makes the most out of a weird creative challenge, motoring through all the contractual obligations to deliver the chaos fans love.