Murderock 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Murderock 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

1983’s “Flashdance” came out of nowhere, hitting the scene with its style and soundtrack, which proved to be an irresistible package for ticket-buyers. The feature amplified growing interest in the MTV world of music-driven imagery, and such a mid-budget smash attracted a lot of imitators and rehashes. Director Lucio Fulci isn’t the first helmer that pops into mind when it comes to boppin’ cinema of the 1980s, but he attempts to compete with 1984’s “Murder Rock,” trying to stitch together a little flash-dancing of his own with the more familiar ways of an Italian giallo. Fulci actually gets fairly far with the big screen presence of the offering, cooking up as much dancing and dynamic lighting as possible. And there’s a good amount of chiller in the endeavor, exploring the destruction of bodies from a gloved killer. It’s not a particularly stimulating thriller, maintaining the usual in Fulci sluggishness, but it’s a colorful, soundtrack-driven effort that shows some thought with its dangerous ways.

Murderock 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray

"Murder Rock" was previously issued on Blu-ray in 2018. Vinegar Syndrome returns to the title for a UHD release, listed as "newly restored from its 35mm original camera negative." "Murder Rock" has a unique look at times, and the movie's sense of style is gracefully supported throughout the viewing experience. Detail remains in softer cinematography, with decent skin particulars and hairstyles. Costuming remains fibrous as the view changes from workout gear to cold weather outfits. New York City exteriors are deep, examining street life. Interiors maintain dimension as action moves around living spaces and rehearsal rooms. Colors are alive, delivering bright primaries on pulsing lighting and period fashion, also maintaining a deep red for blood. Bluer moodiness is preserved, along with colder street tours. Skin tones are natural. Blacks are deep, protecting an extensive amount of shadow play. Highlights are tasteful. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition, with some debris and mild scratches.

Murderock 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA English mix offers a fresh appreciation of the soundtrack, which carries a pleasingly wide presence. Instrumentation is distinct, along with vocals, and beats carry with some weight. Dialogue exchanges are clear, capturing some strange dubbing choices. Sound effects are blunt and appreciable. A 1.0 DTS-HD MA Italian track is also included.

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

• Commentary features film historian Troy Howarth.

• "Ballet in Blood" (27:49, HD) is an interview with actor Robert Gligorov, who tracks his early years in Yugoslavia, learning to be a more independent person. Looking to embrace his maturation, a move to Italy commenced when he was a teenager, joining the world of competitive diving to make a name for himself. A chance to become an actor was presented to the young man, who rode his good looks into the movies, working for directors such as Umberto Lenzi. Gligorov eventually found his way to "Murder Rock," forced to take dance lessons to keep up with the group. The interviewee describes the feature as a "routine" film for director Lucio Fulci, exploring his production presence, also comparing his current life in the world of art to the demands of moviemaking.

• "Hellfant Prodige" (9:35, HD) is an English-language interview with actress Silvia Collatina, who recalls her years as a child actor, describing the "restrictions" of her days, while her mother was permissive, allowing her to take different roles. First appearing in Lucio Fulci's "The House by the Cemetery," Collatina was exposed to the helmer's ways, noting a change in his professionalism by the time her small role in "Murder Rock" came around.

• "Child's Play" (24:29, HD) is an additional interview with actress Silvia Collatina, who shares her thoughts on career achievements in her native Italian.

• "Lucio's Pet" (13:33, HD) is an interview with actor Pierluigi Conti, who was literally stopped on the street to become an actor, recalling the rise of his career. Meeting director Lucio Fulci on "Zombie," Conti details their collaboration and friendship, sharing his understanding of the man's hygiene challenges and distaste for actresses. Struggling in his career, the interviewee could count on Fulci for work, including a bit part in "Murder Rock," though he doesn't have anything to share about the production, more interested in exploring the decline of the Italian film industry.

• "Lightning Murder" (26:33, HD) is an interview with cinematographer Giuseppe Pinori, who began his career in advertising and documentaries, eventually acquiring work on Italian westerns and assorted projects throughout the 1970s, narrowly avoiding a career in pornography. Talk of directors is offered, including time with Nanni Moretti, and collaborations with Lucio Fulci are noted, as "Murder Rock" commenced their professional relationship. Technical challenges on the dance film are explored, as lighting demands provided a welcome test for Pinori. The interviewee remains fond of Fulci, celebrating his personality and professionalism.

• "A Pen in the Dark" (13:56, HD) is an audio interview with writer Gianfranco Clerici, who considers himself a craftsman, capable of steady work in genre entertainment, "without the whims of intellectuals." The interviewee tracks the development of his career, working with various filmmakers as he churned out scripts for B-movies. Talk turns to Lucio Fulci, whom Clerici fondly recalls as the "best director I ever met," and a brief amount of time is spent discussing "Murder Rock," described here as "not a good picture."

• "Augusto's Empire" (32:00, HD) is an appreciation piece from film historian Eugenio Ercolani.

• "The Murder Instigator" (17:34, HD) is an interview with producer Augusto Caminito, who's joined by film historian Eugenio Ercolani.

• "Murder Prog" (32:10, HD) is an appreciation piece from music historian Pierpaolo De Sanctis.

• "A Pin in the Heart" (8:15, HD) is an interview with makeup artist Franco Casagni, who traces his career origins, living next door to a movie makeup master. Getting a major promotion for "Murder Rock," Casagni was left with all the responsibilities, including the challenge of keeping makeup on sweating actors. Cast and crew are celebrated, and the interviewee deconstructs a special effect used in the feature.

• Audio Interview (16:24) is an undated radio discussion of professional highlights with director Lucio Fulci.

• Interview (25:11, HD) with Geretta Geretta offers some explanation concerning the "Murder Rock" production experience. Conducting the conversation herself, Geretta explains the process of auditioning for Italian producers, as her look secured her a job in the "dance giallo," hired for a cast that didn't include many professional dancers. Geretta explores the atmosphere of working with director 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.

• And a Trailer (2:27, SD) is included.

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

"Murder Rock" isn't the strongest with plot, and investigative elements tend to bring the whole thing to a halt. Fulci doesn't have much energy for the story, but he remains alert with dance choreography, sexploitation interests, and music, helped along by Keith Emerson to give the picture a sonic presence. A crude one, but still engaging. "Murder Rock" doesn't come to a boil, but it remains a passable understanding of menace and writhing, sweaty bodies, sold with thumpy pop songs and focus on needle-based horror to give the offering a decent ick factor.