Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.0
Audio		2.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

Narcotic Blu-ray Movie Review

Not a "long-lost classic" by any stretch of the imagination.

Narcotic is an old-school exploitation flick exploring the drug-culture of yesteryear. The film is based on the story by A.J. Karnopp and Hildegarde Stadie. Starring Harry Cording, Narcotic is a decidedly strange yarn that might appeal to fans of offbeat genre fare.

Dr. William G. Davis (Harry Cording) begins his journey as a physician who soon discovers the perilous dangers of narcotics. As Dr. Davis transcends down a dangerous path with narcotics at every turn of the story, a whirlwind of madness ensues as the formerly good “Doc” now finds himself within opium dens and surrounded by a cast of dangerous criminals in pursuit of mythical narcotics. Will Dr. Davis be able to salvage his crumbling life or will consuming narcotics destroy everything that remains in his wake?

Not as much fun as Blu-ray addiction.

Cording delves in to the role with a clear enthusiasm for the part. Though the performance might be surmised as the opposite of Oscar gold, Cording manages to be as energetic as the role needed. The results are engaging for what the film is – a curiosity-piece.

Directed by Dwain Esper (Sex Madness, The Seventh Commandment) and co-director Vival Sodar't, Narcotic is a bit entertaining in a “it's-so-bad-it's-good” kind of way. That element might rub viewers the wrong way – or it might leave some in a tizzy. The screenplay by Hildegarde Stadie (Maniac, The Seventh Commandment) is mediocre but strangely works as a genre effort. Worth checking out (with caveats noted).

Narcotic Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, Narcotic is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.33:1. The print quality is in decent shape but it is far from being a pristine restoration. There are many print marks and scuffs on the presentation. These unfortunate elements of print wear and damage take away from the viewing experience.

The print is still serviceable and has a decent amount of sharpness for an exploitation film of its age. Detail remains well preserved. Yet the scan is never as satisfying as a thorough restoration would have resulted in. Making matters worse are some minor compression artifacts – something I was surprised to find on the release.

Narcotic Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The audio is presented in uncompressed PCM mono. The lossless audio track is underwhelming and it never sounds as crisp or robust as desired. The audio sounds altogether mediocre and never makes a meaningful impression. Voices sound thin and the track is scratchy. There is an abundance of hiss present throughout. A decidedly mediocre audio presentation.

Narcotic Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Bret Wood, co-author of Forbidden Fruit: The Golden Age of the Exploitation Film

The Seventh Commandment Extras:

The Seventh Commandment Trailer (HD, 2:07)

The Seventh Commandment Opening Titles (HD, 00:35)

The Seventh Commandment: Fragment 1 (HD, 1:03)

The Seventh Commandment: Fragment 2 (Silent) (HD, 00:34)

How to Undress:

How to Undress: Long Version (HD, 15:01)

How to Undress: Short Version (HD, 9:32)

How to Take a Bath (HD, 13:58)

Narcotic Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:32)

The release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: Marihuana (censored) Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:08), Marihuana (uncensored) Theatrical Trailer (HD, 2:54), Reefer Madness (HD, 2:04), and Test Tube Babies (HD, 3:20).

Narcotic Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Narcotic is not some long-lost classic: most viewers will consider it straight-up terrible (in more ways than one). Yet the offbeat filmmaking is so absurd that somehow it's mildly entertaining. Fans of old school exploitation films might want to check it out. Rent It.