Rating summary

Movie		1.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		0.5
Overall		3.0

Panic Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 24, 2020

With a title like “Panic,” there’s a certain expectation in place that something suspenseful is going to occur over the course of the film. The 1982 production doesn’t have that ambition, finding the title more of a bait-and-switch situation, luring viewers to a movie that’s mostly about characters standing around, engaging in banal conversations. Director Tonino Ricci doesn’t bring the thunder with the horror endeavor, which initially promises a spookier tale of a mutant on the loose during a viral outbreak. Murders occur, police are involved, but extraordinarily little happens in “Panic,” which appears to have been created for the sole purpose of creating moments where topless women are terrorized by poorly made-up killer.

A small town in England is threatened when Professor Adams at the Chemi-Cal Corporation loses control of a vaccine experiment in his lab, experiencing a terrible mutation that turns him into a bloodthirsty monster on the prowl for victims. On the case is Captain Kirk (David Warbeck), a no-nonsense cop hunting for clues concerning Professor Adams’s whereabouts, joined by lab tech Jane (Janet Argen). As the creature claims victims, Kirk can’t find a break in the case, soon facing a terrible countdown clock as the government organizes a military quarantine, planning to drop a nerve gas bomb and eliminate the entire town.

“Panic” likes to explain things without really explaining things. The screenplay doesn’t jump to attention, treating viewers to the gradual realization that Professor Adams is missing, with his bloodied lab rats hinting at something awful in the making. The production is in no hurry to establish threat, as Ricci offers a main title sequence presented in total silence, which isn’t the finest way to launch a horror experience. Sadly, the rest of “Panic” follows such stillness, primarily offering scenes where character converse about danger, including British authorities launching “Plan Q,” ready to bomb an entire community to contain the threat, adding a dash of “Fail Safe” to the viewing experience.

Professor Adams does manage to cause some harm during “Panic.” He’s particularly fond of stalking women who manage to take some articles of clothing off, permitting Ricci a chance to provide some sellable moments of sexploitation before the mutant starts his feeding ritual. Professor Adams isn’t exclusively interested in females, but there’s enough nudity here to suggest he’s aware of marketplace demands. If there’s a highlight in “Panic,” it involves the creature infiltrating a movie theater, clawing through the screen to collect a victim, triggering mass panic. It’s one of the few bits of excitement the picture provides, soon back to the business of lengthy discussions and extended shots of Captain Kirk walking around rooms.

Panic Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Boasting a "2016 HD Scan with Color Correction Done Here in the States," "Panic" comes to Blu-ray looking presentable but a little rough around the edges. The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation battles focus issues and softness, but clarity is passable, providing a decent look at English locations and mutant man particulars, showing off makeup achievements. Neighborhood distances are reasonably dimensional. Hues are appreciable, highlighting blood reds and greenery. Household décor is also decent, showcasing period taste. Skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in rough shape, with some thick, lengthy scratches, chemical blotches, debris, and jumpy frames.

Panic Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides a basic understanding of dialogue exchanges. Crispness isn't available, but intelligibility isn't threatened. Scoring cues are sparse and unremarkable, offering basic support for moments of stalking and attack sequences. Hiss is pronounced throughout the listening event, along with periodic popping.

Panic Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on this release.

Panic Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Panic" should be livelier, but it doesn't have the inspiration, preferring to create its tension through conversation. Captain Kirk is also an idiot, which doesn't help the supercop offerings in the movie, watching the armed boob casually point his gun at Jane and run his bare fingers through fresh blood during a viral outbreak. "Panic" trudges along, taking the long way to any sort of thrilling moment, offering nothing but disappointment to anyone trusting the film will live up to its title.