Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.5

Psychic Killer Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 7, 2016

1975’s “Psychic Killer” is an unusual take on a murderous rampage. The screenplay arranges the usual antagonisms and paranoia associated with the genre, but instead of detailing the movement of a bloodthirsty murderer, it remains weirdly meditative as it showcases grisly deaths and developing panic. Perhaps the effort isn’t completely original, but it feels like a fresh take on old business, with director Raymond Danton paying attention to characterization and suspense while still indulging all the gore this type of entertainment needs to make a suitable impression. “Psychic Killer” is an effective but throttled romp with dangerous men and savage mental power, and its unusual approach to the routine of screen death keeps it interesting, often celebrating its strange ways as much as the B-movie budget allows.

Arnold (Jim Hutton) is locked up in a prison hospital, fighting accusations that he killed his own mother. He proclaims his innocence, but nobody believes him, though Dr. Laura (Julie Adams) shows concern for his well-being and rapidly deteriorating mental state. Befriending a fellow inmate, Arnold learns about the man’s ability to murder with his mind, using a special medallion to launch deadly psychic energy capable of tormenting and eventually destroying others. Willed the medallion after his pal’s death, Arnold begins work to clear his name, eventually released from prison and offered a chance to resume his miserable life. Instead of embracing freedom, Arnold settles in for the kill, using concentration and the medallion to pick off those who wronged him along the way, creating a trail of dead bodies that triggers interest from Lt. Morgan (Paul Burke), who struggles to understand the strange catalyst for the carnage, growing frustrated with a lack of evidence.

“Psychic Killer” opens with a quote from a physicist, launching the picture with a sobering tone of science and philosophy. It’s an interesting introduction to Danton’s vision for the film, as he largely refuses to transform the silly premise into camp, trying to the best of his ability to keep a movie about a man who kills with the power of his mind, assisted by a silver medallion, as serious as he possibly can. It’s encouraging to watch “Psychic Killer” develop characters with adequate care, including the construction of motivation for Arnold, who’s completely worked up during his initial imprisonment, taking careful stock of abuses and neglect, which he returns to throughout the feature once he figures out his new powers. He’s a loon, wound up tight by mommy issues, but Arnold is also a chilling figure of menace (Hutton is very sharp in the role), openly mocking the police as they search for evidence to tie the newly freed man to a series of murders.

The highlights of “Psychic Killer” arrive during violent revenge sequences, where energy forces guided by Arnold’s mind take care of those who wrong him. One cop (portrayed by co-writer Greydon Clark) loses control of his car, sent on a fast ride through traffic without brakes. An obnoxious nurse is treated to a volcanically hot shower. And a manipulative doctor who enjoys abusing Freudian concepts to molest young women wrestles with madness while waving a shotgun. The most graphic death of the film belongs to a butcher who becomes part of a hamburger display, showcasing the extremity of “Psychic Killer,” which was awarded a PG rating, despite ample gore, sexuality, and some nudity, likely making it the most requested movie by pre-teen boys in need of a ride to a local theater in 1975. Perhaps the MPAA was drinking the day they screened “Psychic Killer.”

B-movie antics and aggression make “Psychic Killer” palatable, offering it spurts of suspense and grand absurdity, while the overall picture retains a visual presence by the production, with Danton trying to do something more with this basic revenge film. The effort is appreciated, but long stretches of the feature are handed over to expositional demands, with characters dryly explaining the situation to other, moderately interested characters. Again, Danton wants “Psychic Killer” to feel as real as possible, but there are noticeable dips in urgency, preventing the endeavor from exploding with lunacy. It’s not thoughtful storytelling on display here, but padding to hit the 90 minute mark, recycling analysis of Arnold’s sinister brain games.

Psychic Killer Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation comes through with terrific clarity, allowing detail to emerge from intense close-ups and gore zone visits, while textures on costuming and set decoration are also open for study. Sharpness reaches as far as focus abilities go, making for a crisp viewing experience that only features minor hiccups with vertical scratches, debris, and speckling. Primaries are nicely refreshed and bold, giving the era's taste in fashion a pleasing boost, while blood red remains vivid. Skintones are natural and greenery is preserved. Delineation isn't problematic. Grain is fine and filmic.

Psychic Killer Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA mix isn't built for expanse, but it does an interesting job with horror elements, pushing levels into the red when the production is looking to shock the listener. It's not a crisp track, working with age and professional limitations, but the essentials are represented, including heated dramatics and modest atmospherics, and sound effects register as intended. Scoring is comfortable, with satisfactory instrumentation. Damage is minimal.

Psychic Killer Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "The Danton Force" (8:55, HD) is a celebration of director Raymond Danton, who worked diligently to move from a promising acting career to behind-the-scenes control, with "Psychic Killer" his second helming effort. Interviews with cast and crew identify his professionalism and limited patience with the unprepared, and his children join the conversation to highlight their father's influence. Co-star Julie Adams is also interviewed, who maintained a professional relationship with Danton after their divorce.

• "The Psychic Killer Inside Me" (13:32, HD) sits down with co-star/screenwriter Greydon Clark, who discusses the early years of his career in B-movies, including his time with "Psychic Killer," which he had a hand in selling to distributors, taking on far more work than financial reward.

• "The Aura of Horror" (8:05, HD) speaks to producer Mardi Rustam, who explores his cultural background and start in the film business. Talk of "Psychic Killer" is minimal, but Rustam is as surprised as you are that the picture acquired a PG rating from the MPAA.

• Three T.V. Spots (:31 each, HD) are offered.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:59, HD) is included.

Psychic Killer Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Psychic Killer" isn't consistent, but it hits more than it misses, laboring to generate a fine sense of threat from an unusual source of doom, exploring cruelties and manipulations with agreeable force. Danton provides a compelling ride of weird encounters, some more broadly defined than others, keeping the feature lively enough to hold attention. And according to the MPAA, it's also the perfect dark magic serial killer movie to watch with the entire family.