Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

Raw Nerve Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 16, 2022

Director David A. Prior has never been accused of being a perfectionist. During his career (he passed away in 2015), the helmer churned out product, working during the video store glory days, happy to create genre entertainment capable of filling shelves for renters who weren’t too fussy when selecting their evening’s entertainment. Prior created “Killer Workout,” “Future Force,” and “Deadly Prey,” maintaining a steady stream of employment for 15 years. 1991’s “Raw Nerve” is part of this dented legacy, with Prior and co-writer Lawrence L. Simeone attempting to cook up a murder mystery with some defined elements of psychological exploration, hoping to keep viewers off-balance with damaged characters long enough to deliver a few surprises along the way. The ambition is there, but execution isn’t for most of “Raw Nerve,” which tries to make a mess of the players in this deadly game, only to get lost in snoozy melodrama and half-hearted detective work.

Jimmy (Ted Prior) is a race car driver trying to make a living, newly committed to supporting his 18-year-old sister, Gina (Traci Lords), as she makes plans to attend medical school. Jimmy is desperate to give his sister the life he never had, trying to stay focused on winning, with Uncle Blake (Randall “Tex” Cobb) his alcoholic mechanic. New to the city is a murderer, with the shadowy figure targeting young women in the night, shooting them in the face. The mess is overseen by Captain Gavin (Glenn Ford) and Lt. Ellis (Jan-Michael Vincent), who are unable to locate any leads, growing desperate to stop a serial killer. The only insight into the crimes comes from Jimmy, who develops graphic visions of the madman at work, capable of seeing potential victims, which gives the police a chance to prevent another death. Working on the story is journalist Gloria (Sandahl Bergman), who hopes to get close to Jimmy, only to fall in love with the tortured man.

To launch the nightmare aspect of “Raw Nerve,” Prior turns to a hall of mirrors to use as a setting for the first attack sequence, with the killer targeting twin sisters at a carnival looking for a little innocent fun. It’s not a grisly scene, and it’s the last bit of visual excitement the production provides, returning to a rather generic study of Jimmy and his personal and legal issues, which often resembles an episode of television, with nothing extremely cinematic occurring during the run time.

Jimmy’s a good guy, trying to do his best for Gina, his beloved kid sister, looking to help finance her medical school future while keeping an eye on her high school outfits, playing the protector role. It takes a few moments to identify Gina’s relationship to Jimmy, with the pair looking like a couple at first, which plays into the mental gamesmanship of “Raw Nerve,” examining a man who’s played many roles for many people, finally finding a connection with Gloria, who initially wants to meet with him to help develop a story about the serial killer case. Complications ensue when journalism turns into sex, and Ellis is identified as Gloria’s ex-husband. “Raw Nerve” walks away from serial killer stuff for long periods of screen time, ignoring suspense to deal with relationships and romantic ideas, and things turn impossibly bleak when drilling into Jimmy’s history, changing the tone of the movie from a murder mystery to a psychodrama, which Prior doesn’t know what to do with.

Raw Nerve Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Raw Nerve" includes an introductory note explaining how a few harsh splices are present on the source material. Some slight jumps are noticeable, but hardly an interruption. Detail is excellent, capturing defined facial surfaces and interior decoration. Exteriors offer dimension. Costuming is fibrous. Color is alert, with distinct reds helping to support the mystery aspects of the feature. Primaries are inviting, dealing with period outfits, and greenery is strong. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy and film-like.

Raw Nerve Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix handles dialogue exchanges well, preserving performance choices and surges of emotion. Some age is noticeable, but intelligibility is never threatened. Scoring cues support as needed, with a clear synth sound. Atmospherics are acceptable, with a decent sense of community bustle, and sound effects register as intended.

Raw Nerve Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features actor Ted Prior, cinematographer Andrew Parke, and editor Tony Malanowski.

• "Touching a Nerve" (33:32, HD) is an interview with actor Ted Prior, who details his early interest in acting, following his brother, David A. Prior, into the business. The pair collaborated often, including their first endeavor, "Sledgehammer," and eventually connected on "Raw Nerve," with Prior's role changed at the very last minute, eliminating the need for a tan the star was working on. Co-stars are recalled, with Prior discussing time with Traci Lords, Sandahl Bergman, and Randall "Tex" Cobb. He also describes the crew as a "big family," working to put the low-budget effort together. Acting challenges are examined by the interviewee, and career highlights are detailed, with many anecdotes shared.

• "The Raw Materials" (13:10, HD) is an interview with producer Ruta Aras, who recalls her early ambition to make movies, eventually receiving a shot to prove herself with an honest assessment of the "Raw Nerve" screenplay. The interviewee details her relationship with director David A. Prior, and highlights his sibling dynamic with Ted Prior, with the pair inseparable. Casting is assessed, with Aras noting Glenn Ford's memory issues and difficulties with Traci Lords, as her underwear was stolen by hotel staff during the shoot. A move into direction for Aras is remembered, along with anecdotes from her days of filmmaking, including the management of free beer deliveries to the set.

• Gag Reel (13:52, HD) is a slightly bizarre collection of flubbed lines, mistakes, and crew activity. It's interesting to see the actors deal with mishaps, but the package seems to be making fun of Glenn Ford and his inability to stay focused at times, which is a little uncomfortable to watch.

• And a Trailer (1:40, HD) is included.

Raw Nerve Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Raw Nerve" does feature a strange cast, with Prior and Bergman offering competent, engaged performances, trying to make undercooked material matter. Their efforts are appreciated. Turns from Ford (in one of his final roles) and Vincent (who apparently wasn't sober during the shoot, and one can tell) are decidedly less engaged, and Prior asks a bit too much of Cobb and Lords, who do what they can. The story certainly doesn't help the ensemble, leading to a few feeble red herrings and a prolonged final act that doesn't provide a satisfying resolution to the case. Prior seems interested in providing shocking moments and dangerous behaviors, but "Raw Nerve" doesn't have much in the way of pace or tension, almost unsure what kind of tale it wants to tell. It's a B-movie, but the production appears reluctant to play up sellable exploitation moments (outside of having Bergman and Lords repeatedly bend over for the camera), holding out hope it can be taken seriously as a study of mental illness as it takes many forms.