Redneck Miller Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		2.5

Redneck Miller Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Jeffrey Kauffman October 14, 2024

In the "unexpected hit" category, a recent email I received from a Blu-ray marketer mentioned that the original pressing of Redneck Miller had already sold out and Film Masters was pressing more discs to meet demand. There's demand for Redneck Miller? Joking aside, Redneck Miller is probably exactly the sort of cult item that purveyors of niche releases like Film Masters are building their reputations on, and in this case, the film has the perceived imprimatur of Quentin Tarantino, who (as is mentioned in both the commentary and insert booklet included with this disc) actually screened the film at his Los Angeles theater and has been something of a champion of it.

As the back cover and commentary on this release overtly state, this is an example of so-called "Hicksploitation" and seems to have been specifically geared toward drive in audiences in and around North Carolina, where the film was shot. The "plot" here is minimal, offering a local disc jockey named, well, Redneck Miller (Geoffrey Land) whose unbridled libido tends to put him in harm's way. That includes having his Bicentennially themed motorcycle stolen and used as part of a drug smuggling scheme, which ends up getting Miller in hot water. Can he clear his name? Will gratuitous female nudity enter the story? If the answers to those questions don't spring immediately to mind, this film may offer some surprises.

Redneck Miller Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Redneck Miller is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Film Masters' Archive Collection imprint with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. The back cover of this release states this was "scanned in 4K from one of the only surviving rare 35mm release prints" and further goes on to state that "this print was run through multiple rounds of restoration, including dust busting, dirt and debris removal, and repair of deep scratches that were digitally removed. The original print was very faded, having lost much of the blue and yellow tones, and was color corrected to bring back the original film grade". Some may want to quibble with that last bit about the "original film grade", at least in passing, as there are interstitial moments here that are kind of oddly skewed toward blue or green, but really on the whole this is a pretty impressive piece of work by whatever restoration team was utilized. In its best moments, the transfer offers a decently suffused palette that also provides good detail levels. Densities can fluctuate slightly, as can brightness and overall contrast, but considering the fact this was sourced from a print (rather than an IP or negative) and looks even this relatively good is a testament to the tools that are available to restoration technicians these days.

Redneck Miller Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Redneck Miller features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track. Things are a little boxy, and it looks like either some moments were post looped or sync wasn't quite achieved in post for one reason or another, but on the whole this is a decently full bodied track that supports the sometimes silly sound effects (like screeching tires in a cornfield) and the jangly, roots inflected score. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout. Optional English subtitles are available.

Redneck Miller Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• New 2024 Trailer (HD; 3:08)


• Audio Commentary by Justin Humphreys is accessible under the Setup Menu.

Additionally, Film Masters provides a nicely appointed insert booklet with more thoughts from Humphreys, along with a few pictures. Packaging features a slipcover.

Redneck Miller Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Film Masters' main label recently released one of its stock in trade double features with Common Law Wife and Jennie, Wife/Child. Both of those films are also securely in the "Hicksploitation" mode, maybe even more than this particular effort, though this film, as unlikely as it may sound, may have some of the best cinematography and even performances. Considering the fact that this was sourced from a print in evidently shoddy condition, technical merits are surprisingly decent, and the commentary track is enjoyable, for anyone who may be considering making a purchase.