Ruby 4K Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Ruby 4K Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 9, 2025

1973’s “The Exorcist” was a greatly influential film, inspiring producers to try to repeat its success, especially in the realm of low-budget cinema. 1977’s “Ruby” doesn’t seem like an obvious knockoff at first, initially spending time as a mild tale of menace involving the vengeful spirit of a slain gangster and his fixation on the drunken gun moll who betrayed him, but the feature eventually reaches a point of demonic possession. Director Curtis Harrington doesn’t seem particularly interested in defining anything about the movie, while the screenplay (by George Edwards, Steve Krantz, and Barry Schneider) has its own identity crisis to work through, trying to pull together various subplots and characters into a single cohesive film. “Ruby” is messy and, at times, unforgivably dull, with Harrington putting a lot of faith into his cast to carry the viewing experience when it could use a lot more fury when it comes to genre elements.

In 1935, Ruby (Piper Laurie) is seemingly devoted to her lover, Nicky (Sal Vecchio), but a night at a Florida swamp reveals her true intention, aiding the Dade County Gang as they gun down the underworld leader, which shocks a pregnant Ruby into premature delivery. 16 years later, Ruby is the owner of a drive-in theater located next to a swamp, relying on right-hand man Vince (Stuart Whitman) to oversee operations while the employees are ex-members of the Dade County Gang. Ruby remains in her mansion, drinking herself into a stupor as she recalls the glory days of her showbiz fame, barely paying attention to her daughter, Leslie (Janit Baldwin), who hasn’t made a sound since the day of her birth. When strange deaths begin occurring around the drive-in, Vince doesn’t know what to do, seeking help from parapsychologist Dr. Paul (Roger Davis), who senses an evil presence in the area, while Ruby believes it’s Nicky seeking revenge, coming for her, using Leslie’s body to do so.

“Ruby” begins in 1935 before jumping ahead in time “16 years later,” which would place the story in 1951. Vince runs the drive-in business from a tiny office that has a calendar for 1955 posted to a wall, and the movie running for the week is “Attack of the 50 Foot Woman,” which was released in 1958. Confusion is a common reaction to most things in “Ruby,” extending to its tenuous grasp on characterization, as little is understood about Ruby and Nicky before he’s killed, while the whole concept of a drive-in run by ex-gangsters is just too odd to simply gloss over, showing more signs of life as the sole plot of the offering than any poltergeist nonsense that eventually enters the tale.

Ghostly events aren’t particularly commanding in “Ruby,” finding Harrington more interested in the saga of the eponymous character and her battle with the past. Never a subtle actress, Laurie is her usual broad self in the picture, and the director seemingly loves it, devoting plenty of screentime to Ruby’s drunken fits of nostalgia for the grand old days of performance, and her command of others. “Ruby” slows to a stop when focusing on the woman’s depression and anger issues, and the story changes direction with the arrival of Dr. Paul, who’s something of a Ghostbuster, recognizing horrors to come, while Leslie eventually, EVENTUALLY, starts to submit to Nicky’s spirit. Possession scenes are clearly inspired by “The Exorcist,” but Harrington doesn’t get nasty with the feature. Instead, horror elements are mostly muted or simply bizarre (one victim is stuffed into a soda machine, serving a cup of blood to a customer), and sequences involving hypnosis and additional psychological exploration add a real “watching paint dry” atmosphere to the endeavor.

For additional analysis and information, please read Jeffrey Kauffman’s 2017 Blu-ray review.

Ruby 4K Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Screencaps are taken from the Blu-ray.

"Ruby" was previously issued on Blu-ray in 2017, and returns with a UHD release from Vinegar Syndrome, listed as "newly scanned and restored from its 35mm original camera negative." The Dolby Vision presentation certainly maintains its film-like appearance, retaining heavy grain throughout the viewing experience. Detail reaches as far as possible (focus issues are periodic), exploring a range of skin particulars on the cast, along with textured makeup additions. Costuming remains decently fibrous, ranging from gangster suits to Ruby's silk dresses. Interiors stay dimensional, touring Ruby's dwelling, and exteriors provide depth, especially around the drive-in location. Color is defined, securing bright reds on costuming and blood. Whites remain clear, and skin tones are natural. Darker moods register as intended. Blacks are deep, capably handling evening activity. Highlights are tasteful. Source is in good condition.

Ruby 4K Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers an aged understanding of "Ruby." Dialogue exchanges are acceptable, exploring performance choices, while more hysterical moments are reasonably controlled. Intelligibility isn't threatened. Some muddier stretches of the picture remain. Scoring cues are acceptable, setting the jazzy mood of the movie, and horror stings are louder. Sound effects are blunt.

Ruby 4K Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Alternate T.V. Version (95:35, SD) is provided.

• Commentary #1 features film historian David Del Valle and filmmaker David DeCoteau.

• Commentary #2 features director Curtis Harrington and actress Piper Laurie.

• Commentary #3 features film historian David Del Valle and Nathaniel Bell.

• "Keeping it Natural" (11:36, HD) is an interview with actor Roger Davis, who begins with memories surrounding the making of the 1974 television movie "The Killer Bees," acting alongside Gloria Swanson and working with Joel Schumacher, also earning respect from director Curtis Harrington, who invited the actor to join him on "Ruby." Characterization is analyzed, and David recalls time with co-stars, learning from seasoned actors. The interviewee tries to remain positive about the experience and the movie, embracing a chance to play a different kind of character for a change, especially after years making westerns.

• Interview (59:11, SD) is a 2001 discussion of "Ruby" with director Curtis Harrington, hosted by film historian David Del Valle. The topic of different cuts of "Ruby" is raised, with the helmer admitting the picture is mostly his, up to the abrupt ending. Career achievements are also examined, getting into Harrington's choices and vision for his endeavors, and his time with actors.

• "Sinister Image" (SD) is a late-1980s public access T.V. show hosted by David Del Valle, with Episode #1 (28:13) and Episode #2 (29:07) offering an extended interview with director Curtis Harrington, exploring the highlights of his long career, working with some of Hollywood's biggest stars.

• "A Cinematic Summoning" (23:20, HD) is an appreciation piece from film historian Kim Newman.

• Radio Spot (1:03) offers a single commercial for "Ruby."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:33, HD) is included.

Ruby 4K Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Ruby" is pretty sloppy (one scene is meant to take place during a severe thunderstorm, but the windows behind the actors show sunny skies), and the ending is borderline insulting, jolting the languid movie into a shocker conclusion that was clearly reshot long after production concluded. There are a few positives to cling to, including Whitman's performance, which shows some signs of consideration and commitment, and again, think of it: a drive-in theater run by aged underworld figures! Oh, what could've been. But what's here is "Ruby," and its just not thrilling when it needs to be, or intimate when it wants to be. It's just a bore that's clumsily stitched together.