The Killer is Still Among Us Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

The Killer is Still Among Us Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 27, 2022

The rituals of Lover’s Lane activity are forever ruined by a merciless murderer in 1986’s “The Killer is Still Among Us.” The material is reportedly based on a true crime case, but co-writer/director Camillo Teti isn’t that motivated to make a gritty understanding of investigative procedure, going the giallo route instead, with a gloved madman taking advantage of specific vulnerabilities involving sexual interactions in the middle of the woods. “The Killer is Still Among Us” hopes to be a bit more psychological than the competition, but Teti is as vicious as can be at times, visualizing the extremity of punishment facing victims, even after their death.

Christiana (Mariangela D’Abbraccio) is working on her dissertation for a criminology degree, drawn to a recent murder involving a young couple shot and killed during while having sex in a car. The student is pulled toward the mystery of it all, making contact with medical professionals and mystical types, even suspecting her lover, coroner Alex (Giovanni Visentin), of evildoing while she investigates the crime.

“The Killer is Still Among Us” is more of a whodunit, dealing with the shadowy presence of a psycho in the woods. However, there’s a bit more to the lunatic, who enjoys murdering females and violating them after death, using a stick as a tool for sexual assault, and there’s even stronger visuals in the climax, nudging the feature into unwelcome mean-spiritedness. The ugliness of it all is mercifully periodic, as most of the picture remains with Christiana and her mission to uncover who’s behind this horrible crime, trying to prevent additional horrors.

The Killer is Still Among Us Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Listed as "Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original camera negative," the AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "The Killer is Still Among Us" secures the picture's moody cinematography. There's plenty of evening action for the feature, and delineation remains satisfactory, preserving shadowy events. Fine detail comes through superbly, offering textured skin surfaces from a variety of actors, and bodily torment is also distinct, with fine hairs and makeup additions. Costuming is fibrous. Locations remain dimensional, and domestic areas are open for study, highlighting decoration and food preparation. Colors are alert, highlighting deep blood reds and more varied primaries on period clothing. Cooler hues for night attacks retain integrity. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in excellent condition, with some mild debris.

The Killer is Still Among Us Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix leads with clear dialogue exchanges, with dubbing efforts preserving performances. Louder responses to violence aren't shrill. Scoring supports with comfort, delivering clear synth, and soft rock selections are equally appreciable.

The Killer is Still Among Us Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Rachael Nisbet.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:40, HD) is included.

The Killer is Still Among Us Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Killer is Still Among Us" eventually selects a séance to help motivate a climax, which adds unwelcome fantasy to the endeavor, but certain suspense sequences connect as intended, and acting is better than average for this type of film, which ultimately positions itself as a warning to young viewers looking for cheap thrills in the woods.