Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Tropic of Cancer Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf October 2, 2022

1972’s “Tropic of Cancer” is not a film for viewers who crave airtight storytelling. The production is more about ideas and situations, trying to build a murder mystery out of what feels like random parts at times. However, the endeavor magically remains interesting due to its location, with the production trying to showcase as much of Port-au-Prince, Haiti as possible, and once a killer starts to become a larger presence in the picture, “Tropic of Cancer” perks up, delivering some black-gloved horror for the fanbase, while nightmare realm additions offer something outside the norm, which helps the cause.

Fred (Gabriele Tinti) has traveled to Haiti with his wife, Grace (Anita Strindberg), to find his friend, Williams (Anthony Steffen). A local doctor, Williams has discovered a secret formula for a new kind of drug, and everyone wants it, including Peacock (Gordon Felio), who’s trying to broker a deal. When Williams’s assistants go missing, tensions rise, putting the doctor on high alert as a killer emerges in the area. For Grace, time in Haiti triggers something deep within, getting into contact with voodoo that seeps into her system, leaving her confused and afraid.

“Tropic of Cancer” doesn’t get into the specifics of Williams and his work with the drug. All that’s basically offered is the presence of a valuable serum, which Williams is looking to protect, while others will kill to get their hands on it. It’s the stuff of thriller cinema, but the production aims for more of a chiller, creating confusion with the doctor and his hunt for safety, and there’s Grace, who’s haunted by contact with local men, generating some dreamscape sensuality the picture isn’t fully prepared to process. Characters fall in and out of “Tropic of Cancer,” but the endeavor maintains a vivid depiction of Haitian activity, visiting street vendors, hotels, and voodoo rituals to set the mood. The effort is also quite graphic when dealing with creature sacrifice and slaughterhouse events, so those sensitive to footage of real animal torment should probably avoid this title.

Tropic of Cancer Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Tropic of Cancer" is a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. The feature offers a tour of Haitian locations, and clarity is excellent, preserving distances to best soak up atmosphere, and interior decoration is equally impressive. Skin particulars are defined, examining differences in age and fine hairs, and costuming remain fibrous. Colors are exact, with crisp blue skies and waters. Greenery is precise, and skin tones are natural. Costuming carries lively primaries, and nightmare experiences offer deep reds. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Some points of damage are detected.

Tropic of Cancer Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix presents clear dialogue exchanges with dubbed performances, offering reasonably comfortable emotional escalation. Crowd interactions are a bit more chaotic, but not harsh. Scoring supports with decent instrumentation and emphasis, offering a jazzier mood for the chiller. Sound effects are blunt.

Tropic of Cancer Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Sex, Voodoo and Dictatorship" (32:57, HD) is an interview with writer/director Giampaolo Lomi.

• Audio Essay (18:09, HD) is critical analysis from film historian Rachael Nisbet.

• Outtakes (2:40, HD) are offered, without sound.

• Alternate English Language Titles (3:23, HD) provide "Peacock Place" main titles and end credits.

• And an Italian Language Theatrical Trailer (2:55, HD) and an English Language Theatrical Trailer (2:56, HD) are included.

Tropic of Cancer Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Tropic of Cancer" has the ingredients for a classic whodunit, building questions around Williams and his daily business, while kill scenes are energetically arranged with unique acts of elimination. And yet, the production tends to get distracted with certain ideas, especially the addition of black magic, failing to focus on the assembly of motives and the advancement of characters. It's a muddled approach to thriller cinema, making the payoff underwhelming, but "Tropic of Cancer" retains a certain natural energy as it makes its way around Port-au-Prince, creating a level of mayhem that helps to hold attention between traditional offerings of murder and accusations.