Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

Whodunit? Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf November 23, 2020

Writer/director William T. Naud wanted to enter the slasher movie marketplace sweepstakes of the early 1980s, with his submission titled “Whodunit?” (aka “Island of Blood”), tracking the deaths of young things on an island. He had the vision for horror, but there’s no real game plan for storytelling in the 1982 feature, which doesn’t take the time to build character, location, or suspense. Naud seems to be under the impression that simply staging murder scenes is enough to pass for a completed film. “Whodunit?” has major issues with coherency and pace, but certain ideas show promise, contributing to mild entertainment value as the helmer loses interest in doing anything with the endeavor besides dreaming up nonsensical ways to hurt people.

Taking a collection of musicians and actors to a remote island, producer Steve (Terence Goodman) has plans to create a positive movie for the masses, giving his team time over the weekend to help settle in and get to know one another. Disturbing the peace is an unknown killer with a fondness for punk music, changing the lyrics of a song to fit criminal intent. As the gang deals with infighting and infatuation, the dark presence in an abandoned school and nearby house grows more determined to slaughter the visitors, forcing the survivors to scramble for safety.

Naud hasn’t pulled together an inspired cast of young faces, with Steven Trash the only recognizable actor in the ensemble, appearing in the opening of “Ghostbusters” as the tortured amateur psychic. The rest of the squad are untested performers, tasked with interpreting an unfolding nightmare in the middle of nowhere, and doing so with minimal energy. One can’t blame the thespians, as the screenplay for “Whodunit?” doesn’t really make sense, presenting a strange idea of doom in the presence of a cassette player that only offers a single punk song with lyrics that frequently change, reflecting the violence at hand. The magic song is a portent to ultraviolence, but it mostly triggers confusion Naud doesn’t acknowledge. He just wants to bring on the blood, not even paying attention to proper character introductions, with more than a few players here unnamed until the final act.

Violence is meant to be the selling point of “Whodunit?” With relaxed expectation, perhaps the movie connects on this level, showcasing the removal of heads and limbs. Matters get weird in the feature, with one character boiled alive in an extremely hot pool (huh?), while another victim is somehow destroyed by battery acid in a shower, with the deadly chemical connected to the water supply (what?). I know it’s best to not ask questions of genre filmmakers, but I have questions, and Naud doesn’t bother to answer any of them.

Whodunit? Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

"Whodunit?" is billed as "Newly scanned & restored in 4K from its 35mm original negative." For a movie that really doesn't do much, the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is appealing. Colors are vivid throughout, enjoying the natural boost of L.A. hues, offering blue water and golden sun, and characters offer period costuming, with bright reds, deep blues, and pinks. Skintones are natural. Detail is excellent, picking up on distinct facial surfaces and melty makeup additions. Clothing is fibrous, and household decoration is open for study. Distances are dimensional. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in strong condition with some brief scratches.

Whodunit? Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix shows some signs of age and production limitation, with some mild sibilance issues creeping up at times. Dialogue exchanges are acceptable, defining performances. Scoring delivers a louder synth sound, and the reoccurring use of the punk song is clear, with more aggressive instrumentation. Sound effects are basic but appreciable.

Whodunit? Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary feature The Hysteria Continues.

• "Containing the Excitement" (35:26, HD) is a video conference interview with Marie-Alise Recasner, who shares her acting experience at the time of her casting in "Whodunit?" (which is referred to as "Island of Blood" here). Theater trained, Recasner was tasked with adjusting her performance during production, often going big without noticing. She discusses her film education as well, getting to understand the process while detailing her relationship with director William T. Naud, who was open to having the performers check in on the editing process. Memories of the shoot are shared, along with the release of the picture, which provided Recasner with new industry opportunities, including the acquisition of an agent. The interviewee examines the differences between movie and T.V. gigs, revealing her difficult time working on "A Different World." While still interested in acting, Recasner lists her current interests in the non-profit and community action world.

• "Blood & Sweaters" (14:29, HD) is an interview with actor Terence Goodman, who reveals his friendship with Naud, sharing his impression of a man he describes as a "wheeler dealer," doing whatever he could to get a movie made. Enjoying a burgeoning career at the time of the "Whodunit?" shoot, Goodman accepted a role as a favor to Naud, jokingly claiming he lost money in the process. Dealing with almost no budget, Goodman shares his memories of the frugal production, including the loss of a beloved sweater, ruined by fake blood Naud promised would easily wash out. Cast camaraderie is detailed, as Goodman enjoyed a fling with actress Bari Suber. The interviewee recalls his first impression of the feature, dismissive of the work, but he now celebrates its very existence, with the simple completion of "Whodunit?" an achievement after all Naud was dealing with. Cult longevity is also discussed.

• "Dying for the Opportunity" (13:12, HD) is an interview with charming actor Jim Piper, who won a role in "Whodunit?" after spotting a trade paper ad for the gig, eventually auditioning at Naud's home. This being his first real Hollywood job, Piper wasn't paid, offered footage for his acting reel instead, with Naud happy to help the cast with future employment. Piper dissects the difficult lighting demands of the picture, and the speed of special effects, with Naud not attentive to the particulars of gruesome kills, always on the go. An assessment of the helmer is shared, along with the L.A. shoot. Post-filming activity is detailed, with Piper moving into voice work, scoring the lead on the "Space Ace" animated series, and enjoying some success as part of a "loop group" for Wes Craven endeavors, including "The People Under the Stairs." Revisiting "Whodunit?" for the interview, Piper provides a fresh perspective on the offering.

• "Cutting a Long Story Short" (37:50, HD) is a video conference interview with editor Hari Ryatt, who hired to work on "Whodunit?" when the movie was mostly done, picking up where Naud left off. Memories of working for the helmer are shared, along with creative choices, but Ryatt isn't entirely certain of the specifics. The unedited chat turns to career achievements, with Ryatt offering recollections of his time with Cannon Films, joining the "Dances with Wolves" team, and experiencing animation with "Ferngully: The Last Rainforest."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:19, HD) is included.

Whodunit? Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

I'm guessing Naud saw the grosses for "Friday the 13th" and wanted in on a low-budget trend. "Whodunit?" actually has a decent resolution, finding a conclusion to all the nonsense, but Naud doesn't build to any payoff, simply sticking an interesting idea at the conclusion of dim tale of obnoxious question marks and their inability to avoid obvious danger.