Plot: What’s it about?
The streets of New York are often dangerous, but never as dangerous as they’ve now become. In addition to the usual criminals and what not, residents now have to deal with a demented serial killer. Someone is lurking in the shadows, watching beautiful women and then unleashing a violent assault on his victims. This psychopath isn’t content to just kill them either, the killer uses a blade to carve his victims in sadistic fashion. Some have their throats cut, others endure having their eyes sliced, while others are left in a torn mess that can never be reassembled. As the killer preys on the females on the streets, the police fail to generate any real leads, all while the killer taunts them at every turn. Who is this twisted individual and will the killer ever be brought to justice, or will New York continue to be used as a hunting ground?
This movie is violent, sadistic, and would piss off even casual feminists. Before Hostel, Saw, and their ilk, The New York Ripper brought the torture porn in ample fashion. The film is soaked in blood and features some brutal, twisted murders that are sure to induce some winces. While Fulci’s cinema and gruesome deaths go hand-in-hand, many of Fulci’s faithful dismiss The New York Ripper as too violent and hateful toward women. There is no argument to deny that, but I still think The New York Ripper is one of Fulci’s more interesting films. The movie has some good tension and given the dark tone, manages to elicit reactions even from hardened horror veterans. The killer’s voice almost ruins the movie, not to mention the film’s paper thin plot, but for fans of the genre, The New York Ripper is worth a look.
Video: How does it look?
The New York Ripper is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Someone at Blue Underground must own a magic lamp, as only a genie could conjure up a transfer this good for The New York Ripper. This is so much better than Anchor Bay’s DVD, it might as well be a new movie. The image shows off impeccable depth, which allows detail to surface that wasn’t visible on previous home video incarnations. In fact, sometimes you might see more than want to! The print looks great also, not to mention to vivid, rich colors that are divine here. Blue Underground has given us a sharp, refined presentation that is hands down the best available version of The New York Ripper
Audio: How does it sound?
A DTS HD 7.1 option is on deck and proves to be a capable soundtrack. Unlike some remixes, this one doesn’t try to force the material to push out audio that isn’t there. The mix remains rather reserved, but you’ll notice a nice upgrade in overall sound. I am just glad that surround presence wasn’t forced, as we have a nice, natural soundscape. This has a cleaner sound, so some moments that were harsh before, now sound much better. The film’s audio limitations are obvious, but such is always the case when all sound is put in during post production. But for what it is, this sounds pretty good. This disc also includes the original mono soundtrack, as well as subtitles in English, French, and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes an interview with Zora Kerova, a location tour, and the film’s theatrical trailer.
