Basket Case 4K UHD

Much like the early work of Tim Burton, the films of director Frank Henenlotter exist in their own twisted universe.  Only instead of a gothic suburban fairyland, Basket Case (1982) puts down stakes in a seedy Times Square hotel populated by an endearingly colorful collection of hookers, thieves and pimps.  The newest tenant is Duane Bradley (Kevin Van Hentenryck), a naive upstate import whose most defining characteristic is the large wicker basket he carries under his arm.  What's in the basket?  Why, his separated Siamese twin, Belial, who looks more like a stumpy octopus, on a mission of revenge against the doctors who performed their illegal operation and "broke up the band," so to speak.

Inheriting the "Midnight Movie" mantle from Rocky Horror (it had a two year run at one famous NYC theater), Basket Case wormed its way into the horror genre like a venereal disease.  But Henenlotter's film has a DIY aesthetic that's charming even when it's being crude.  The finale features some sexual shock tactics, but for the most part humor outweighs horror, slipping comfortably into Evil Dead­ territory.  Belial himself, brought to life with a mix of puppetry, make-up and stop-motion, is never remotely convincing...yet still makes for an unforgettable co-star along with the grungy 42nd Street vibe.  

 

Arrow Video's new limited-edition 4K UHD is an upgrade from their previous Blu-ray, offering up a stunning DolbyVision (HDR10 compatible) 4K restoration from the original 16mm negative courtesy of MoMA.  The details are obviously much finer but it’s the colors and shadows that really get a boost here.  And the extras are overflowing: interviews, outtakes, audio commentary, stills, trailers, location tours and Henenlotter's 1972 short film The Slash of the Knife, a Reefer Madness-style faux documentary about the perils of circumcision!  The package includes a collector’s booklet and fold-out poster not available for review.

 

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