Psychomania: 2-Disc Special Edition – Arrow Video (Blu-ray/DVD Combo)

Theatrical Release Date: UK, 1973
Director: Don Sharp
Writers: Julian Zimet, Arnaud d’Usseau
Cast: Nicky Henson, Mary Larkin, Ann Michelle, Roy Holder, Denis Gilmore, Miles Greenwood, Peter Whitting, Rocky Taylor, George Sanders, Jacki Webb

Release Date: February 21st, 2017
Approximate Running Time: 90 Minutes 32 Seconds
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 Widescreen / 1080 Progressive / MPEG-4 AVC
Rating: PG
Sound: LPCM Mono English
Subtitles: English SDH
Region Coding: Region A
Retail Price: OOP

"The Living Dead are a delinquent biker gang, fond of causing havoc on British roadways and making out in graveyards. Gang leader Tom (Nicky Henson) also has a Satanist for a mother, and when he discovers the secret of immortality, the name of his motley crew takes on a more literal meaning…” – Synopsis provided by the Distributor

Video: 3.75/5

Here’s the information provided about the transfer, "When research began prior to the restoration of Psychomania, it was discovered that the only surviving elements were a damaged color reversal internegative (CRI) held in Los Angeles, a heavily worn and faded 16mm print and miraculously, a set of 35mm black and white separation preservation masters (Promaster) held at the Filmoteca Espanola in Madrid. These separation masters were created from an original 35mm negative element in the 1970s.

Black and white separations come in three reels for every one reel of film and are a form of preservation aimed at combating long-term color fading. They are black and white records of the additive primary colors (red, green, and blue) created by printing the negative element three times through cyan, magenta, and yellow filters. Each reel of the Psychomania separations was ultrasonically cleaned and then scanned one frame per second in 2K resolution using a Northlight II scanner at Pinewood Studios. Digital tools were then applied to reduce flicker (the yellow layer being particularly problematic), negating sparkle and dust. The images were then recombined digitally to create a full-color image, which was then graded before further picture restoration was undertaken. The film is presented in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1.

The results of this remastering and restoration process are raw 2K scans of each 35mm separation element, a pre-restored 2K master and a 2K master of the final restoration, as well as uncompressed audio files of the soundtrack, all of which are now held by the BFI National Archive.”

Psychomania comes on a 50 GB dual layer Blu-ray.

Disc Size: 32.8 GB

Feature: 24.7 GB

Although there has been an incredible attempt to restore Psychomania to its fullest potential, it still has some limitations. That said, Psychomania has never looked better on home media. Flesh tones look healthy, colors look correct, image clarity and black levels are strong, compression is solid, and the image retains an organic look.

Audio: 4/5

This release comes with one audio option, a LPCM mono mix in English with removable English SDH. The audio sounds clean, clear, and balanced, and the score sounds appropriately robust.

Extras:

Extras for this release include a theatrical trailer (2 minutes 50 seconds, LPCM mono English, no subtitles), a featurette titled Restoring Psychomania (1 minute 47 seconds, Dolby Digital mono with music from the film playing in the background and text information about the restoration), a featurette about the company that supplied the biker attire for the film titled Hell for Leather (7 minutes 52 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an archival interview with Riding Free singer Harvey Andrews titled Riding Free (6 minutes 25 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an archival interview with composer John Cameron titled Sound of Psychomania (9 minutes 6 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an archival featurette featuring actors Nicky Henson, Mary Larkin, Denis Gilmore, Roy Holder, and Rocky Taylor titled Return of the Living Dead (25 minutes 2 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), an interview with actor Nicky Henson (13 minutes 57 seconds, Dolby Digital stereo English, no subtitles), reversible cover art, and a 40-page booklet (limited to the first pressing) with cast & crew information, an essay titled An Outstanding Appointment with Fear written by Vic Pratt, an essay titled The Last Movie: George Sanders and Psychomania written by William Fowler, an essay titled Psychomania — Riding Free written by Andrew Roberts, Taste for Excitement: An Interview with Don Sharpe conducted by Christopher Koetting, and information about the restoration.

Included with this release is a DVD that has the same content included on the Blu-ray included as part of this combo release.

Summary:

Don Sharp directed Psychomania. He’s most known for his Hammer Films, like The Kiss of the Vampire and Rasputin: The Mad Monk. Other notable films he directed are Curse of the Fly, The Face of Fu Manchu, The Brides of Fu Manchu, and Taste of Excitement.

A motorcycle gang that has entered into a suicide pact comes back to life and terrorizes those who get in their way.

From a premise standpoint, Psychomania is undoubtedly one of the most bizarre biker gang films ever released to the public. The film contains numerous elements that demand a leap of faith from viewers, particularly the concept of individuals returning from the dead. If they really believe that, it is possible to do so at the moment of their death. In addition to the living dead angle, Psychomania also features a frog-worshiping cult led by a mild-mannered butler named Shadwell.

Another area where Psychomania falls short is in the performances of its cast. The standout is Nicky Henson (Witchfinder General), who plays Tom Latham, the leader of the biker gang. He delivers a brooding portrayal of a young man overwhelmed by his angst. Another noteworthy performance is by George Sanders (All About Eve) in the role of Shadwell, which marks his final screen appearance. Tragically, he took his life shortly after finishing Psychomania.

The shortcomings of the plot aside, where Psychomania most excels is its ability to create an unnerving atmosphere. Other areas where Psychomania excels are its stylish visuals and John Cameron’s (The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer) exemplary mood-enhancing score. The most notable scene visually features Tom Latham leaping from his grave while riding his motorcycle. Ultimately, despite its shortcomings, Psychomania remains an entertaining film.

Psychomania gets a solid release from Arrow Video. Recommended.

Written by Michael Den Boer