Basket Case - 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray (Arrow Limited Edition)

Sitting down for this review I wasn’t quite prepared for the realization that it’d been six years since my previous review in 2018. And then, I wasn’t ready for the shock that it had been that long since I sat down to this childhood favorite. To say I was overdue for a revisit is an understatement! All these years later I still have a lot of love for Frank Henenlotter’s low-budget creature feature. That first opening kill sets the tone for the rest film and it's a hoot. Not one I expected to see in 4K, but now that it’s here I loved being able to soak in all the details in the makeup and gore effects - Belial has never looked better! 

Since my thoughts haven’t changed I’ll refer you to my 2018 Basket Case Blu-ray Review

Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 
Wicker has never looked so good now that Arrow Video brings Basket Case to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. For this review we were issued only a check disc, not a full retail edition. Fans can expect to enjoy a standard black case with slipcover and reversible insert art. What appears to be the same booklet as before (albeit updated with new information about the transfer), and a reproduction poster. When we get hands on a full retail version we’ll circle back and update these details. A single-disc release, the 4K is pressed on a BD-100 disc. The disc loads to the same animated main menu as the previous Blu-ray with standard navigation options. 

NOTE - as of this writing we haven’t been able to pull 4K disc-sourced images. All images are from the 2018 Blu-ray. When we can we’ll try to update with new pics and/or video sample.

Ahead of the Blu-ray release, MOMA kindly dedicated their restoration and preservation talents to provide a new 4K master of Basket Case sourced from the original 16mm elements. Since this disc starts with the same notice as the Blu-ray about MOMA’s work, I’m left to assume the same 4K master was used and given a new HDR grading. Presented with Dolby Vision (and HDR10), the new grade doesn’t radically alter color timing or make any changes like that but instead works to pull out more natural primaries and healthier skin shades. Don’t worry, Belial is still that sickeningly pasty white he’s always been! But now black levels are much better refined, shadows have a little more care and attention. Whites are nice and crisp. Given the 16mm source, details see a modest uptick in clarity, but not a massive leap. It’s a limited source so not night and day there. What I was most impressed with is how much better resolved the film grain appears. As seen with other 16mm on 4K films like The Hills Have Eyes and Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, the 4K format can yield impressive results and Basket Case is no different. Overall I would stand this is the best the film has ever looked on home video, however, I’m not 100% sold that it is an essential upgrade over the previous Blu-ray. It’s definitely a good one, no doubt there, if you’re a mega fan and need it in 4K or a first-time buyer, I don’t think you’d be disappointed. But if you’re happy with your previous Blu-ray that is still an excellent disc making the upgrade a little harder to justify.

Flipping between this 4K disc and the 2018 Blu-ray, it sounds like the same LPCM Mono track has been reused. Overall it’s a very good track that handles the workload for this film nicely, but it’s also a track that still feels restricted. Dialog exchanges still sound a little off, especially when any readings were overdubbed in during post. Belial’s rampage is still loud delightful hit for the mix. The Gus Russo score is still an excellent piece of work. 

Digging through the bonus features package, I didn’t spot anything new or updated for this release. To that end, I don’t think there’s much more they could add to this selection of extras, it’s already stacked to the lid with hours upon hours of content in addition to two very entertaining audio commentaries.

• Audio Commentary featuring writer and director Frank Henenlotter and star Kevin Van Hentenryck join forces for this one. It's a pretty great track as they share a nice history working together. Kinda like old friends getting back together and talking about the good old days while giving a bunch of great information about the film.
• Archival Audio Commentary featuring Henenlotter, producer Edgar Ievins, actress Beverly Bonner, and Scooter McRae. This is the same audio commentary that was on the 2011 release - well worth the listen but maybe not quite as much fun as the new one.
• What's in the Basket? (HD 1:18:41) This is the most expansive and in-depth feature of the film as it takes a look back at the franchise's three films.
• Basket Case 3 1/2: An Interview with Duane Bradley (HD 8:30) This is kind of a mockumentary style interview with the lead character. 
• Me and the Bradley Boys - Interview with Kevin Van Hentenryck (HD 16:24)
• Director Frank Henenlotter Interview (HD 3:50) This is an odd sort of an "interview" - honestly don't quite know what to make of it. You're just gonna have to see it for your self. 
• Seeing Double: The Basket Case Twins (HD 8:55)
• Blood, Basket and Beyond -Beverly Bonner Interview (HD 6:04)
• The Latvian Connection (HD 27:33) 
• Belial Goes to the Drive-In (HD 6:55) This is an awesome interview with critic Joe Bob Briggs who helped turn Basket Case into a successful midnight movie. Honestly wish this segment was longer. 
• Basket Case at MoMA (HD 37:12) This is a cool look at the premiere of the restored film at MoMA followed by a cast and crew audience Q&A session. 
• In Search of the Hotel Broslin (HD 16:08) Shot in 2001, this is a fun look back at the film's various shooting locations.
• The Frisson of Fission (HD 23:03) This is an interesting look at the use of outcasts as heroes or villains in movies.
• Slash of the Knife - Short Film (HD 30:13) Directed by Henenlotter - serves as a sort of fake PSA about circumcision. It's a bit goofy but interesting to see where the Basket Case filmmaker got his start. 
• Basket Case Outtakes (HD 6:13) There's some pretty nice behind the scenes sort of stuff here, it's short but cool to see. 
• Slash of the Knife Outtakes (HD 5:30)
• Belial's Dream Animated Short Film (HD 4:49) 
• Making Belial's Dream (HD 2:06)
• Basket Case Image Gallery
• Promotional Gallery (HD 7:40) Trailers, TV Spots, and a Radio Spot.
• Slash of the Knife Image Gallery

Basket Case is a hell of a flick. 42 years and a couple of iffy sequels couldn’t dilute the potent combination of shocking horror and comedy of Frank Henenlotter's original. A low-budget feature front to back, it’s an incredibly entertaining flick that’s perfect for any midnight movie collector. Now Arrow video returns to Belial’s wicker abode for a new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray edition. The Dolby Vision HDR grade and the extra bitrate room offer up some modest improvements, easily the best the film has looked on disc, but probably not quite enough to warrant a double dip for those satisfied with their Blu-ray. However, first-time buyers or 2160p junkies will appreciate that slight visual uptick. Audio is the same solid package as before, and the bonus features remain an excellent way to burn hours of time after the show is over. Recommended. 

Order Your Copy of Basket Case on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray 

Also Available Direct from the Arrow Store