NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Arrow Blu-ray (May 2019): "Black Moon Rising" is transferred to Blu-ray by Arrow Video. This is a brand new 2K restoration of the film from the original 35mm interpositive. The 1.78:1 1080p image lies on a dual-layered Blu-ray, with a high bitrate. There are some instances of damage throughout, usually tiny little white blips or burns, as shown in some of the screen captures below. For a HD transfer from an interpositive, things could be much worse. Close-ups show fine detail. This clarity is welcome since the film's texture otherwise looks somewhat digitized and not as film-like as some my have hoped (see last 2 captures). For a film such as "Black Moon Rising", this is a minor complaint. Contrast levels are acceptable, though certain light or dark backgrounds can get blown out or show only a minor range of blacks. Barring some unforeseen future transfer of the film from its original negative, it is hard to complain about what we get here, though can raise some suspicions. We will eventually compare to the upcoming Kino and see what we find.

The "Black Moon Rising" Blu-ray has 2 audio choices. The first is the original 2.0 24-bit uncompressed linear PCM track. The other option is a DTS-HD Master audio 5.1 surround sound track (also 24-bit) which adds some separation effects, most noticeable in the action sequences. Those without a surround setup will be just fine with the original 2.0 track, and some may even prefer it. The energetic score is thanks to Lalo Schifrin (famous as the guy behind the Mission: Impossible theme as well as Day of the Animals, Hit!, Man on a Swing, Tango, Charley Varrick etc.). There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'B' Blu-ray from Arrow Video.

Arrow Video have absolutely loaded this Blu-ray with extras. The meatiest of them is certainly author/critic/film historian Lee Gambin's audio commentary. Gambin's track benefits from the author having personally interviewed Carpenter in the past. Lee mentions that Carpenter told him that wanted to make a 70's style cast-centric thriller with this film. The stunt work is the focal point of the film, and Lee discusses the wonderful work of Budd Davis (he also drove the Black Moon) before mentioning that Davis was the masked killer in "The Town that Dreaded Sundown". Gambin covers all behind-the-scenes info, from John Carpenter's script and Western style leanings to Linda Hamilton's admittedly crappy wigs. In typical Gambin fashion, the critic makes a number of worthwhile recommendations while discussing the film, here recommending William Sanderson in "Fight For Your Life" and the 50's home invasion thriller, "Storm Fear", "Stranger's Kiss" (which shares this film's cinematographer) and many, many others. After listening to the commentary, one may want to dig into a trio of in-depth interviews. "Black Moon Ascending" is a new 34-minute interview with director Harley Cokelis. "Thief in The Night: Producing Black Moon Rising" is a 15-minute new interview with producer Douglas Curtis. "Sound of Speed: Composing Black Moon Rising" is a new 8-minute interview with composer Lalo Schifrin and film music historian Daniel Schweiger. Following these interviews is a new 18-minute video essay "Carpenter's Craft", which focuses on co-writer John Carpenter's screenwriting career. This video essay is thanks to author and critic Troy Howarth. "Making Black Moon Rising" is a 12-minute archival documentary featuring behind the scenes footage and cast and crew interviews. "Alternative Hong Kong version scenes" is a presentation of selected scenes from the Hong Kong theatrical version with a different score and sound effects, lasting around 12-minutes. "Alternative Work Print Opening Sequence" is the textless opening credits with an alternative title card taken from Harley Cokeliss' personal VHS copy of the workprint. Arrow has also included a handful of trailers, TV, and radio spots. The image galleries are nicely broken down into six categories; "Production Stills", "Behind the Scenes", "Posters and Home Video", "Lobby Cards", "Storyboards", and "Annotated Script". There is a reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Haunt Love and a collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Kieran Fisher.

Arrow Video have yet another great package with their Blu-ray of "Black Moon Rising". The brand new 2K restoration of the film (from the original 35mm interpositive) probably looks the best it can, given the secondary source. It is hard to deny the appeal of "Black Moon Rising". The script is co-written by John Carpenter, the cast is led by Tommy Lee Jones, Linda Hamilton, and Robert Vaughn (not to mention the star studded supporting cast featuring William Sanderson [the toymaker from "Blade Runner"], Bubba Smith [Hightower from the "Police Academy" films], Lee Ving [frontman for punk band FEAR and Mr. Body from "Clue"] and so many more). The film, for all its minor faults, is a fascinating distillation of action films of the 1980s. And oh boy, that love-making scene is awkward. 

Colin Zavitze