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

ADDITION: Imprint Blu-ray (August 2022): Imprint have transferred Ken Russell's Whore to Blu-ray. It is in 1080P in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, transferred with a high bitrate. I wouldn't say it looks particularly dynamic - although a notable bump over SD. Colors are consistent with reds gaining some depth, there isn't much depth or texture. It looks pleasing enough if contrast remains faint.

NOTE: We have added 70 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Imprint use a linear PCM 2.0 channel track (24-bit) in the original English language. Whore has few aggressive moments - often told in flashback -  that come through with modest depth. The score is credited to Michael Gibbs (Housekeeping, Close My Eyes) as well as music sampling by Frankie Laine, Nerissa, Velma Wright, Bill Kelly and The House of Cards and later in the film Beethoven's Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 'Pastoral', Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite and Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain. It sounds clean and consistent in the uncompressed. Imprint offer optional English (SDH) subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Imprint Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Australians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas (author of Rape-Revenge Films: A Critical Study) and Joshua Nelson academic and film critic based in New York. They discuss a lot, initially, on 'feminism', citing Gloria Steinem, and 'pornography' agreeing that both have subjective definitions. The name of the film is also talked about, the protagonist breaking down the fourth wall, the negative critical response and a lot on Ken Russell. 'Sex workers', assault, abuse and many more topics are examined within the context of "Whore". Imprint also stack the disc with new interviews; firstly, for 1/4 hour with actress Theresa Russell who states she enjoys doing films that were 'challenging' even if the monetary rewards were more meager. She describes the evolution of her career. There is also a new 8-minute interview with former porn-star Ginger Lynn Allen who states that her definition of "whore" is someone, a man or a woman, who does something for money that they don't want to do. She talks about working with Ken Russell, her enjoinment of exhibitionism, and taking acting lessons, her transition from pornography - she plays "Wounded Girl" in Whore. There is also a new dozen-minute interview with writer Deborah Dalton discussing how Ken wanted to do a realistic portrayal of a prostitute that haven't been done before. She relates her career and working with some of the cast/crew. I enjoyed the new 12-minute appreciation of Ken Russell and Whore by X-rated auteur Bruce LaBruce discusses his life as a provocateur - and its connotation to Ken Russell. Lastly, is a wonderful new video essay author and critic Kat Ellinger who analysis why the film confuses some viewers and how it is still pure Ken Russell if channeled in a slightly different way. It's very informative. There is also a short theatrical trailer and the package has a limited edition slipcase (see below.)

Ken Russell's Whore has a strong voyeuristic quality without being titillating or sexploitive. Theresa Russell is fabulous. Whore was based on the play Bondage written by David Hines who penned prize-winning monologue focused on a night in the life of a prostitute who he drove in his London taxi cab. It has an documentary feel, somewhat detached from vérité, interspersed with graphic, even vulgar, but honest dialogue but remains fascinating entertainment. Many have been waiting for this Imprint Blu-ray which is 40% off on Amazon at the writing of this review.

Gary Tooze