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

ADDITION: Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray (March 2022): A new label 'Kani' through Vinegar Syndrome have transferred Lino Brocka's Cain at Abel (aka Cain and Abel) to Blu-ray. An opening text screen states "This transfer of Cain and Abel originates from the sole extant 35mm print held by the ABS-CBN Film Archives. The film was scanned on a Blackmagic Cintel scanner in 4K and restored in 2K at the Central Digital Lab in Manila in 2016. Although presented at the 1982 San Sebastian Film Festival in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, circumstantial and historical evidence indicates the film was released in the Philippines in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. It is presented here as such. Due to the nature of the available element and limitations inherent to the restoration itself, some softness, warping and distortion is still apparent on the current transfer. Considering the film's historical significance and the continuing importance of Sagip Pelikula, ABS-CBN's ongoing restoration project, we have elected to release the film as is on home video. Please approach the transfer with understanding and empathy."

So it is 4K-restored but, as stated, has some warping and other damage issues. The image is saturated with some teal leaning but is very watchable in 1080P. It is probably the best it will look in this digital format. There isn't an abundance of depth but contrast (tweaked?) has richness with deep black levels. It looks like the transfer has done its best with the surviving elements and I thought it held a reasonable amount of consistency in the visuals. There is pleasing grain textures and occasional depth. 

NOTE: We have added 46 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Vinegar Syndrome use a DTS-HD Master dual-mono track (24-bit) in the original Tagalog language with some English. Dialogue has similar issues to the video but is acceptably consistent. Cain and Abel has plenty of later aggressive scenes with punchy gunfire and sexual assault expressed through the lossless track with modest depth. There is a synth-y score by Max Jocson (Manila in the Claws of Light), sounding supportive with a 70's vibe. Vinegar Syndrome offer optional English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray offers a dozen-minute appreciation by Jose Capino. This is new and interesting. There are also new separate interviews with actors Carmi Martin and Christopher De Leon running almost 1/2 hour in total. They reflect on the production and their careers. There is a 2006 restoration trailer and the package has a liner notes booklet including "Unrighteous Kin" a new essay by Capino and select archival material, notes and annotations by Ricky Lee.

About the new Kani label: "Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!"

Lino Brocka's Cain and Abel gets surprisingly intense and graphic. The jealous sibling rivalry evolves into full-scale familial-based war - comparisons to Peckinpah's Straw Dogs and John Woo are apt. I wasn't anticipating that level of thriller from, what appeared to be, a family-drama. In a second viewing I appreciated the rising tension, cultural Filipino affectations shown in the storyline, and the character evolution (they are not one-dimensional). 'Wow' is all I can say - with machine guns, sniper rifles and indiscriminate exploding violence. It's classic of Filipino cinema with the impressive direction of Lino Brocka. I was so pleased to see this as it was 'a first-time film experience' for me. The Kani / Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray reveals a valuable piece of world cinema with a 4K-restoration and solid extras from a video appreciation, interviews and a booklet. I'm very happy that this was brought to the format with supplements and handsome case. A keeper for me. Absolutely recommended!

Gary Tooze