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

ADDITION: Kino Blu-ray (February 2020): Kino have transferred Antonio Margheriti's 1980, multi-titled, Cannibal Apocalypse to Blu-ray. It comes from a "Brand new 4K Restoration". It is on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed out bitrate. The image is quite strong, a shade bluish/green and dull, but consistent and has some impressive detail in the film's many close-ups. There is both depth and texture so, I image, that this is the best the film has ever looked on digital.

On their Blu-ray, Kino use a DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel track (16-bit) in the English language. There is plenty of post-DUB'ing and the audio never sounds totally crisp but, like the video, is consistent and we presume from the best source available. The film's score is by Alexander Blonksteiner (who only has three film score composition credits including Cannibal Apocalypse and The Erotic Adventures of Robinson Crusoe but was part of the music department credits (or musical director or conductor) for Umberto Lenzi's Brothers Till We Die, and Syndicate Sadists and Fulci's The House by the Cemetery) sounding very suitable to the era and genre. Kino offer optional English subtitles on their Region 'A' Blu-ray.

The Kino Blu-ray has a new commentary by Tim Lucas who discusses that with the new 4K restoration we can see the disparity in the stock 16mm helicopter opening footage. He talks about the variety of titles including the different regions they were used even at Drive-Ins. He talks about Tony King's impressive resume, how Antonio Margheriti was also a special effects technician as well as a director utilizing models and pyrotechnics. He comments on a variety of details from the awkwardness of the 'jailbait neighbor with a daddy complex' character, to the cinematography of Fernando Arribas (Ten Little Indians, Death Walks at Midnight, The Blood Spattered Bride, Death Walks on High Heels). Tim is always ready to make Giallo references in cast and crew and this is up to his usual excellent standard. I would say it is a significant bonus to buying this package. As is his usual - he encourages appreciation and enjoyment in the film with his measured commentary. Also included is the 55-minute 2002 retrospective documentary, 'Cannibal Apocalypse' Redux, on the making of the 1980 Italian splatter horror opus "Cannibal Apocalypse" with input from Giovanni Lombardo Radice, Antonio Margheriti and John Saxon. Cannibal King is a new 10-minute interview with actor Tony King who talks about his career and how he ended up in the film. Apocalypse in the Streets is a 6.5 minutes, 2002 video piece with Vic Marlin visiting some of the film's locations. We get the, 8-minute, alternate U.S. opening sequence, short Japanese teaser and European theatrical trailer. There is an alternate cover sleeve (see below.)

Phew, Cannibal Apocalypse is a handful and great to be helmed by Antonio Margheriti with Tim Lucas giving valued discussion points. The 4K restored Blu-ray will greatly appeal to 'apocalyptic, flesh devouring zombie' genre fans. It has some over-the-top gore and interesting subtle touches - I'm now a fan. Recommended to the appropriate niche.

Gary Tooze