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

ADDITION: Vinegar Syndrome Blu-ray (April 2021): Vinegar Syndrome presents the worldwide Blu-ray debut of Norbert Albertson Jr.'s "Death Promise", newly restored in 2K from its original 35mm camera negative. The 1977 exploitation film is housed on a single layer Blu-ray disc. The 1.85:1 1080p image is assisted by a reasonably supportive bitrate. Thanks to this 2K transfer, black levels are quite strong. Same goes for the picture's colors, having the perhaps unwanted benefit of showcasing some particularly campy 70's fashions. The film has a fine grain, and details are distinct and easily discernible, especially while presenting some rather obvious caked-on make-up in a few scenes. A few shots show some vertical scratches but I only noticed this a few times throughout the entire picture. Another solid HD presentation from Vinegar Syndrome.

Vinegar Syndrome's Blu-ray release of "Death Promise" features the film in the original English 1.0 mono, in 24-bit DTS-HD Master audio. Various foley noises such as nunchucks swirling or necks chopping abound, with the occasional flare of the appropriate 70's wah-wah guitar sounds. There is little to complain about here, with very little hissing or popping, that is typically common in such 70's exploitation. The music for the film is thanks to Bill Daniels and Mike Felder (the two also collaborated on the 1976 film "The Long Night'') with the title track performed by the two under the band name, 'Opus'. There are optional English SDH subtitles on this Region 'Free' Blu-ray from Vinegar Syndrome.

The main extra on this Vinegar Syndrome release is the 16-minute “9,000 feet in 90 minutes” which is an interview with editor Jim Markovic. Markovic discusses his 70's work in editing, from trailers to feature films. He then goes on to speak of how the production company's idea for a picture became what we now know as "Death Promise". Markovic goes on to describe the film's production. The film's trailer and a still gallery (mostly posters, newspaper ads and lobby cards) round out the bonus features on this single-layered Blu-ray disc. This release does have reversible artwork.

"Death Promise" is a lot of cheesy fun. Though nowhere near the unintentional hilarity of some other 70's martial arts cash-ins, it will still put a smile on your face. The film is played rather straight-faced, and there are some rather effective (yet too brief) fight scenes. Vinegar Syndrome continue their enviable line of transfers, with this 2K Blu-ray world premiere surely something that fans will want to grab immediately.

Colin Zavitz