The feature debut of director Frank Henenlotter (Brain Damage, Frankenhooker), 1982’s Basket Case is a riotous and blood-spattered “midnight movie” experience, now presented for the first time ever on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. Duane Bradley seems like a pretty ordinary guy. His formerly conjoined twin Belial, on the other hand, is a deformed creature who lives in a wicker basket. Arriving in the Big Apple and taking up a room at a seedy hotel, the pair set about hunting down and butchering the surgeons responsible for their separation. Filmed on a shoestring budget against the backdrop of 1980s New York (where it played on the midnight movie circuit for over two-and-a-half years), Basket Case has clawed its way from its humble origins to become one of the most celebrated cult movies of all time.

For thoughts on Basket Case, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic:

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Video Quality

Arrow Video presents Basket Case with a wonderful 2160p Dolby Vision/HDR transfer in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio sourced from a 4K scan of the 16mm AB negative reels. The label also had to use sections of a 16mm CRI, a 35mm Interpsotive, and a 35mm Dupe Negative to round out the material. Before delving into this one, it should be noted that this film was shot on 16mm, which means that it is particularly grain-heavy. Those who come to 4K strictly for a sleek and crystal clear picture should probably look elsewhere. With that out of the way, this is easily the best this film has ever looked and could most likely ever look.

It should come as no grand revelation that this is not the most colorful film to ever exist, but that does not lessen the impact of the glorious Dolby Vision presentation. The new release features some colors in the urban daytime portions that radiate off the screen with a particular vibrancy It might not be candy-colored, but it reaches an accuracy not feasible on a lesser format. Lighting is a vital part of the experience of this film and this disc handles every unsparing environmental change with ease. The black levels are mighty with nothing in the way of crush present, and highlights are firm as stone with no evidence of blooming.

The level of detail and grotesque clarity is impressive with all of the natural film grain intact. The thick, gritty grain resolves much more favorably than ever before with only occasional minor fluctuations due to the original photography. The texture on display in the distinct outfits and within the city’s facade is a revelation. The spotlight special effects present with stomach-churning clarity that makes the work all the more visceral. This transfer does not register anything substantial in the way of print damage. This presentation is true to the original look of the film with the added resolution making elements seem more natural. There are not any jarring digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding, or any other such nuisances. While this is not a visual dream due to the content, this presentation is the perfect representation thanks to the team at Arrow Video.

Audio Quality

The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with an LPCM 1.0 lossless mono track that has been restored from the original 35mm magnetic tracks. The track perfectly captures the artistic intent while using modern technology to make it sound better than ever. The music in the feature is used effectively to establish the tone of the story. There is never a moment where it threatens to overshadow competing sounds, and it maintains a deft balance so that dialogue comes through crisp and clear. The environmental sounds of the city streets of Belial’s monstrous screeching are rendered well alongside everything else. There do not seem to be any unexpected instances of age-related wear and tear. Arrow Video has given this film the best audio presentation that can be expected from the source. There are optional English SDH subtitles provided.

Special Features

The first pressing of the Arrow Video 4K UHD Blu-Ray of Basket Case includes a 25-page booklet featuring the essay “‘Case’ History” by critic Michael Gingold and a comic strip by Martin Trafford. These works provide great analysis and history of the film, the creatives, the behind-the-scenes details, and more in a thoughtfully written style. This release also comes with a double-sided poster. The on-disc special features are as follows:

Audio Commentaries: This disc provides a newer commentary track along with an archival track in which the creative team reflects on the process of making the film, the shooting locations, the dangerous moments that were experienced, the special effects work, dumpster diving for props, and more.

- Audio Commentary #1: Writer/director Frank Henenlotter and star Kevin VanHentenryck

- Audio Commentary #2: Frank Henenlotter, producer Edgar Ievins, actor Beverly Bonner, and filmmaker Scooter McRae

Basket Case 3 ½ – An Interview with Duane Bradley: A nine-minute short film by Frank Henenlotter is provided that plays on the interview format.

Me and the Bradley Boys: A nearly 17-minute interview with actor Kevin VanHentenryck in which he discusses his journey to the project, his characters, working with Frank Henenlotter, what he appreciated about his co-stars, goofs you can spot in the film, and more.

A Brief Interview with Director Frank Henenlotter: A four-minute interview featuring a completely nude man filling in for Henenlotter and discussing the film in broad strokes.

Seeing Double – The Basket Case Twins: A nine-minute interview with actors Florence and Maryellen Schultz who played the twin nurses in the film and are the cousins of Henenlotter. There are some amusing stories about growing up with Frank.

Blood, Basket and Beyond: A six-minute interview with actor Beverly Bonner in which they discuss their collaborations with Henenlotter, getting bumped up to the third lead in the film from a bit part, and more.

The Latvian Connection: A 28-minute piece with producer Edgar Ievins, casting person/actor Ilze Balodis, associate producer/special effects artist Ugis Nigals, and Belial performer Kika Nigals. All of these creatives are of Latvian descent and have unique stories about their relationship with Henenlotter and their contributions to the film.

Belial Goes To The Drive-In: A seven-minute featurette in which film critic Joe Bob Briggs discusses first seeing the film at the Cannes market and his attempts to get it seen in the United States.

Basket Case at MoMA: A 37-minute video that documents the premiere of the restoration of Basket Case at the historic museum including a Q&A with with Henenlotter, VanHentenryck, Beverly Bonner, the Schultz Twins, and Ugis Nigals.

What’s In The Basket?: An impressive 79-minute documentary that dives deep into the three Basket Case films with interviews with numerous creative figures, cast members, crew members, and more.

In Search of the Hotel Broslin: A 16-minute featurette from 2001 that serves as a location tour

The Frisson of Fission: A 23-minute video essay from Travis Crawford that explores the film through the lens of conjoined twins and the depictions of “freaks” in cinema.

Basket Case Outtakes: A nearly seven-minute collection of silly moments from the production.

The Slash of the Knife: A nearly 31-minute short film from Frank Henenlotter that serves as a tongue-in-cheek takedown of “America’s uncircumcised” featuring many Basket Case performers. This is provided with an optional commentary track from Frank Henenlotter and playwright Mike Bencivenga.

- The Slash of the Knife Outtakes: A nearly six-minute collection of silly moments from the production.

Belial’s Dream: A five-minute animated short from 2017 created by Robert Morgan. This provides some gross moments with Belial.

- The Making of Belial’s Dream: A two-minute look at how this animated piece came together.

Image Galleries: This disc provides galleries for Promotional Stills, Behind The Scenes, Ephemera, Advertisements, and Home Video Releases

Trailers: A five-minute selection of trailers is provided.

TV Spot: A minute-long TV Spot is provided.

Radio Spots: A two-minute selection of radio spots is provided.

Final Thoughts

Basket Case is scrappy independent filmmaking at its exploitative best. From the first kernel of the idea, all involved had a sense of humor about bringing this outrageous story to the screen. Where this succeeded where so many actually terrible movies failed is in the execution. Director Frank Henenlotter and his talented crew took this silly project seriously, and they brought a level of craftsmanship and professionalism that made the audience more deeply invested in this controlled insanity. This movie is deeply kooky and disgusting, and that is absolutely the selling point for why most love it. It is not for everyone, but those who snap into the vibe of this movie will love it. Arrow Video has released a 4K UHD Blu-Ray featuring a fantastic A/V presentation and an overwhelming array of special features that enhance your appreciation for the film. This is a worthwhile upgrade even if you already own the previous Blu-Ray. Recommended

Basket Case will be available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray on April 30, 2024.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Arrow Video has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.