Note: Publicity stills are NOT screenshots from the 4K master
A violent string of murders terrorizes a small apartment complex in Los Angeles. The culprit is a mysterious masked man determined to use every tool at his disposal to make “immoral” women pay. Rooted in the Italian giallo, The Toolbox Murders quickly earned a reputation for its brutal violence and was labeled a “Video Nasty” in the UK. Despite this failed attempt at censorship, The Toolbox Murders has developed a devoted cult following in the decades following its release. Jacob Knight of Birth.Movies.Death wrote that the film is sure to “please even the most hardcore horror hounds” with its “blitzkrieg of brutal, Biblical violence.”
For thoughts on The Toolbox Murders, please check out our discussion on The Video Attic here.
Video Quality
Blue Underground presents The Toolbox Murders with a magnificent 2160p transfer in its original aspect ratio sourced from a 16-bit 4K scan of the uncut original negative with Dolby Vision HDR. The level of detail and clarity is stunning with an excellent amount of natural film grain intact. The grain mostly resolves quite well with some minor fluctuations due to the original photography. The texture on display in the outfits and within the production design are a revelation. Even the special effects details present with impressive clarity that makes the work all the more visceral. This transfer does not register anything 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 does not appear to be any jarring digital anomalies such as compression artifacts, banding or any other such nuisances.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the disc is the application of Dolby Vision for increased color output that has to be seen to be truly appreciated for its lustrous beauty. While the film may mostly take place in drab apartments, there is a world of nuance to be found. The new master features some colors in the production design and makeup such as the red lipstick of Kelly Nichols that pops off the screen with a vibrant intensity. Lighting is an essential part of establishing the mood of this film and this disc handles every slight environmental change with ease. The black levels are outstanding with nothing in the way of crush present, and white levels are solid as a rock with no evidence of blooming. This presentation is a knockout effort from the good people at Blue Underground.
Audio Quality
The 4K UHD Blu-Ray disc comes with three tremendous tracks including a Dolby Atmos track, a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track and a DTS-HD 1.0 Master Audio track. These tracks provide an expansive soundscape that perfectly captures the artistic intent while harnessing the technology of the present. The track does not feature constant activity in the side and rear channels, but it goes towards making the world sound fuller. The score has never sounded better and is used impeccably to establish the mood of the story. There is never a moment where it threatens to overwhelm competing sounds, and it maintains a good balance so that dialogue comes through clearly. The environmental sounds such as reports from the radio and the splatter of tools against flesh are rendered well alongside everything else. There does not seem to be any noticeable instances of age-related wear and tear. Blue Underground has given this film a perfectly preserved audio presentation that brings the movie to life in an exciting manner.
Special Features
4K UHD Blu-Ray
- Audio Commentary #1: Producer Tony DiDio, director of photography Gary Graver and star Pamelyn Ferdin deliver a fantastic archival commentary track in which they discuss how The Texas Chainsaw Massacre influenced the development of this feature, how the creative team came together, what made Ferdin decide to make a leap to this type of picture, the difficulties in shooting in an apartment, the production design and shooting schedule, where various performers are these days, the response to the film and much more. There are a few extended pauses, but all of the information is very interesting.
- Audio Commentary #2: Critics Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson deliver a very fun and informative new commentary track in which they discuss the film’s legacy, the history behind the performers and creative team, the ties to the giallo genre, the dubious nature of the “true story” aspect of the narrative, the film’s MPAA rating, the grimy aesthetic of the film, how this fits into the slasher genre, the role of sexuality in the film, and much more that gives a more critical assessment of the project to complement the personal nature of the competing commentary track.
- Theatrical Trailer: The nearly two-and-a-half minute trailer is provided here.
- TV Spot: The 30-second TV spot is provided here.
- Radio Spots: Two 30-second radio spots are provided here.
Blu-Ray
- Drill Sergeant – Interview with Director Dennis Donnelly: A new 20-minute interview in which Donnelly discusses his early career, how he got involved with The Toolbox Murders, his excitement about working on a horror project, the low budget nature of the shoot, his memory of the performers, his love of tools, the gory details of shooting the film, the choices they had to make to not get an X rating, the process of finding women who were comfortable with nudity, the film’s legacy and more.
- Tools Of The Trade – Interview with Star Wesley Eure: A new 27-minute interview in which Eure discusses his drive to play this character and stretch his talents, the subtle elements he tried to bring to the character, how his performance impacted his relationship with the cast, his favorite scenes, the unexpected success of the film, a shocking screening experience, getting recognized for the film and more.
- Flesh and Blood – Interview with Actress Kelly Nichols: A new 31-minute interview with Nichols in which she discusses her early work in adult magazines, becoming a makeup artist, her involvement with the 1970s King Kong, her work on set in The Toolbox Murders, getting into adult films, what she brought to the storylines, her time on the convention circuit and more.
- I Got Nailed In The Toolbox Murders – Interview with Actress Marianne Walter: An archival interview with Walter (aka Kelly Nichols) in which she discusses some of her early work, her feelings about her iconic scene, her improvisation in the scene, her makeup in the scene, the process of getting killed on screen and more.
- Slashback Memories – David Del Valle Remembers Cameron Mitchell: A 25-minute piece in which the film historian in which he discusses the career of Mitchell, his need to pay back the IRS, his style of acting, going off script to improve the overall project, the different levels he brings to the character, his legacy and much more.
- “The Know I Have Been Sad”: A 19-minute video essay by Film Historian Amanda Reyes and Filmmaker Chris O’Neill in which they delve into the reputation of the film, how it compares to slashers of the time, how it finds scares in the warped humanity, the creative kills, how the film uses religious zealotry, the work of women on the film and more.
- Poster & Still Gallery: A collection of posters, advertising, lobby cards, stills and more.
Final Thoughts
The Toolbox Murders is a nasty bit of business that pushes the boundaries of good taste, but it is a hell of a lot of fun for those who are into this type of filmmaking. The story is very straightforward and familiar, but the film provides a uniquely sinister tone that works well. The performances are objectively not great, yet you have actors like Cameron Mitchell showing up and making some bold choices that will make you unable to look away from the screen. Blue Underground has released a new 4K UHD Blu-ray release which features a terrific A/V presentation and an assortment of special features that cannot be beat. If you already know that you have a soft spot for this film, you will be amazed by how well it has been treated . Recommended
The Toolbox Murders is currently available to purchase on 4K UHD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray and DVD.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the 4K UHD Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Blue Underground 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.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
