Raw Meat (aka Death Line) [4K UHD + Blu-ray]
(Christopher Lee, David Ladd, Donald Pleasence, Hugh Armstrong, et al / 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray / NR / (1972) 2025 / Blue Underground)
Overview: When a prominent politician and a beautiful young woman vanish inside a London subway station, Scotland Yard’s Inspector Calhoun (Donald Pleasence of HALLOWEEN) investigates and makes a horrifying discovery. Not only did a group of 19th century tunnel workers survive a cave-in, but they lived for years in a secret underground enclave by consuming the flesh of their own dead. Now the lone descendant of this grisly tribe has surfaced, prowling the streets for fresh victims ... and a new mate.
Norman Rossington (A HARD DAY’S NIGHT), David Ladd (THE WILD GEESE), Sharon Gurney (CRUCIBLE OF HORROR), and the legendary Christopher Lee (HORROR OF DRACULA) also star in this heart-stopping horror classic co-written and directed by Gary Sherman (DEAD & BURIED).
Blue Underground is thrilled to present RAW MEAT (also known as DEATH LINE) in a brand-new restoration, scanned in 4K 16-bit from the original uncensored camera negative, with Dolby Vision HDR and a new Dolby Atmos audio mix!
Blu-ray Verdict: One of the most affecting films I have ever seen, Raw Meat aka Death Line is one of the most intelligent and bold horror films ever made! The opening scenes of a wealthy and dour civil servant stalking clip joints in Soho sets the tone for a grim and seedy, but very accurate portrayal of life in 70’s London.
No-one talks to each other, on or off the underground, everyone is miserable, even the young student lovers have a fairly rocky relationship, the man being totally lacking in compassion. The use of the genuine ghost stations of the London Underground is an excellent idea, and even if the storyline is ludicrous, it is handled with far more depth than your average slasher movie.
The killer is a tragic figure, and the scene where his beloved finally dies is shocking and heartbreaking. The special effects are nothing short of repulsive, with particular attention being paid to the sound. It revels in gore and depravity, unflinching but not exploitative. It runs like a modern day legend, working on so many levels. The only thing which kinda-sorta spoils the film is Donald Pleaseace hamming it up shamelessly in a badly characterized role which tries to offer comic relief but is simply irritating and unpleasant.
Look out for a remarkable tracking shot in the creature’s lair early on, and a lovely touch with the students enquiring about a book on Poltergeists, more a mood device than anything to do with the plot. Seeing this is a cinema would certainly put you off your popcorn! But luckily I was sent a copy for review in my own front room (sans popcorn, of course).
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Ultra HD Blu-ray (2160p) and HD Blu-ray (1080p) Widescreen 1.85:1 feature presentations
Audio: Dolby Atmos, 5.1 DTS-HD, 1.0 DTS-HD (English); 1.0 DTS-HD (French)
Subtitles: English SDH, Francais, Espanol
Audio Commentary #1 with Co-Writer/Director Gary Sherman, Producer Paul Maslansky, and Assistant Director Lewis More O’Ferrall
NEW! Audio Commentary #2 with Film Historians Nathaniel Thompson and Troy Howarth
Tales From The Tube – Interview with Co-Writer/Director Gary Sherman and Executive Producers Jay Kanter & Alan Ladd Jr.
From The Depths – Interview with Star David Ladd and Producer Paul Maslansky
Mind The Doors – Interview with Star Hugh Armstrong
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