Link is the kind of film that names its lead Jane… because you know Tarzan and Jane or Jane Goodall. Yes, it’s obvious but there’s a truly deranged streak in the film. One that makes this a truly irresistibly bonkers cult classic that’s equal parts hilarious and terrifying. Director Richard Franklin understands the arched tone of this thriller about a primate’s unhealthy obsession with a young woman.
Graduate student Jane (Elisabeth Shue) is looking for work and finds it as the “assistant” for eccentric anthropologist Dr. Phillip (Terrence Stamp). The “assistant” position is more than Jane has bargained for as Phillip lives in a secluded home he shares with three primates. Just as she gets the lay of the land and an understanding of the dangers of dealing with the two chimps and the orangutan living with Phillip, the doctor disappears. Slowly, Jane begins to realize that she is the object of obsession, dangerously so, of the orangutan.
When a film is this overwrought, purposefully, is as much a balancing act in directorial tone and style, as it is the balance the actors bring to the film. Stamp may be the MVP of the film as he sets the tone that Shue follows suit with. Without Stamp’s Dr. Phillip being as serious-minded, the film falls apart. Without Shue’s reactions and realism no matter how outlandish the scene the film’s second doesn’t work. Shue’s work here is almost a perfect complement to the equally deranged and arched Hollow Man.
Franklin’s secret weapon is the screenplay by Ozsploitation legend Everett De Roche (based on a story by Lee David Zlotoff and Tom Ackermann). De Roche’s script is cheeky enough to understand the material it deals with is inherently ridiculous and leans into the arched tone without deflating the terror of these animals’ ability to maul. Franklin’s direction compliments the script perfectly with its equally adroit and clever visuals and style.
Link is the type of deranged horror comedy that only gets better with multiple viewing. One that an audience will sit in disbelief that what’s happening is happening only to want to watch it again because of that very fact. Link is the cult classic you’ve been waiting for.
The Transfer
The 4K UHD transfer appears to be from the 2019 4K restoration is a huge upgrade even from the prior Blu-ray edition. The image is a healthy sharp affair throughout. There isn’t a scratch or blemish present throughout the runtime. The transfer is gorgeously luminous showcasing the wonderful photography. The Dolby Vision allows for the retaining all the beautiful black and contrast levels without a hint of artifacting or crushing of the blacks making the 35mm shot film look beautifully representative of its origins.
The Extras
They include the following;
Audio Commentary by Film Historian Lee Gambin and Film Critic Jarret Gahan
Deleted Workprint Scenes
Audio Interview with Director Richard Franklin
Jerry Goldsmith Demo of the LINK Theme
Theatrical Trailers and Teaser
NOTE: The only special feature that is included on the 4K UHD disc is the commentary track by Gambin and Gahan. The rest of the special features are on the Blu-ray disc.
In this archival Audio Commentary by Film Historian Lee Gambin and Film Critic Jarret Gahan begin with their bonafides. Some of the details include and the opening Jerry Goldsmith’s score; the shooting style that Franklin uses to show the primates point of view; primate-based films from the 1930s and 1940s – which were the heyday of these types films, its decline in the 1960s, and its revival in the late 1970s into the 1980s; the casting of Elisabeth Shue – this was the film she was in right after The Karate Kid; the various troupes/archetypes that this particular genre uses and where Shue and Stamp’s characters fall into, and the primates in the film fall into – giving various examples from the different films of the era; the reason they used an orangutan rather than a chimpanzees for Link; some truly horrifying stories from sets using chimpanzees; the rules that the film gives to the main character – and how they are broken; the real life story that the film draws from about a chimpanzees attacks; a discussion of animal wranglers that worked on this film and a larger discussion of wranglers, animals, from other films; the use of computers in this film – and a larger discussion of computer tech in the 1980s and additionally its use in animals movies; a heartbreaking story about Project X and the primates – the studios original plans; a discussion of the infamous bathroom scene – and its place within the history of similar scenes; a larger discussion of the other genre films that featured primates and animals at the time in the 1980s – including Monkey Shines, Cat’s Eyes, Phenomena, A Summer to Remember, Bedtime for Gonzo, Project X, In the Shadow of Kilimanjaro, Times of the Apes, Shakma; and much more. Gambin and Gahan deliver an entertaining and informative track that’s equal to the entertainment value of Link.
Deleted Workprint Scenes (24:25) – these seven sections are either deleted scenes or lifted sections from various existing scenes. Most of the scenes come from the first half of the film before Dr. Phillip (Terrence Stamp) goes missing – including a large portion of the first dinner scene between Jane (Elisabeth Shue) and Dr. Phillip – and the rest from the final 30 minutes, including an added section post-finale. None of the lifted scenes or deleted sections really add anything to the film and should have been removed as they only elaborate on themes and notions the film made clear.
Audio Interview with Director Richard Franklin (4:44) – the all-too-brief interview with the director discusses the origins of the idea, the scripting by De Roche, delays, and eventual production. One wishes the interview was longer as Franklin gives us some truly great information about the production – including working with Rick Baker.
Jerry Goldsmith Demo of the LINK Theme (3:05) – the demo plays over a screenshot of the title card from the film.
UK Theatrical Teaser (0:37)
French Theatrical Trailer (1:47)
Theatrical Trailer (1:17)
The Final Thought
Kino continues to give us wonderful 4K UHD upgrades. Link is packed with wonderful picture, sound, and special features. Highest Recommendations!!!
Terrance Stamp and Elisabeth Shue must contend with a primate with more than simple tricks on his mind in Richard Franklin’s deliciously deranged Link. Kino Lorber upgrades its edition in 4K UHD loaded with special features.
The Film
Link is the kind of film that names its lead Jane… because you know Tarzan and Jane or Jane Goodall. Yes, it’s obvious but there’s a truly deranged streak in the film. One that makes this a truly irresistibly bonkers cult classic that’s equal parts hilarious and terrifying. Director Richard Franklin understands the arched tone of this thriller about a primate’s unhealthy obsession with a young woman.
Graduate student Jane (Elisabeth Shue) is looking for work and finds it as the “assistant” for eccentric anthropologist Dr. Phillip (Terrence Stamp). The “assistant” position is more than Jane has bargained for as Phillip lives in a secluded home he shares with three primates. Just as she gets the lay of the land and an understanding of the dangers of dealing with the two chimps and the orangutan living with Phillip, the doctor disappears. Slowly, Jane begins to realize that she is the object of obsession, dangerously so, of the orangutan.
When a film is this overwrought, purposefully, is as much a balancing act in directorial tone and style, as it is the balance the actors bring to the film. Stamp may be the MVP of the film as he sets the tone that Shue follows suit with. Without Stamp’s Dr. Phillip being as serious-minded, the film falls apart. Without Shue’s reactions and realism no matter how outlandish the scene the film’s second doesn’t work. Shue’s work here is almost a perfect complement to the equally deranged and arched Hollow Man.
Franklin’s secret weapon is the screenplay by Ozsploitation legend Everett De Roche (based on a story by Lee David Zlotoff and Tom Ackermann). De Roche’s script is cheeky enough to understand the material it deals with is inherently ridiculous and leans into the arched tone without deflating the terror of these animals’ ability to maul. Franklin’s direction compliments the script perfectly with its equally adroit and clever visuals and style.
Link is the type of deranged horror comedy that only gets better with multiple viewing. One that an audience will sit in disbelief that what’s happening is happening only to want to watch it again because of that very fact. Link is the cult classic you’ve been waiting for.
The Transfer
The 4K UHD transfer appears to be from the 2019 4K restoration is a huge upgrade even from the prior Blu-ray edition. The image is a healthy sharp affair throughout. There isn’t a scratch or blemish present throughout the runtime. The transfer is gorgeously luminous showcasing the wonderful photography. The Dolby Vision allows for the retaining all the beautiful black and contrast levels without a hint of artifacting or crushing of the blacks making the 35mm shot film look beautifully representative of its origins.
The Extras
They include the following;
NOTE: The only special feature that is included on the 4K UHD disc is the commentary track by Gambin and Gahan. The rest of the special features are on the Blu-ray disc.
In this archival Audio Commentary by Film Historian Lee Gambin and Film Critic Jarret Gahan begin with their bonafides. Some of the details include and the opening Jerry Goldsmith’s score; the shooting style that Franklin uses to show the primates point of view; primate-based films from the 1930s and 1940s – which were the heyday of these types films, its decline in the 1960s, and its revival in the late 1970s into the 1980s; the casting of Elisabeth Shue – this was the film she was in right after The Karate Kid; the various troupes/archetypes that this particular genre uses and where Shue and Stamp’s characters fall into, and the primates in the film fall into – giving various examples from the different films of the era; the reason they used an orangutan rather than a chimpanzees for Link; some truly horrifying stories from sets using chimpanzees; the rules that the film gives to the main character – and how they are broken; the real life story that the film draws from about a chimpanzees attacks; a discussion of animal wranglers that worked on this film and a larger discussion of wranglers, animals, from other films; the use of computers in this film – and a larger discussion of computer tech in the 1980s and additionally its use in animals movies; a heartbreaking story about Project X and the primates – the studios original plans; a discussion of the infamous bathroom scene – and its place within the history of similar scenes; a larger discussion of the other genre films that featured primates and animals at the time in the 1980s – including Monkey Shines, Cat’s Eyes, Phenomena, A Summer to Remember, Bedtime for Gonzo, Project X, In the Shadow of Kilimanjaro, Times of the Apes, Shakma; and much more. Gambin and Gahan deliver an entertaining and informative track that’s equal to the entertainment value of Link.
Deleted Workprint Scenes (24:25) – these seven sections are either deleted scenes or lifted sections from various existing scenes. Most of the scenes come from the first half of the film before Dr. Phillip (Terrence Stamp) goes missing – including a large portion of the first dinner scene between Jane (Elisabeth Shue) and Dr. Phillip – and the rest from the final 30 minutes, including an added section post-finale. None of the lifted scenes or deleted sections really add anything to the film and should have been removed as they only elaborate on themes and notions the film made clear.
Audio Interview with Director Richard Franklin (4:44) – the all-too-brief interview with the director discusses the origins of the idea, the scripting by De Roche, delays, and eventual production. One wishes the interview was longer as Franklin gives us some truly great information about the production – including working with Rick Baker.
Jerry Goldsmith Demo of the LINK Theme (3:05) – the demo plays over a screenshot of the title card from the film.
UK Theatrical Teaser (0:37)
French Theatrical Trailer (1:47)
Theatrical Trailer (1:17)
The Final Thought
Kino continues to give us wonderful 4K UHD upgrades. Link is packed with wonderful picture, sound, and special features. Highest Recommendations!!!
Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Edition of Link is out September 24th
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