There wasn’t a trashy B-Movie that George Kennedy didn’t love. From the Airport films to his collaboration with Producer/Director Nico Mastorakis, the actor traded in on his Academy Award for Cool Hand Luke whenever he could. Death Ship was no exception to the rule in that regard. There is something altogether entertaining about Kennedy going HAM in a schlocky horror film.
There is something hilarious about Kennedy playing an aging Cruise Ship Captain who is eventually possessed by the ghost of a Nazi Ship Captain. Maybe it’s too much time in the ZAZ world of The Naked Gun/Police Squad. Whatever it is, from the opening moment, Captain Ashland, giving orders or blankly staring into the void of retirement, is giggle-inducing. The more serious Kennedy gets, the funnier the film and the performance get.
Death Ship isn’t necessarily a scary or frightening movie. It’s a standard haunted house movie with ghost Nazis terrorizing what is left of the shipwrecked cruise liner’s inhabitants. The cast is fine and does what they’re told. Richard Crenna, Nick Mancusso, and Sally Ann Howes all do standard work. It’s Saul Rubinek and Victoria Burgoyne who elevate their death scenes. Rubinek brings an arched tone to his death. Burgoyne does go above and beyond for the infamous shower scene.
Though it comes back to Kennedy in the final moments, hunting the two children in the film in a full Nazi uniform that has to be seen to be believed. It’s in these moments that Death Ship elevates itself from the dull drums of 1980s horror to something delicious. Both a little terrifying, a little funny, and all around entertaining. If one can make it through the tedium of the other eighty minutes, you’re truly in for a treat.
The Transfers
The all-new HDR10 Master (Theatrical Cut) – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative is an all-around solid upgrade. The Canadian tax shelter film is not the most visually stunning film to be put onto celluloid, but the image is crisp with few, if any, blemishes or issues. The Extended cut of the film is only included on the Blu-ray and is an 1080P HD Master though not a new one. Kino continues to provide masterful editions of almost forgotten gems of cultdom.
The Extras
They include the following;
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
NEW Audio Commentary for the Theatrical Cut by Paul Corupe of Canuxploitation.com and Film Historian Jason Pichonsky
NEW Audio Commentaries for Both Cuts by Film Historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
NEW Audio Commentary for the Theatrical Cut by Paul Corupe of Canuxploitation.com and Film Historian Jason Pichonsky
NEW Audio Commentary for the Theatrical Cut by Film Historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson
NEW Audio Commentary for the Extended Cut by Film Historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson
Audio Commentary for the Extended Cut by Director Alvin Rakoff, Moderated by Jonathan Rigby
Isolated Score for the Extended Cut by Composer Ivor Slaney
Stormy Seas – The Voyage from Bloodstar to Death Ship: Documentary
What is the Ship Saying: Featurette with Katarina Severen of Katharina’s Nightmare Theater
Bloodstar Short Story Script by Jack Hill
2 Theatrical Trailers
The first of four Audio Commentaries is an all-new track on the Theatrical Cut by Paul Corupe of Canuxploitation.com and Film Historian Jason Pichonsky, who begin with their credentials and their overall love for this Canadian Exploitation Horror Film. Some of the other details include a discussion of the film’s “big twist” and how it relates to the opening credit sequences; how the rise of the Canadian tax shelter films was intended to be “Award and Festival Darlings” but only ended up being B-Movie genre films; the career of US film producer Sandy Howard and how he ended up producing Canadian films; some of the stolen shots / stock footage this film uses from other Canadian films this film used; a discussion of the career and his work here of screenwriter Jack Hill; the development process and changes that were made from Hill’s treatment; a discussion of the professional and personal life of director Alvin Rakoff; a discussion of the various actors that appear in the film with special emphasis on the Canadian ones; a discussion of the various Canadian Tax shelter films and how they lined up with the rise of the slasher film and how this is very different film than a slasher; and much more.
The second of four Audio Commentaries is an all-new track on the Theatrical Cut by Film Historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson, who begin with their credentials before discussing both yes, children do use the bathroom this much (a joke of the film) and how they’re going to discuss the politics of the film and the ghosts of Fascism and how it relates to our current era. Some of the other details include a discussion of where Death Ship lands in the history of Canadian horror films (and how terrible some of the Tax Shelter films were), along with quotes from historians; a discussion of the various creatives that worked in Canadian films at the time, and how much respect horror was given in the country; how these and other films from other countries were stripped of their cultural flavor to meet the requirements of the international market in its broad nature; a discussion of the various films that deal with Nazis including The Boys from the Brazil, and Shockwaves; a larger discussion of the various horror elements, deaths, and how they relate to the Nazis and fascism; the production schedule and the truly disastrous weather that occurred, causing terrible problems; a discussion of the various locations and ships they used to produce the film; and much more.
A word of note on the third Audio Commentaries is indeed an all-new track for the Extended Cut by Film Historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson, but the track is essentially the same commentary track, as there isn’t much added to the extended cut, except for additional moments of gore.
The final Audio Commentary is an archival track for the Extended Cut by Director Alvin Rakoff, moderated by Jonathan Rigby. The duo begins with introductions and Rakoff admitting that it was a film that he “never wanted to make”. Some of the other details include how he came about to direct the film; the original screenplay by Jack Hill, and what changed during the short development process; a discussion of the shipwreck sequence and how much he actually filmed and did not because of the budgetary concerns; a discussion of why he never directed another horror film; a discussion of the various actors that he worked with during the film; a larger discussion of the stunt work and choreography done by Grant Page; a larger discussion throughout about his career; a larger discussion of the various problems and issues that occurred during the production; and much more.
Isolated Score for the Extended Cut by Composer Ivor Slaney – a rarity nowadays, the complete score has been included. Unfortunately, the chapter stops remain the same as the film, so there isn’t really a way to go from track to track to listen. It’s still a great inclusion, especially for those soundtrack fans, as Ivor Slaney’s is a winner.
Stormy Seas – The Voyage from Bloodstar to Death Ship: Documentary (41:16) – is an archival making-of documentary. Featuring interviews with stars George Kennedy, Nick Mancuso, director Alvin Rakoff, and Screenwriter Jack Hill, who discuss with some transparency the arduous process to produce Death Ship. Beginning with the machinations of the pre-production process with producer Sammy Howard and deals that precluded Hill from not only directing but also screenwriting credit, to the various setbacks and harrowing incidents on the set, and much more.
What is the Ship Saying: Featurette with Katarina Severen of Katharina’s Nightmare Theater (3:47) – in this “cheeky” archival featurette, Katarina Severen translates the various bits of German that the ghosts/memories that are not translated throughout the film.
Bloodstar Short Story Script by Jack Hill (3:44) – included is Jack Hill’s original treatment for the story that would eventually become Death Ship. It’s a fascinating (and quick) read as this treatment is much more in line with Hill’s sort of filmmaking style. The story runs automatically but can be paused.
Rounding out the special features are trailers for Death Ship [Trailer 1] (0:58); Death Ship [Trailer 2] (1:35); Deepstar Six (1:57); Leviathan (1:54); Below (2:27); Deep Rising (1:25); Juggernaut (2:54);
The Final Thought
Kino Lorber has provided collectors with another winning 4K UHD upgrade. Recommended!!
A shipwreck crew ends up on a haunted vessel adrift at sea in the George Kennedy starrer Death Ship. New to 4K UHD loaded with special features from Kino Lorber.
The Film
There wasn’t a trashy B-Movie that George Kennedy didn’t love. From the Airport films to his collaboration with Producer/Director Nico Mastorakis, the actor traded in on his Academy Award for Cool Hand Luke whenever he could. Death Ship was no exception to the rule in that regard. There is something altogether entertaining about Kennedy going HAM in a schlocky horror film.
There is something hilarious about Kennedy playing an aging Cruise Ship Captain who is eventually possessed by the ghost of a Nazi Ship Captain. Maybe it’s too much time in the ZAZ world of The Naked Gun/Police Squad. Whatever it is, from the opening moment, Captain Ashland, giving orders or blankly staring into the void of retirement, is giggle-inducing. The more serious Kennedy gets, the funnier the film and the performance get.
Death Ship isn’t necessarily a scary or frightening movie. It’s a standard haunted house movie with ghost Nazis terrorizing what is left of the shipwrecked cruise liner’s inhabitants. The cast is fine and does what they’re told. Richard Crenna, Nick Mancusso, and Sally Ann Howes all do standard work. It’s Saul Rubinek and Victoria Burgoyne who elevate their death scenes. Rubinek brings an arched tone to his death. Burgoyne does go above and beyond for the infamous shower scene.
Though it comes back to Kennedy in the final moments, hunting the two children in the film in a full Nazi uniform that has to be seen to be believed. It’s in these moments that Death Ship elevates itself from the dull drums of 1980s horror to something delicious. Both a little terrifying, a little funny, and all around entertaining. If one can make it through the tedium of the other eighty minutes, you’re truly in for a treat.
The Transfers
The all-new HDR10 Master (Theatrical Cut) – From a 4K Scan of the 35mm Original Camera Negative is an all-around solid upgrade. The Canadian tax shelter film is not the most visually stunning film to be put onto celluloid, but the image is crisp with few, if any, blemishes or issues. The Extended cut of the film is only included on the Blu-ray and is an 1080P HD Master though not a new one. Kino continues to provide masterful editions of almost forgotten gems of cultdom.
The Extras
They include the following;
DISC 1 (4KUHD):
DISC 2 (BLU-RAY):
The first of four Audio Commentaries is an all-new track on the Theatrical Cut by Paul Corupe of Canuxploitation.com and Film Historian Jason Pichonsky, who begin with their credentials and their overall love for this Canadian Exploitation Horror Film. Some of the other details include a discussion of the film’s “big twist” and how it relates to the opening credit sequences; how the rise of the Canadian tax shelter films was intended to be “Award and Festival Darlings” but only ended up being B-Movie genre films; the career of US film producer Sandy Howard and how he ended up producing Canadian films; some of the stolen shots / stock footage this film uses from other Canadian films this film used; a discussion of the career and his work here of screenwriter Jack Hill; the development process and changes that were made from Hill’s treatment; a discussion of the professional and personal life of director Alvin Rakoff; a discussion of the various actors that appear in the film with special emphasis on the Canadian ones; a discussion of the various Canadian Tax shelter films and how they lined up with the rise of the slasher film and how this is very different film than a slasher; and much more.
The second of four Audio Commentaries is an all-new track on the Theatrical Cut by Film Historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson, who begin with their credentials before discussing both yes, children do use the bathroom this much (a joke of the film) and how they’re going to discuss the politics of the film and the ghosts of Fascism and how it relates to our current era. Some of the other details include a discussion of where Death Ship lands in the history of Canadian horror films (and how terrible some of the Tax Shelter films were), along with quotes from historians; a discussion of the various creatives that worked in Canadian films at the time, and how much respect horror was given in the country; how these and other films from other countries were stripped of their cultural flavor to meet the requirements of the international market in its broad nature; a discussion of the various films that deal with Nazis including The Boys from the Brazil, and Shockwaves; a larger discussion of the various horror elements, deaths, and how they relate to the Nazis and fascism; the production schedule and the truly disastrous weather that occurred, causing terrible problems; a discussion of the various locations and ships they used to produce the film; and much more.
A word of note on the third Audio Commentaries is indeed an all-new track for the Extended Cut by Film Historians Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and Josh Nelson, but the track is essentially the same commentary track, as there isn’t much added to the extended cut, except for additional moments of gore.
The final Audio Commentary is an archival track for the Extended Cut by Director Alvin Rakoff, moderated by Jonathan Rigby. The duo begins with introductions and Rakoff admitting that it was a film that he “never wanted to make”. Some of the other details include how he came about to direct the film; the original screenplay by Jack Hill, and what changed during the short development process; a discussion of the shipwreck sequence and how much he actually filmed and did not because of the budgetary concerns; a discussion of why he never directed another horror film; a discussion of the various actors that he worked with during the film; a larger discussion of the stunt work and choreography done by Grant Page; a larger discussion throughout about his career; a larger discussion of the various problems and issues that occurred during the production; and much more.
Isolated Score for the Extended Cut by Composer Ivor Slaney – a rarity nowadays, the complete score has been included. Unfortunately, the chapter stops remain the same as the film, so there isn’t really a way to go from track to track to listen. It’s still a great inclusion, especially for those soundtrack fans, as Ivor Slaney’s is a winner.
Stormy Seas – The Voyage from Bloodstar to Death Ship: Documentary (41:16) – is an archival making-of documentary. Featuring interviews with stars George Kennedy, Nick Mancuso, director Alvin Rakoff, and Screenwriter Jack Hill, who discuss with some transparency the arduous process to produce Death Ship. Beginning with the machinations of the pre-production process with producer Sammy Howard and deals that precluded Hill from not only directing but also screenwriting credit, to the various setbacks and harrowing incidents on the set, and much more.
What is the Ship Saying: Featurette with Katarina Severen of Katharina’s Nightmare Theater (3:47) – in this “cheeky” archival featurette, Katarina Severen translates the various bits of German that the ghosts/memories that are not translated throughout the film.
Bloodstar Short Story Script by Jack Hill (3:44) – included is Jack Hill’s original treatment for the story that would eventually become Death Ship. It’s a fascinating (and quick) read as this treatment is much more in line with Hill’s sort of filmmaking style. The story runs automatically but can be paused.
Rounding out the special features are trailers for Death Ship [Trailer 1] (0:58); Death Ship [Trailer 2] (1:35); Deepstar Six (1:57); Leviathan (1:54); Below (2:27); Deep Rising (1:25); Juggernaut (2:54);
The Final Thought
Kino Lorber has provided collectors with another winning 4K UHD upgrade. Recommended!!
Kino Lorber’s 4K UHD Edition of Death Ship is out now.
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