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Krays (The): Kill Order
R2 - United Kingdom - Metrodome Distribution Review written by and copyright: Samuel Scott (6th September 2015). |
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The Film
 ***This is an A/V and Extras review only. For reviews on the movie from various critics, we recommend visiting HERE.*** The truth behind the legend. Ronnie and Reggie Kray remain the most notorious criminals in British history. Legends to many, their fame was built on a fearsome reputation and almost mythical celebrity-like status, but who were the real Kray twins? Now in a sensational new feature documentary The Krays: Kill Order, the true story of the men behind the myth is revealed; by those on the inside.
Video
Metrodome Distribution have released the Chris Matthews' directed documentary to coincide with the theatrical release of "Legend" starring Tom Hardy. This appears to be (at time of writing) the only release available worldwide, and is presented in what I assume is the original aspect ratio of anamorphic 1.78:1. It looks as you would expect a new documentary to look. The feature consists almost wholly of talking heads interviews with many of the London characters the Krays were or have been associated with. There are some occasional archival elements where the quality understandably drops slightly, but during the interviews quality is good. Skin tones look natural and colours are fine, with most subjects opting for suitably darker clothing. Blacks crush slightly on occasion, but this is kept to a minimum, and generally in the shadows behind the talking heads. There are a couple of 'on location' interview shots which look overly dark, but the film makers combat this by flashing some text on the screen describing the moment as "covert filming". Details look fine, with close-ups of faces showing some of the small skin blemishes and wrinkles. There aren't many background details to speak of, though in one shot at 41:05 in what appears to be a B&B, there is some minor distortion against the wallpaper. There is a little aliasing and edge enhancement from time to time, but no issues with damage or compression. This is a solid presentation for the DVD format. The documentary is uncut and runs 89:38.
Audio
Metrodome Distribution have provided a single English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo track for this documentary which is more than suitable. Channel separation is minimal, but as this is essentially a dialogue driven feature with a light score occasionally heard in the background, it isn't an issue. Volume levels are consistent throughout and dialogue is generally clear, though does crackle and pop slightly in some of the archival interview footage. In the interview with Maureen Flanagan at around the 80th minute, there is some background noise in the pub, but it isn't intrusive. Overall, this is a solid sounding disc that does everything it sets out to do. There aren't any issues with the non-archival footage, and there aren't any drop outs or signs of background hiss at any time. Unfortunately no subtitles have been included.
Extras
The extras consist almost solely of some audio clips: - Play All - "Judy Garland" (0:28) - "Ronnie's Driving" (0:24) - "The Green Dragon" (0:23) - "The Fella Who Wanted to Shoot Me" (0:14) Although these are extremely short, they are worth a listen. They are audio clips from the Krays set against the text of what they are saying (the audio isn't in great condition), and although not particularly interesting, do add some additional quick stories. There are also several start-up trailers: - "The Guvnors" (2:09) - "Hyena" (1:45) - "Pleasure Island" (1:23)
Overall
Often, documentaries about the Krays have glamourised them, but this one doesn't and gives many viewpoints. For those with an interest in British crime, or The Krays in particular, this is certainly worthy viewing that comes on a sound disc. Recommended.
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