Story of the notorious East End of London gangsters of the 1960s and their rise to power and ultimate downfall.
Ronnie and Reggie Kray became the most notorious figures in London’s gangland underworld, from extortion to murder, their horrific brutality became legendary and, throughout the 50s and 60s, they ruled by fear, until life sentences in 1969 ended their bloody reign of terror.
Inspired casting and great acting make this a very enjoyable slice of London history. The Kray twins are played by brothers Martin and Gary Kemp, known then for their hit pop band Spandau Ballet. Here they handle the roles very well with a mix of charm and menace.
The supporting cast is all excellent with names such as Billie Whitelaw as the mother, Kate Hardie, Jack McVitie and Steven Berkoff. There is violence in the film, it is short and gruesome but not overplayed, it just shows what the Krays were capable of if you messed with them. The 1950s and 60s sets are excellently done and gives you a real atmosphere of the time period.
The new Blu-ray by Second Sight is from a new remaster and is sharp and very clean. Blacks are solid and this is a very good upgrade from the DVD release. Audio is clear and precise, and the following extras add to the limited edition package –
New interview with director Peter Medak
New interview with producer Ray Burdis
Writing ‘The Krays’: A new audio interview with screenwriter Philip Ridley
New audio commentary by film historian Scott Harrison
Archive audio commentary by Peter Medak, Gary Kemp, and Martin Kemp
BFI 2015 Q&A with Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp, Kate Hardie, Peter Medak, and Philip Ridley
Limited Edition Contents:
Rigid slipcase, Perfect-bound booklet with new essays by Andrew Graves, Neil Mitchell, and Shelagh Rowan-Legg
6 collector’s art cards
A great British film with a good cast and solid story
FILM: 7.5 PICTURE – 8 AUDIO – 8 EXTRAS – 8
