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Visitors Review

tes1 2013-05-14 10:28:13

A marvellous production of the Jack the Ripper Story

Beautifully filmed, lavish costumes and a first class cast. Quitesimply (despite a few continuity errors) one of the best versions ofthe Jack the Ripper story. I taped this when shown in two parts on ITVback in 1988 and I have just purchased a rare widescreen copy of theprint.Interestingly in the extras section on the DVD it has some footage ofthe original shoot on it with Barry Foster (Van Der Valk) as InspectorAbberline and Brian Capron (Grange Hill/Coronation St) as Sgt Godley -two excellent actors but the differences prior to American finance onthe production is very notable.The sets were different and some of the dialogue poorly delivered eventhough it was raw footage I can only describe the original shoot asrather amateur with a "Television play" feel to it as opposed to thefull dramatisation.The Caine/Collins version is superb even most of the supporting castwere well known actors. I never tire of watching it and Ray McAnally was brilliant in the roleof Sir William Gull what a pity it was one of his last screen roles.

Alain English 2013-05-13 17:24:48

Plausible historical crime thriller

I came across this picture on Hallowe'en this year, when a DVD copy ofit was being sold with "The Guardian". Having gotten familiar with Jackthe Ripper earlier this year doing a play about him, I found the ideaof the infamous serial killer in a movie with Micheal Caineirresistible. I wasn't disappointed.The film shows the investigation of the famous killings in 1888, in theWhitechapel district in the East End of London. When a spate ofapparently motiveless prostitute killings start bloodying the streetsof Whitechapel, the local constabulary find themselves powerless. Theycall in Scotland Yard who send in their best detective FrederickAbberline (Caine) who pursues the case with a ruthless tenacity in theface of rising corpses and mounting public pressure...It is actually quite an effective piece of film-making, even on atelevision budget. The streets of Victorian London are captured well onscreen, Caine gives his customary brilliant performance and he issurrounded by a very strong supporting cast, including Lewis Collins ashis assistant Godley, Ken Bones as crazed psychic Robert Lees and RayMcAnally as the Queen's doctor Sir William Gull. Armand Assante asstage actor Richard Mansfield and Jayne Seymour as the lover of bothhim and Abberline give great performances.Without giving too much away, the film's theory as to the identity ofthe killer and the reason the case has been marked unsolved is actuallya highly plausible one and the build-up to it is suspensefully enacted.The film does well to show Abberline's thought processes as he breaksdown the logically how the killer operates.Better than the more slickly polished Johnny Depp effort "From Hell"(which arrives at similar conclusions to this one), this is definitelya must-see for all the Jack the Ripper buffs out there. Case closed.

2013-05-12 00:26:15

Jack the Ripper

This review is from: Jack the Ripper (DVD) I saw this many years ago on tv and waited for what seemed forever to get the dvd. This is classic television.

2013-05-11 11:52:08

Great Detective Story

This review is from: Jack the Ripper (DVD) While the story is another speculation on Jack the Ripper it is well done and as plausible as others I have read or seen. The sets, acting and editing are excellent and it keeps you watching and playing detective as the story progresses.I would recommend to anyone who likes a good detective mystery.

2013-05-10 20:11:11

There is a video/DVD version, BUT. . .

I was thrilled to locate this movie on DVD - I have been looking for itforYEARS. It is probably the best movie on the subject I have everseen.The film's release coincided with the 100th anniversary of the case, and,therefore, its official closing as "unsolved" by ScotlandYard.The only problem is the format - I can only find it in PAL (fortunately Ihave a multisystem player), so anyone with an NTSC player is unfortunatelyout of luck.

2013-05-10 07:49:41

dissapointment

This review is from: Jack the Ripper (DVD) Got this two disc set in the mail and immediately put disc number one. It wouldn't load. Put disc number two in and it wouldn't load either. Tried one of my old dvd's to see if was my player and it loaded and played just fine.The worst part came when I tried to contact the seller, Standing Ovation. I never heard back from them. NEVER! Amazon even tried to get them to answer me and they wouldn't. So I got shafted.Don't EVER buy anything from STANDING OVATION!!! They don't back up their product at all.

dtucker86 2013-05-10 22:43:48

great

I hate to admit this, but I have always been fascinated with Jack theRipper. I have probably seen every movie and special about his crimes andhave read quite a few books as well. There have been many movies made on thecase (one was directed by Alfred Hitchcock). My favorite was an episode ofBoris Karloff's Thriller tv show called "Yours Truly Jack the Ripper". Itwas written by Robert Bloch the man who wrote Psycho. This miniseries was adelight to watch and Michael Caine gives a wonderful performance asInspector Abberline. They do a great job of re-creating the horrid livingconditions in the East End of London. The only let down for me was the waythis film ended. I wont give it away but I was hoping they would be originalabout who our boy Jack really was. Instead, the theory they propose is anold one and I feel it is preposterous. Other then that, this is a great filmand I wish that they would put it out on video.

suemartin23264 2013-05-10 06:27:41

Gothic Masterpiece

This is the only film about Jack the Ripper which is actually worthlooking at. It doesn't use guts or gore, it's just a great scary movie.It just goes to show that you can make an excellent creepy film withoutshowing too much violence. But, having said this, it is also true thatthis movie would be nothing without the fantastic Michael Caine.However, this film does have one downside. It doesn't portray themurders anything like how they were committed by the real Ripper. But,to be honest, unless you're a devoted historian then it really doesn'tmatter. It starts well, ends well (even though the ending to this filmdiffers GREATLY from what happened in real life), and there's more thanenough throughout the film to keep you interested. If you've never seenthis before, get down to Amazon immediately and buy a copy of the DVDwithout hesitation. You won't regret it!

JohnO-9 2013-05-09 05:38:28

Gripping and highly enlightening.

The perpetual source of fascination for the story behind the movie: JACKTHERIPPER has always been the fact that this case went "unsolved." Also,thereare many confusing facts, rumors, and speculations that have gone into thesmokescreen of the past when only tit-bits of information leak out and thefull story is not told.For the first time, we have here, a factual telling of this gruesomechapterin history - with ALL the answers given.The horror in this movie is not in the gore - as much of that goesunseen -but in the tension, the build up, and the cinematography that shows theaudience of the horror that awaits them.When "Jack" ventures out and onto the town, the build up, the carriagepreparation and the rides into darkest London, have all the visualessencesof pure evil on the prowl. The schizophrenic and demonic character of"Jack" is relayed to the audience without a word said or a scream uttered.It is conveyed in the movements of the all-black carriage, and the jarring"clip-clop" of horse's hooves on worn, wet cobblestones in the dim litmistof the darkened London slums.Michael Caine is superb in his finest role, as were all the other castmembers. David Wickes - the director - has done a superb job in researchand execution.It is a MUST for any film buff and/or movie student.Why is this movie NOT on video?

Tweekums 2013-05-08 10:56:03

A fine version of the Ripper story

I got the DVD of this series free with the newspaper and wasn't surewhat to expect; in fact I initially assumed it was a film as it starsMichael Caine! One could be forgiven for thinking it was a film rightup until the half way point when the first episode ends as it has asurprisingly cinematic look. There are always going to be somedifficulties in bringing the Ripper case to the screen; the largest ofwhich being that it is probably the most famous unsolved case inhistory and a good story needs a proper conclusion. In this adaptationthat problem is handled fairly well by showing a culprit then giving anlogical explanation as to why the public must never know… of courseafter all this time it is almost certain that we will never learn whothe ripper was. For those unfamiliar with the story it is 1888 andsomebody is murdering prostitutes in Whitechapel them mutilating themin a way that suggests a good knowledge of anatomy. Chief InspectorAbberline is put on the case but it isn't going to be easy; the localpolice seem keener to clean up the mess than to preserve a crime scene,the populace don't want to talk to the police and a rabble-rouser iswhipping up a mob because 'the police are doing nothing'. Abberline andhis Sergeant, Sgt. Godley persevere however and establish a long listof suspects that includes doctors, an actor, a psychic and even agrandson of Queen Victoria herself! I really enjoyed this, although in hindsight I think it would have beenbetter to watch the two parts separately rather than in one sitting… itis quite long! Michael Caine, in a rare TV performance is great asAbberline and is ably supported by Lewis Collins as Sgt. Godley therest of cast were pretty good too. I quite liked how they got aroundthe problem of solving a real unsolved crime and the wide variety ofsuspects kept me guessing to the end. While there is no swearing ornudity there are scenes showing the Ripper's victims, which someviewers may find disturbing, although they are still fairly tame bytoday's standards. If you like a good mystery drama this is certainlyworth watching… especially if you see it being given away on anewspaper; even if it isn't your usual read.

2013-05-04 23:20:34

Review of Warner Archive DVD edition

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But it is, in fact, yet another piece of Ripper fiction loosely based on royal conspiracy theories that have been thoroughly debunked by Ripper experts. First shown in the Fall of '88, the centennial anniversary of the killings, the 3-hour, 2-part miniseries is nevertheless an entertaining and suspenseful Victorian whodunit that will hold your attention throughout. With nice production values for a miniseries, a fine score by John Cameron, and a rare TV performance by Michael Caine, who plays Inspector Abberline, the film tells the story of the crimes and the ensuing investigation with great intrigue and flair, complete with bloody letters, clairvoyance, play-within-a-play, and the usual parade of suspects. The end result is never boring, and may hold up for repeated viewings (I have watched it several times). Just don't believe anything in it, even as the narrator declares at the end, "We believe our story to be true." Simply enjoy it for what it is - an engaging police procedural and period drama. Ripper followers will probably delight in seeing the many historical figures depicted in the film: from Abberline, Charles Warren, William Gull, to would-be suspects like John Pizer, Jacob Isenschmid, and Richard Mansfield. We also see some of the victims that have been so immortalized by these crimes; only three have speaking parts - Liz Stride, Kate Eddowes, and Mary Kelly - who are all depicted rather unflatteringly here, as opposed to being sympathetically portrayed in the 2001 film "From Hell", another royal-themed Ripper yarn. All murders occur off-screen, but there are a few gory bits that were trimmed in some TV reruns.This Warner Archive DVD is, of course, uncut. Its picture quality is excellent, sharper, cleaner, and showing more details than the UK Region-2 DVD edition by Anchor Bay/Freemantle, the only other edition available for this film that I know. The Dolby Digital mono sound is also sharper and clearer. The film is presented in the original TV broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1, which shows much more picture at the top and bottom than the widescreen Region-2 DVD. The two 90-minute episodes are put onto two single-layered all-region NTSC DVD-R discs, without any subtitles, closed captioning, nor any bonus features. When I opened my brand-new case, I noticed minor scuff marks on the dye side of one of the discs, indicating the apparent lack of care that results from the low-budgetness of this line of products. The playback was fine, however. And the few Warner Archive DVDs that I have seen do have good to great video and audio transfers, so I usually buy them with confidence.

2013-05-04 07:04:39

michael caine gets better with age

michael caine is one of those actors that is good in anything he is in even if the movie isn't. that said this is one movie that is just as good as he is. never to horror movie directed it plays as a mystery and a very good one at that. and as the real inspector who handled the case he is just great. a little bloody in spots, but what do you expect, this is one i watch ever once and awhile

2013-04-24 09:11:56

One of my all-time favourites

This film represents an idea of who Jack the Ripper might have been, based on research that was done, and that's made very clear in the opening scene. As one reviewer wrote, it's a movie, not a documentary. If you're looking for purely factual representation, you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for a great, thought-provoking way to fill a quiet afternoon or evening, this movie is highly recommended. Good performances from all actors and the storyline is engaging. Don't pick it apart, just enjoy it!

2013-04-23 18:47:05

Review

I saw this film a few years ago and thought it very good as a horror movie.Yet as history, its nonsense.The film is largely based on Jack the Ripper: The Final Solution (1977), except the connection with Queen Victoria's son is missing (and quite right, too).There is no evidence that the murderous couple committed these crimes- certainly the police never thought so and Michael Caine's character, Inspector Abberline thought (almost certainly incorrectly) it was one George Chapman, a posioner, hanged in 1903 for poisoning women. One of the villians in this story had recently suffered a stroke and this elderly man would have had difficulty wielding a knofe at dinner, let alone killing anyone.So the solution presented here is nonsense.The whole premise of a horse drawn carriage going through Whitechapel slum land is also ridiculous - not one of the witnesses in the real case mentions one.George Lusk of the Whitechapel Vigilante Committee is shown here as a socialist agitator - in real life he was a local churchwarden.Caine's portrayl of the detective is also at odds with what is known of the modest policeman. To conclude, although a good story, this bears very little relation to the known facts of the case and merely serves to mislead the uninitiated viewer.

2013-04-19 20:49:15

Best Ripper movie !

This review is from: Jack the Ripper (DVD) Best Ripper movie ive seen ! Michael Cain is at his best in this tv mini series ! They only problem is i watch my dvds on my laptop and this dvd doesnt play on pc !

2013-04-19 16:19:06

Review of Warner Archive DVD edition

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But it is, in fact, yet another piece of Ripper fiction loosely based on royal conspiracy theories that have been thoroughly debunked by Ripper experts. First shown in the Fall of '88, the centennial anniversary of the killings, the 3-hour, 2-part miniseries is nevertheless an entertaining and suspenseful Victorian whodunit that will hold your attention throughout. With nice production values for a miniseries, a fine score by John Cameron, and a rare TV performance by Michael Caine, who plays Inspector Abberline, the film tells the story of the crimes and the ensuing investigation with great intrigue and flair, complete with bloody letters, clairvoyance, play-within-a-play, and the usual parade of suspects. The end result is never boring, and may hold up for repeated viewings (I have watched it several times). Just don't believe anything in it, even as the narrator declares at the end, "We believe our story to be true." Simply enjoy it for what it is - an engaging police procedural and period drama. Ripper followers will probably delight in seeing the many historical figures depicted in the film: from Abberline, Charles Warren, William Gull, to would-be suspects like John Pizer, Jacob Isenschmid, and Richard Mansfield. We also see some of the victims that have been so immortalized by these crimes; only three have speaking parts - Liz Stride, Kate Eddowes, and Mary Kelly - who are all depicted rather unflatteringly here, as opposed to being sympathetically portrayed in the 2001 film "From Hell", another royal-themed Ripper yarn. All murders occur off-screen, but there are a few gory bits that were trimmed in some TV reruns.This Warner Archive DVD is, of course, uncut. Its picture quality is excellent, sharper, cleaner, and showing more details than the UK Region-2 DVD edition by Anchor Bay/Freemantle, the only other edition available for this film that I know. The Dolby Digital mono sound is also sharper and clearer. The film is presented in the original TV broadcast aspect ratio of 1.33:1, which shows much more picture at the top and bottom than the widescreen Region-2 DVD. The two 90-minute episodes are put onto two single-layered all-region NTSC DVD-R discs, without any subtitles, closed captioning, nor any bonus features. When I opened my brand-new case, I noticed minor scuff marks on the dye side of one of the discs, indicating the apparent lack of care that results from the low-budgetness of this line of products. The playback was fine, however. And the few Warner Archive DVDs that I have seen do have good to great video and audio transfers, so I usually buy them with confidence.

Jamie Moffat 2013-04-10 05:05:17

Nice try, but....

When I first saw this telemovie back in the late 1980s, I found myselfwondering if the film makers actually believed the theory they werepeddling. The DVD commentary makes it clear that they take it veryseriously indeed, which somehow reduces the impact of the piece.Taken as a blood and thunder melodrama, this is good fun. But as arecreation of London's East End in the 1880s, it leaves a great dealdeal to be desired. The depiction of prostitution is particularlyinaccurate. The Ripper's victims were not, on the whole, the goodhearted floozies depicted here. They were alcoholic, washed out drabs,homeless and aimless. And the depiction of George Lusk as a left wingagitator is way off base.No matter, its diverting entertainment. But its only real historicalvalue lies in its depiction of the hysteria that the Ripper murdersengendered in the population. If you believe the denouement, and theexplanation of the Ripper's identity, drop me a line. I'd like to sellyou the Brooklyn Bridge.

JohnRouseMerriottChard 2013-04-09 14:20:07

Excellently constructed telling of the story.

"For over 100 years the murders in Whitechapel committed by Jack theRipper have baffled the World. What you are about to see is adramatisation of these events. Our story is based on extensiveresearch, including a review of the official files by specialpermission of the Home Office and interviews with leadingcriminologists and Scotland Yard officials."Jack The Ripper is produced out of Euston Films and is directed byDavid Wickes who also co-wrote it with Derek Marlowe. Released tocoincide with the 100 years anniversary of the murders, it starsMichael Caine (Frederick Abberline), Armand Assante (RichardMansfield), Ray McAnally (Sir William Gull), Lewis Collins (Sgt. GeorgeGodley), Ken Bones (Robert James Lees), Susan George (Catherine 'Kate'Eddowes) & Jane Seymour (Emma Prentiss). Originally released as a TV mini-series in the United Kingdom, Jack TheRipper has long since been available to view as a three hour ten minutemovie. Every second of which is worth sitting thru. For his storyWickes uses actual historical characters that were involved in the 1888hunt for the notorious killer. Drawing heavily from the Masonic/RoyalFamily conspiracy theory that has been used before in tellings of thestory (notably the film Murder By Decree born out of Thomas E. A.Stowell's theory), Wickes boldly proclaimed to be revealing the trueidentity of the Ripper. Something that unsurprisingly he was forced torecant, but regardless of that, this is a glorious telling, meticulousin detail and providing much food for thought.In amongst the grizzly murders and the fraught search for the killer bythe exasperated police, Wickes' movie fully forms the other issues tohand. Such as the role of the press during this dark time and why wasGeorge Lusk leading vigilante's across Whitechapel? The Government andRoyal Family aspects are given screen time because that's how high theissue went. The pressure on Abberline from his superiors is told infull, as the murders start to escalate and Abberline runs up againstquestionable assistance during the investigation, his anger grows. Weare with him every step of the way. The prostitutes aren't merelyRipper fodder characters either, we at least meet them, understandthem, even seeing the role of the "pimp" in Victorian England. It'sgood stuff, well researched.Technically, for a TV movie, its production value is very high. Greatsets that bring to life Victorian England {the exteriors were actuallyshot in Belper, Derbyshire}, the costumes catch the eye and the castare hugely effective. Particularly Caine {throwing himself into therole} and Assante {switching his character's emotional state regularlywith consummate ease}. We also get the chill factor too, somethingthat's needed in a film of such dark thematics. As the street girlswalk alone in dimly lit cobbled streets, the air of unease is palpable.Then a silhouette of the man with the hat, cloak and bag brings a coldshiver down the spine. Witness too the sequences involving the play DrJekyll and Mr Hyde, a nice put in to the plot by the writers, and onethat provides genuinely creepy moments. It's a top film that has somuch going for it.There will be other Jack The Ripper film's no doubt, and for sure morebooks will arrive proclaiming this and that is true. But with thistake, if you buy into the theory or not, is probably as good as it getsfor detail and execution of the material. 9/10

wriglee 2013-03-30 21:05:37

DAMN,this film makes sense!

Hi all. In this film,the way they piece together the clues is justamazing! None of us really know what really happened in 1888,but i havewatched this film,over,and over again,and i find it definitive.But,this was made before the discovery of 'The diary of jack theripper'And thats another story! I love the cast in this 1988 film,it,sa sensible portrayal of a true mystery,and i rate this veryhigh,(mistakes aside) If you look at the facts in this film,they REALLYdo make sense!!!The coach theory,where there was a driver and a killeris very interesting,it might explain why not much blood was found atthe murder scene! I,m glad this film cut out the gore,and concentratedon the mystery,this is a MUST for any ripperoligist! Excellent!

2013-03-30 11:24:08

Big Disappointment (Movie NOT COMPATIBLE with American Players)

This review is from: Jack the Ripper [VHS] (VHS Tape) This Movie is a VERY GOOD MOVIE! So WHY CAN'T IT APPEAR ON VHS OR DVD'S THAT ARE COMPATIBLE WITH AMERICAN EQUIPMENT????!!!! If You can't play British-Compatible Tapes, DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!! VERY,VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!! (This Product actually deserves NO STARS AT ALL!!!!!).