DVD Corner

Motorpsycho Blu-ray Review

“Motorpsycho” is among Russ Meyer’s best. 

Written by W.E. Sprague and Russ Meyer, 1965’s “Motorpsycho” is part revenge film, part biker film, part action film, and part sexploitation film (this is a Russ Meyer directed movie after all). The story begins with a 3 man biker gang (Brahmin, Dante and Slick) en route to Las Vegas. They take a detour into the desert (and a desert town) where they beat up people, sexually assault women, and even murder a man. After the gang rapes the wife (Gail) of a veterinarian (Cory), a pissed off Cory seeks revenge. He encounters a young Cajun woman (Ruby) who survives almost being murdered by the gang. Together the two embark on a dangerous journey in the desert to get payback against the scumbag bikers. 

“Motorpsycho” is a very straightforward Russ Meyer film with all of his usual trademarks. There’s brutal violence, big chested women, vehicular action, sexy moments, desert scenery, and, yes, even dynamite. Unlike some of his other work which tends to be more goofy and comedic (like the Vixen trilogy), this is a more dramatic action film that even contains story elements involving a war veteran. Brahmin (the biker gang leader) is a damaged war vet who becomes more unhinged as the story progresses. It’s not a major element of the script, but it at least gives the villains a bit more depth instead of merely being violent bad guy bikers.

There are a few memorable performances here. Haji (a dancer turned actress) shines as the sexy Ruby, veteran actor Alex Rocco gives an intense performance as Cory, and Stephen Oliver plays the unstable Brahim well. Fans of B-Movies (and “Mystery Science Theater 3000”) may recognize director Coleman Francis in a small role as Harry.

Video/Audio: 

Presentation: 1.66:1 1080p. How does it look? Scanned from the 35mm original camera negative, this 4K restoration features a beautiful B&W print. It’s extraordinary how crisp the picture quality is here. 

Audio Track: Mono. How does it sound? From the swinging 60’s music to the motorcycle engines, this is a clean Mono track. 

Extras include a trailer, commentary by film historian Elizabeth Purchell and filmmaker Zach Clark, and interviews with cast members Haji and Alex Rocco in the 21 minute archival “Desert Rats On Hondas.”

April 5, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | 60's Movie, Biker Gang Movie, Motorpsycho Blu-ray Review, Russ Meyer, Severin