London’s Secrets Refuse to Stay Buried

Read Time:5 Minute, 33 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Murder by Decree (Special Edition) (Blu-ray)
–

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Crime
Year Released: 1979, Kino Lorber Blu-ray 2025
Runtime: 2h 4m
Director(s): Bob Clark
Writer(s): Arthur Conan Doyle, John Hopkins, Elwyn Jones, Stephen Knight, John Lloyd
Cast: Christopher Plummer, James Mason, Donald Sutherland, David Hemmings, Susan Clark, Anthony Quayle, Frank Finlay, Genevieve Bujold
Where to Watch: available June 10, 2025, pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Something is intriguing about pairing a fictional genius with a real-life monster—and in MURDER BY DECREE, director Bob Clark does exactly that. Taking Sherlock Holmes out of the cozy parlor-room mysteries of Arthur Conan Doyle and placing him squarely in the grim, gaslit alleys haunted by Jack the Ripper, this 1979 thriller thrives on mood, tension, and a human touch. The film never loses sight of its premise, and the thoughtful performances and grounded emotional undercurrent give it lasting power. If you've only known Clark for A CHRISTMAS STORY or PORKY’S, this is your reminder that his horror-mystery chops, honed in BLACK CHRISTMAS, were equally sharp, if not sharper.

Set against the backdrop of Victorian-era London, MURDER BY DECREE doesn’t reinvent the Holmes formula so much as it augments it. Instead of focusing on deductive acrobatics or charming eccentricities, this version of Holmes, played with restraint by Christopher Plummer, feels deeply present. He’s observant, but also empathetic, even anguished at times. James Mason’s Dr. Watson acts less as comic relief and more as Holmes’ conscience, and their relationship gives the film a warm counterpoint to the surrounding dread. This is why Holmes doesn’t just want to solve the murders—he wants to understand why they were allowed to happen.

The film takes a conspiracy-laced approach to the Ripper case, pulling in speculation involving cover-ups, secret societies, and government complicity. But Clark treats this not as a gimmick, but as an extension of the period’s genuine political anxieties. As the clues pile up, it becomes less about who the killer is and more about who’s protecting him. This elevates MURDER BY DECREE from a procedural mystery into something closer to political horror. It’s not content with thrills—it wants to unsettle you.

The supporting cast is stacked. Donald Sutherland brings a spaced-out fragility to the psychic Robert Lees, balancing eeriness and melancholy in a way that could have tipped into absurdity in lesser hands. Geneviève Bujold is heartbreaking in a small but essential role that anchors the film’s emotional stakes. David Hemmings adds a touch of skepticism as an inspector more interested in containment than truth. It’s a testament to the film’s confidence that no performance is wasted. Even brief appearances by John Gielgud and Frank Finlay serve the tension rather than distracting from it.

Visually, the film leans heavily into atmosphere. The fog-drenched streets, flickering gas lamps, and rain-slick cobblestones are familiar, but they’re used with such precision that the setting becomes a character unto itself. Clark doesn’t rush through scenes; instead, he lingers in the tension, allowing silence and shadow to work their magic. It’s a film that breathes—even as the noose tightens.

The new Blu-ray from Kino Lorber (with a 4K UHD edition also available) does right by the film’s gravitas. The high-definition transfer, sourced from a new HD master by StudioCanal, looks stunning, preserving the film’s aesthetic while sharpening its details in all the right places. The fog hasn’t cleared, but it’s become more evocative. Extras include two excellent audio commentaries: one from Bob Clark himself and another from film historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell. Both offer deep dives into the film’s place in Holmesian lore and late ’70s filmmaking.

If there’s a fault to be found, it may be in the film’s pacing. At over two hours, the mystery takes its time, sometimes lingering too long in scenes that are more atmospheric than plot-driven. Yet that same deliberate rhythm is also one of its strengths—it gives the film weight and a feeling of genuine discovery. Viewers seeking a brisk whodunit may find it slow, but those drawn to tone and character will likely find themselves absorbed.

What’s surprising, even now, is how little this film has been talked about compared to other Holmes adaptations. It doesn’t have the flash of YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES or the blockbuster bravado of the Downey Jr. films. Still, it offers something more elusive: an introspective detective drama treating its source material and real-world inspiration with rare sincerity.

MURDER BY DECREE isn’t just a Sherlock Holmes story—it’s a meditation on the limits of justice and the weight of conscience. And while Holmes may solve the case, whether it matters remains chillingly open. Much like the killer’s shadow in the London fog, that lingering uncertainty gives the film its staying power.

Product Extras:
Brand New HD Master by StudioCanal
Audio Commentary by Director Bob Clark
Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell
Theatrical Trailer
5.1 Surround and Lossless 2.0 Audio
Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
Optional English Subtitles

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching for 'Overly Honest Reviews'.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please don't hesitate to say hello or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive complimentary items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl Records, Books, and more. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.