Hatchet for the Honeymoon

Mario Bava's "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" makes its Blu-ray debut with a quality that reflects the distinct, colorful cinematography characteristic of Bava's later works. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer presents the film in its raw and somewhat aged form, without succumbing to the temptation of digital noise reduction or edge enhancement, thus preserving the original look of this 1970s giallo. Framed at 1.78:1, the visual presentation benefits from light color corrections that respect the source's integrity, displaying a decent level of clarity and fine texture amidst a panorama of lurid Crayola-red blood and other vibrant hues. Despite some minor age-related defects like white and black specks, small scratches, and occasional hairs at the edge of the frame, the video quality is a clear upgrade from previous editions, bringing more detailed scenes and backgrounds to light.

Concerning the color palette, there seems to be a slight shift towards warmer tones, slightly affecting the vibrancy of primary colors and softening the pastels, yet these aspects still maintain accuracy to a considerable extent. Flesh tones appear more tanned and orange-like, deviating slightly from natural hues. While whites are clean and black levels deep, though inconsistently so, contrast is generally average, lacking the sharp high-definition punch one might expect but still providing satisfactory visibility and depth. Shadow detail stands out as surprisingly excellent, adding dimension to darker scenes.

In sum, while "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" on Blu-ray doesn't represent a monumental leap forward in terms of video quality, it does offer a commendable enhancement that respects and revitalizes Mario Bava's colorful cinematic vision. Despite some issues with color timing and softness in detail in certain areas, this transfer succeeds in delivering a more vibrant and detailed viewing experience than its predecessors, marking a modest but appreciated improvement in bringing this cult classic to contemporary audiences.

Diving into the audio presentation of "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" on Blu Ray, it becomes quickly apparent that while efforts were made to stay true to the original sound, the experience is marred by several audio deficiencies. The uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 track is plagued with splice pops, crackles, and low hisses, which detract from the listening experience. Additionally, the high end clips, muddling the peaks of the otherwise enjoyable score. Despite these issues, the dubbed English dialogue remains comprehensible, albeit not always perfectly clean. The film's music, including an ominous score and an engaging yé-yé-style dance song, is a highlight within this flawed audio presentation. It's worth noting, however, that the absence of subtitles may pose a challenge for some viewers.

Moreover, the audio presentation suffers from a lack of consistency in dialogue volume, with some conversations coming across louder than others. This inconsistency is further exacerbated by distractingly poor ADR work and lip-syncing issues. The background noise, hissing, and pops are often jarring, contributing to an overall brash and ear-splitting experience in several scenes. The dynamic range is noticeably compromised, with clipping and distortion present in the upper levels, while low bass is virtually absent. As a result, the soundstage feels flat and lifeless, lacking warmth and vitality. Although the attempt to deliver a lossless mono soundtrack is acknowledged, the end product is undeniably substandard and leaves much to be desired in terms of audio quality for this Blu Ray release.

This Blu-ray edition of "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" elevates the experience of watching the classic horror film by adding a rich layer of scholarly insight and historical context, thanks to Tim Lucas, a renowned Mario Bava biographer. His audio commentary is not merely an addition but an essential companion that weaves together intricate details about the film’s production, insights into Bava's personal and professional life, and an exploration of the cast's intricacies. Furthermore, the inclusion of high-definition trailers not only for "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" but also for other Bava classics such as "Black Sunday," "Baron Blood," "Lisa and the Devil," and "The House of Exorcism" significantly enhances the package, making it an indispensable collection for aficionados of the genre.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Tim Lucas provides an engaging track full of details on the film's production and Mario Bava's life.
• Trailers: High-definition trailers for "Hatchet for the Honeymoon," "Black Sunday," "Baron Blood," "Lisa and the Devil," and "The House of Exorcism.

Mario Bava's "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" transcends the conventional bounds of horror and giallo genres, weaving a tapestry of psychological horror that delves deep into the twisted realm of its protagonist, John Harrington (played by Stephen Forsyth). Bava, known for pioneering the giallo genre, utilizes his expertise to craft a film that, while not as violent as its title would suggest, gravitates towards a more sinister and melodramatic atmosphere. The narrative unfolds through Harrington, a paranoiac bridal-gown designer, harboring a chilling affinity for murdering young brides—an unsettling premise set against the backdrop of an enchanting yet eerie soundtrack that enhances the film's urbane yet grotesque aesthetic.

The film's genius lies in its ability to paint Harrington as both the predator and the victim—trapped in a loveless marriage while battling the demons of his tormented psyche. As the story spirals into madness, Bava skillfully intertwines elements of a ghost story, adding layers to the narrative and further complicating Harrington's already fragile mental state. The cinematography and visual storytelling elevate the film's disturbing themes, with surreal kill sequences and chilling imagery that linger long after the credits roll. Forsyth's portrayal of Harrington is compelling, capturing the essence of a man on the brink, whose outward charm masks a deeply disturbed interior.

Despite its underappreciated status in Bava's oeuvre, "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" stands out for its intricate characterization and unique blend of horror-subgenres. The film’s exploration of John’s psyche, coupled with its stunning visual style, makes it a captivating study of madness and memory. Though some may critique its narrative flaws and simplistic Freudian undertones, it undeniably showcases Bava’s talent for atmospheric storytelling and remains a fascinating piece within the giallo canon.

Hatchet for the Honeymoon" might not sit atop the throne of Mario Bava's filmography, but it undeniably carves out its rightful place in the pantheon of giallo films with its unique blend of murder mystery and supernatural flair. For enthusiasts of Italian horror, this Blu-ray brings a much-needed high-definition revival to a genre that has seen scarce representation in the format. The transfer elevates the visual experience significantly over previous DVD releases, offering a crisper and more vibrant presentation of Bava's stylized aesthetic. However, while the picture quality impresses, the audio aspect leaves something to be desired, failing to match the visual upgrade with an equally compelling auditory experience. Despite these shortcomings, the inclusion of Tim Lucas' extremely informative audio commentary is a shining beacon for fans, providing valuable insights into both the film and Bava's directorial choices.

Stephen Forsyth's standout performance as the troubled protagonist offers an engaging exploration of insanity within a matrimonial backdrop, albeit housed within a package that might not fully satisfy audiophiles due to its underwhelming sound presentation. Nonetheless, this release is significant for the careful restoration work and the effort to bring lesser-known giallo films into the limelight. The special features may be sparse, with the audio commentary being the sole extra, but it's a critical inclusion that elevates the overall package and makes this Blu-ray a worthy consideration for collectors and newcomers to Bava's world alike.

In conclusion, "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" on Blu-ray might not offer the perfect audio-visual experience, yet it stands as an essential addition for aficionados of Mario Bava and giallo films. The excellent picture quality and insightful audio commentary somewhat balance the package's limitations, cementing its status as a valuable piece for those looking to dive deeper into the genre or complete their collection of Italian horror classics. While it may not convert the uninitiated into fervent fans, it provides a solid entry point into Bava's oeuvre and an intriguing glimpse into the inventive world of Italian cinema.