The Last Man on Earth Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Last Man on Earth" is a commendable effort by Kino Lorber, featuring a 1080p transfer with an MPEG-4 AVC encoding in a 2.34:1 aspect ratio. Derived from a good quality master provided by MGM, the video quality effectively delivers with a notable balance of delineation, clarity, and sharpness across the visuals. Although there are some pre-existing minor fluctuations generally appearing around transitions, these do not detract significantly from the overall experience. Grain exposure maintains a consistent quality ranging from good to very good, achieving an authentic film-like texture while demonstrating restraint from intrusive digital enhancements. The graded master showcases lush blacks without appearing artificially boosted and properly balanced grays and whites, resulting in robust shadow definition and satisfying visual depth.

Although the transfer used mirrors that of the earlier Shout Factory Blu-ray release, it surpasses previous public domain versions that were marred by poor quality. The overall image stability is impressive, maintaining steady portrayal except in isolated instances of mild shakiness and occurrences of white specks, scratches, and other blemishes inherent to the source material. Despite these imperfections, largely associated with the film’s lower budget opticals, the presentation remains predominantly striking and is a noticeable improvement over previous iterations. The black-and-white imagery often stands out with excellent contrast and detail, preserving the aesthetic integrity of this classic film. It is essential, however, to be aware that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray requiring an appropriate playback device for access.

The audio presentation of "The Last Man on Earth" Blu-ray skillfully preserves the film's original monaural soundtrack through its English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. While the technical setup may lack the expansive dynamics of modern mixes, it remains clear and stable, adhering closely to the film's vintage production aesthetic. Balance throughout the track is well-managed, providing a satisfactory listening experience.

Price’s narration stands out as the focal point of the sound design. It is presented with clarity and precision, blending seamlessly with the background score and effects. Much of the dialogue has been dubbed due to the original Italian-speaking cast, resulting in some ADR moments that do not align perfectly. These instances are infrequent and characteristic of historical production techniques rather than issues with audio transfer quality.

Overall, the audio track offers a faithful reproduction of a 1964 monaural experience. While dynamic intensity is predictably limited, as expected from the original sound design, it remains a well-preserved reflection of the era's audio craftsmanship with only minor pops observed in the upper register, adding authenticity to the presentation without distracting from it.

The Blu Ray extras for "The Last Man on Earth" provide an enriching and comprehensive experience, balancing both archival and newly recorded content. Critic Richard Harland Smith's audio commentary emerges as the standout feature, offering an in-depth analysis of the film's history, its source material by Richard Matheson, and its evolving impact over time. His narrative—drawing parallels between the film's themes and contemporary events—creates an engaging and scholarly auditory journey. In addition, Joe Dante's "Trailers From Hell" commentary adds a layer of cinematic appreciation, while the alternate ending and TV spots offer a glimpse into the film's promotional background. The inclusion of the Italian and North American trailers provides further context to this classic narrative. Each featurette complements the film’s legacy, offering viewers both historical insights and modern-day relevance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Richard Harland Smith provides an expert discussion on the film's legacy.
• Trailers From Hell: Joe Dante discusses the film's trailer and its horror impact.
• Alternate Ending: A brief version used in public domain prints.
• TV Spots: Vintage promotional clips for the film.
• Italian Trailer: Original Italian-language trailer for broader context.
• North American Trailer: English-language trailer showcasing the film’s appeal.
• Richard Matheson: Storyteller: Matheson talks about the film's inspirations and themes.

Sidney Salkow's "The Last Man on Earth" (1964) finds its way onto Blu-Ray, and is often considered a poignant adaptation of Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend." Shot in black-and-white with Vincent Price as the lone protagonist, Dr. Robert Morgan, the film maintains an eerie and oppressive atmosphere that closely mirrors the novel's sense of doom. Its minimalistic approach, drawing a post-apocalyptic world where memories haunt more grievously than the flesh-eating creatures outside, effectively portrays existential despair. The bleak, desolate streets become Price's expansive prison, underscoring the thematic resonance of isolation. Although Matheson wasn't fully satisfied with this portrayal, it remains arguably the most faithful to his source material when compared to the subsequent, more extravagant adaptations like "The Omega Man" (1971) or "I Am Legend" (2007), which diverged significantly in tone and narrative fidelity.

The film operates within the conventions of low-budget productions of the era, leveraging Rome's stark landscapes to accentuate its depiction of emptiness. Whether through Price's commanding presence or Salkow's deft hand at subtlety, "The Last Man on Earth" brings an intimate focus to the psychological unraveling of its protagonist. Despite Matheson's critique on casting Price, he imbues Dr. Morgan with a profound weariness apt for a world rendered almost lifeless.

In light of recent global events, the film's tension between denial and acceptance reads with added relevance. As professionals debate the legitimacy of the encroaching plague in flashbacks, echoes of contemporary skepticism around crises reverberate. The philosophical inquiry, whether to preserve the remnants of bygone norms or forge anew in the wake of irreversible change, preserves Matheson's unsettling ambiguity. Thus, "The Last Man on Earth" stands as both a cautionary tale and a poignant study in wrenching solitude.

"The Last Man on Earth" Blu-Ray release captures a compelling narrative that resonates even more with contemporary audiences than it perhaps did when it premiered in 1964. Vincent Price elevates the film with a commendable performance, injecting it with a palpable atmosphere of desolation and tension. While the adaptation of Richard Matheson's novel diverges from its origin, as does its cinematic competitor "The Omega Man," both films independently shine in their unique storytelling. Kino Lorber's Special Edition, sourced from a robust yet older MGM master, nonetheless provides a reliable viewing experience.

Technically, the Blu-Ray’s presentation is commendable. The audio-visual fidelity, while rooted in an older master, maintains an organic quality that suits the film's bleak essence. This release distinguishes itself with insightful new commentary and a few brief but informative featurettes, expanding understanding and appreciation of the film’s context and production. Additionally, the presentation is complemented by a high-quality slipcover that proudly showcases the original poster art, lending an authentic nostalgic appeal.

In conclusion, this edition of "The Last Man on Earth" serves as a valuable acquisition for film historians and enthusiasts alike, retaining its speculative cautionary themes that remain relevant. For those contemplating an upgrade from the Shout Factory release or experiencing it for the first time, the rich supplementary content makes this Kino Lorber edition a highly recommended choice.