The Lost Moment Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Lost Moment" by Olive Films offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio that provides an overall satisfying viewing experience, despite some age-related issues. The transfer maintains a natural grain structure that upholds the film's authentic look without any digital manipulation or major restorative work. Black levels are notably rich and deep, while the grey scale variance and fine shadow delineation add depth to the visual content. However, there are several noticeable flaws, including scratches, emulsion problems, and vertical lines, particularly on the right side of the frame, which periodically distract from the otherwise commendable high definition quality.

Clarity and contrast show minor inconsistencies, with some scenes offering impressive fine detail, especially during close-ups where facial textures and intricate background elements stand out. For example, the contrast of Hayward's smooth complexion and Moorehead's leathery hands is strikingly vivid. Though most midrange shots maintain decent sharpness, certain scenes appear noticeably softer. This slight variability does not detract considerably from the overall aesthetic, but it is worth mentioning for those seeking the highest quality archival transfers. We observed no digital doctoring artifacts like noise or crush, preserving the film's integrity throughout its 89-minute runtime.

Despite the many instances where the print's imperfections such as nicks, scratches, and blotches become apparent and somewhat distracting, "The Lost Moment" manages to retain a pleasing visual representation. The balance between contrast and clarity, coupled with the film-like appearance through a natural grain structure, creates an engaging viewing experience that highlights the unique features of the movie while also making some unavoidable concessions to age-related degradation.

The DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix for "The Lost Moment" offers an engaging auditory experience, albeit with a few minor limitations attributable to the film's age. Dialogue is consistently well-prioritized and comprehensible, ensuring viewers remain engrossed in the storyline. The score, composed by Daniele Amfitheatrof, is resoundingly effective, utilizing spooky choral cues to enhance the film's moody ambience. These choral elements are surprisingly dynamic, contributing significantly to the immersive atmosphere. Occasional high-end clipping and minimal hiss are present but do not detract from the overall listening experience.

A slight tinniness is noticeable during solo piano sections, yet the audio remains clear, robust, and substantially clean throughout most of the film. The foreboding music score adeptly fills the room and benefits from a decent dynamic scale that capably manages highs and lows with only minor hints of distortion. Accents such as the screech of a bat and an isolated scream are rendered with crisp clarity, while subtle atmospheric sounds, like crackling fire embers, enrich the film's somber tone. Although the track hasn't undergone exhaustive restoration, sufficient clean-up ensures a pleasant and seamless auditory experience for the audience.

The Blu-ray of "The Lost Moment" disappointingly continues Olive's trend of releasing discs without supplemental content. Unlike more comprehensive editions that provide insights into the film’s production and context, this disc offers a stark lack of any extras. The absence of even a basic trailer leaves viewers wanting more in-depth exploration or behind-the-scenes information that usually enriches the viewing experience. This omission is especially noticeable given the potential interest in additional materials that could enhance our understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• No supplements included.

"The Lost Moment," directed by Martin Gabel in his sole directorial venture, attempts to adapt Henry James' novella "The Aspern Papers" into a Gothic psychological thriller. The film diverges significantly from its literary source, integrating elements reminiscent of "Rebecca" and "Great Expectations." While trying to stay faithful to the spirit of James' narrative, the screenplay by Leonardo Bercovici introduces a convoluted plot that adds layers of melodrama, eviscerating some of the novella's original gravitas. Cinematographer Hal Mohr's skillful use of tracking and dolly shots enhances the eerie ambiance of the Bordereau mansion, effectively transforming it into a character itself.

The plot centers on Lewis Venable (Robert Cummings), a publisher seeking lost love letters of poet Jeffrey Ashton. Posing as an author seeking solitude, Venable rents rooms in the Venetian mansion inhabited by the 105-year-old Juliana Bordereau (Agnes Moorehead) and her stern niece Tina (Susan Hayward). The film explores themes of obsession, mental illness, and deception. Hayward's portrayal of Tina, who experiences schizophrenic episodes wherein she emulates the young Juliana, oscillates between eerie intensity and over-the-top theatrics, detracting from the overall suspense. Moorehead's performance as the aged Juliana stands out, although her character spends much of the time shrouded in heavy makeup and prosthetics.

Despite its intriguing premise, "The Lost Moment" is undermined by lackluster performances and pacing issues. Gabel's direction fails to sustain tension, and the film's climactic moments fall flat by contemporary standards. By converting James' dense prose into a more mainstream thriller, the adaptation loses much of its psychological depth. Nevertheless, "The Lost Moment" remains a noteworthy attempt to transpose literary complexity onto the silver screen, even if it ultimately stumbles under its own ambitions.

“The Lost Moment,” while straying from its Henry James source material, emerges as a compelling adaptation that allows Susan Hayward to showcase her notable talents, particularly in her quasi-dual role. The film's production design is highly evocative, transforming the sprawling Bordereau mansion into an atmospheric character that enhances the story. However, Robert Cummings delivers a characteristically bland performance, which is offset by a colorful supporting cast. Despite its deviations from the original narrative, the film captures an eerie atmosphere of foreboding that director Martin Gabel meticulously constructs.

The Blu-ray presentation by Olive Films reveals some technical imperfections with noticeable marks and scratches, indicating a need for restorative work. Nevertheless, the overall quality of picture and sound meets acceptable standards. A significant disappointment is the lack of supplementary materials, which detracts from the disc’s value, especially for aficionados seeking deeper insights into the film’s production or historical context. While this can dampen the experience for James purists, enthusiasts of Hayward, Cummings, and Agnes Moorehead might find it a curious addition to their collections.

In conclusion, “The Lost Moment” may ultimately only have a tangential relationship to its Henry James source material, but it turns out to be a rather effective piece that certainly offers a great chance for Hayward to strut her talents as a sort of quasi-dual character. The production design is also very evocative, making the expansive Bordereau mansion a real character in the film. If Cummings is his typically bland self, the supporting cast is very colorful, and “The Lost Moment” deserves to be found by a new generation of film fans. Recommended.