Tormented Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Tormented" by Film Masters, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, showcases a restoration effort that strikes a commendable balance between preserving the film's original integrity and enhancing its visual appeal for modern audiences. While there's no explicit mention of the source used for this restoration on the packaging or accompanying materials, indications suggest it wasn't derived from the original negatives, a tidbit for purists to muse over. The overall detail across scenes is impressive, revealing nuanced textures in facial features and clothing, although some wide outdoor shots exhibit a minor compromise in sharpness, introducing a gentle fuzziness that slightly obscures fine details. Despite this, the preservation of a natural film grain throughout supports a cohesive and organic cinematic experience, even across the film's numerous composited special effects shots which show commendable grain management without significant spikes.

The grayscale calibration brings the black-and-white imagery to life with a balanced spectrum, showcasing deep blacks, articulate shadows, and pristine whites that elevate the film's atmospheric depth. However, the transfer does have moments where contrast could be intensified for a more striking visual punch, and some scenes lean towards the darker end of the spectrum, possibly affecting visibility in low-lit environments. Although minor age-related artifacts and slight telecine wobble are present, these do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The elements used for the transfer are in notably good condition, with only trivial nicks and speckles scattered throughout. This restoration effort not only eradicates common issues like tracking lines but also succeeds in providing "Tormented" with a genuinely cinematic visual flair not previously seen, making it a noteworthy achievement for both Film Masters and devotees of this classic title.

The Blu Ray release of "Tormented" impresses with its audio presentation, boasting a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track that expertly preserves the film's original sonic atmosphere. This release offers a significant improvement over previous editions, particularly in the clarity of dialogue and the nuanced delivery of both the score and ambient sound effects. The collaboration between Albert Glasser and Calvin Jackson results in a score that, while not purely jazz as an aspiring jazz musician might note, adds a unique texture to the film that complements its thematic elements effectively. Dialogue is consistently clear, enhancing the viewing experience by ensuring that every word is comprehensible, which is a notable upgrade from past versions where clarity was often compromised.

The sound design merits particular praise for its handling of the film's diverse audio elements. The ambient sounds of the island, including the crashing waves, are rendered with enough clarity to add to the atmosphere without overwhelming the dialogue or other critical sound effects. This careful balance maintains the auditory integrity of the film, allowing for an immersive experience that respects the original production's intent. Additionally, the absence of any hiss or signs of aging on the track reflects a meticulous restoration process, ensuring that the film's haunting score and particularly Vi’s ethereal vocalizations are delivered with pristine clarity.

Furthermore, the inclusion of optional English subtitles adds value by making the film more accessible to a broader audience. This thoughtful addition ensures that all viewers can fully engage with the story, regardless of hearing ability. Overall, this audio presentation goes beyond merely being adequate; it serves as an exemplary model of how to preserve and enhance older films for contemporary audiences, providing a clear and dynamic auditory experience that elevates "Tormented" into a class of its own among Blu Ray releases.

The Blu-ray extras for "Tormented" offer an eclectic mix of content that expands the appreciation and context for both the film and its creator, Bert I. Gordon. The standout feature is the Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode, which while not as inherently goofy as other MST3K targets, adds a unique humor layer to the film. Archival interviews and documentaries, such as "Bert I. Gordon: The Amazing Colossal Filmmaker" and "Bigger than Life: Bert I. Gordon in the 1950s and 1960s," provide insightful glances into Gordon's career, showcasing his enduring passion and innovative approach to filmmaking. The unaired pilot for "Famous Ghost Stories," featuring Vincent Price, offers a tantalizing glimpse at a missed opportunity for genre television. Visual essays and trailers, alongside a commentary track and a booklet with critical essays, round out a package that is as comprehensive as it is entertaining, making it a must-have for fans of classic sci-fi and horror cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• MST3K - Tormented (SD 1:31:42)
• Bert I Gordon: The Amazing Colossal Filmmaker Interview (HD 7:52)
• Bigger than Life: Bert I. Gordon in the 1950s and 1960s (HD 39:25)
• The Spirit is Willing (HD 20:13)
• Famous Ghost Stories Unaired Pilot (SD 4:14)
• Original 1960 Raw 35mm Trailer (HD 2:11)
• 2024 Re-Cut Trailer (HD 2:01)

In the realm of classic B-movies, Tormented stands as a remarkable amalgamation of low-budget charm and psychological intrigue, deviating from Bert I. Gordon's typical fare of monumental creatures to delve into the haunting shadows of guilt and retribution. This 1960 film follows the tormented jazz pianist Tom Stewart, played with earnest desperation by Richard Carlson, as he grapples with the ghostly manifestations of his deceased former lover, Vi Mason (Juli Reding), whom he failed to save in a moment of moral cowardice. The blend of guilt-driven hallucinations and ghostly visitations creates a narrative that, while occasionally veering into the absurd, maintains a gripping tension that is both engaging and reflective of Edgar Allan Poe's thematic essence, despite the narrative liberties taken from "The Tell Tale Heart."

Bert I. Gordon, often shadowed by the likes of Roger Corman in fame, rarely receives due credit for his innovative prowess in the realm of horror and suspense, yet Tormented serves as a testament to his creative vision and ability to produce compelling storytelling within the constraints of a limited budget. The special effects, though quaint by modern standards, effectively convey the haunting presence of Vi, reinforcing the film’s atmosphere of dread and remorse. The performances range from commendably sincere to deliciously hammy, providing a well-rounded cast that captivates the viewer's attention throughout the psychological turmoil unwinding within the lighthouse’s eerie confines.

Despite its moments of unintentional hilarity and a script that might not withstand rigorous scrutiny, Tormented carves out its niche as an entertaining spectacle within the B-movie pantheon. It's a film that demands appreciation not only for its ambition but also for its unique place in Bert I. Gordon’s diverse filmography. This juxtaposition of ghostly vengeance against a backdrop of human fallibility and moral ambiguity makes Tormented a compelling watch for aficionados of vintage horror and B-movie charm alike, ensuring its place as a notable, if not critically acclaimed, entry in the realms of psychological thrillers and supernatural cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Tormented" encapsulates an extraordinary intersection of nostalgia and high-definition technical proficiency that both honors and revitalizes Bert I. Gordon’s unique cinematic vision. With a career that often flew under the radar, Gordon’s penchant for juggling scriptwriting, directing, and visual effects with remarkable ingenuity, all the while adhering to stringent budget constraints, is vividly celebrated in this release. “Tormented,” a film which spins Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” into a contemporary yarn of jazz and infidelity, embodies Gordon’s creative ambition. Despite its occasional lapses into the absurd, the film holds its ground as an entertaining piece that's both quaintly spooky and engaging. The Blu-ray edition, bolstered by Film Masters, ensures that “Tormented” is preserved with an excellent audio-visual presentation, alongside an array of impressive bonus features - making it a must-have for aficionados of classic B-movies.

Furthermore, the sentimental value of this release is heightened by the inclusion of Susan Gordon’s performance, adding a layer of poignancy to the viewing experience. Susan’s natural and captivating portrayal adds depth to an already intriguing plot, elevating the emotional stakes amidst the film’s supernatural entanglements. The Blu-ray's technical merits are commendably solid, featuring appealing supplements that enrich the viewing experience, thereby making this offering not just a homage to B.I. Gordon’s work but also a testament to Susan Gordon’s lasting impact on cinema.

In conclusion, the "Tormented" Blu-ray release serves as an essential acquisition for collectors and cinephiles alike. It stands out not only for its superb A/V quality and supplementary content but also as a heartfelt tribute to the artistic legacies of Bert I. Gordon and Susan Gordon. This edition powerfully showcases how technical excellence and emotional resonance can coalesce to keep the spirit of classic cinema alive and vibrant for future generations, solidifying its recommendation status for enthusiasts keen on embracing the rich history of film.