The Whisperers Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "The Whisperers" offers a high-definition 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded presentation, preserving the film's original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1 widescreen. The transfer is derived from a new 2K master and showcases a largely clean image free from significant dirt or debris. The grayscale rendition is noteworthy, with deep black levels and pristine whites that enhance the film's classic black-and-white cinematography. Furthermore, the accuracy of the grain structure provides an authentic film-like quality, honoring the movie's original texture.

This release provides an impressive visual experience through its detailed sharpness and lack of age-related anomalies, contributing to a crisp and inviting viewing experience. The 2K scan is particularly effective in presenting the nuances of the cinematography, offering an engaging appreciation of the film's visual narrative. The disc is thoughtfully divided into eight chapters, allowing for seamless navigation. Overall, this Blu-ray transfer from Kino Lorber is a commendable effort that highlights "The Whisperers" in a manner that is both visually appealing and respectful to its original format.

The Blu-ray release of "The Whisperers" features a DTS-HD Master Audio mono presentation, making for a commendable audio experience. The track is crisp and easy to understand, offering a good lossless presentation that maintains sound clarity effectively. While the dynamics are somewhat average, the absence of distracting elements such as hiss, crackle, or warps ensures a pleasant listening experience for the audience.

This DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound mix is well-suited to its era, seamlessly blending dialogue, John Barry’s distinctive background score, and sound effects into a cohesive single track. The presentation is notably free from issues often associated with older recordings, such as age-related hiss, crackle, hum, or thumps. This attention to preserving the audio integrity enhances the overall enjoyment of this classic film.

The Blu Ray extras for "The Whisperers" provide a mixed but generally insightful supplemental experience. The highlight is an Audio Commentary by Kat Ellinger, a film historian whose in-depth but meandering analysis touches on the main actors and the film's production background. While some listeners might find her tangential remarks on related films and directorial styles—like those of Jack Clayton and Roman Polanski—distracting, her well-researched content compensates for these digressions. Additional offerings include several Kino Lorber Trailers which, although in standard definition, offer a nostalgic glimpse into other classics.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Kat Ellinger: In-depth but meandering analysis, touching on actors and production.
• The Queen of Spades Trailer: A historic film trailer.
• Room at the Top Trailer: Insight into another classic.
• A Child is Waiting Trailer: Another theatrical preview.
• Mirage Trailer: A nostalgic glimpse.
• It Always Rains on Sunday Trailer: Additional trailer content.

Review of "The Whisperers" Blu Ray Movie Section

Set against the grim backdrop of mid-1960s England, "The Whisperers" delves deep into the bleak and fragmented life of Mrs. Margaret Ross (Edith Evans). As the elderly protagonist navigates an isolated existence fraught with mental illness and delusional whispers, Evans delivers a tour-de-force performance that anchors the entire film. Bryan Forbes' adaptation of Robert Nicolson's novel retains the essence of its source material, transforming it into a poignant exploration of human frailty and hope. The unexpected visit from her son, Charlie (Ronald Fraser), introduces a significant conflict, set off by a hidden stash of stolen money, leading to a chain reaction of tragic events reshaping Mrs. Ross's already fragile world.

Complementing Evans' masterful portrayal, which traverses the spectrum from sweet vulnerability to intense turmoil, is the focused and meticulous direction by Forbes. Notably, Gerry Turpin's evocative cinematography enriches the narrative with visual profundity, capturing every nuance of Mrs. Ross's constrained reality. Equally noteworthy are Julie Harris's costume designs that vividly recreate the era's essence, contributing to the film's authentic atmosphere. John Berry's musical score enhances the emotional weight without overshadowing the unfolding drama, providing a fitting yet understated auditory landscape.

"The Whisperers" is an exemplary piece of British cinema, showcasing the raw talent of its cast, particularly Evans, whose performance garnered substantial acclaim, despite the Oscar eluding her. Forbes' direction shines most when illustrating Mrs. Ross's daily struggles and interactions with society's underbelly. Although some shifts in perspective and narrative flow create slight disjointedness, the film remains grounded by its commitment to character depth and a genuine depiction of hardship. The supporting cast, including Eric Portman as the opportunistic Archie Ross and Avis Bunnage as the predatory Mrs. Noonan, reinforce the central theme of resilience within adversity. This emotionally wrenching narrative, fused with technical brilliance, renders "The Whisperers" a must-watch for enthusiasts of potent, character-driven drama.

The Whisperers is an evocative exploration of isolation and aging, driven by a captivating performance from Edith Evans. Forbes' direction skillfully delves into the psychological landscape of its protagonist, presenting a narrative that's both haunting and poignant. The new 2K master on this Blu-ray release does a commendable job of preserving the film's stark, atmospheric visuals, providing a richer viewing experience that honors the film's original aesthetic.

Technically, the Kino Blu-ray excels with a remarkable transfer for a film of its age. The restoration highlights the film’s detailed black and white cinematography, bringing clarity and depth to its visual storytelling. Sound design has also been addressed with care, ensuring that every whisper and nuance is faithfully reproduced. This meticulous attention to detail offers a newfound appreciation for the auditory elements that complement the film’s somber tone.

In conclusion, The Whisperers is an interesting experience with a first-rate performance by Edith Evans carrying the filmmaking on its shoulders from start to finish. The dramatic storyline is one that audiences will be intrigued by and the direction by Bryan Forbes (The Stepford Wives) makes the film worth a watch. Featuring a new 2K master, The Whisperers has received a solid Blu-ray that is worth checking out. Recommended.