The Fly Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's release of "The Fly" on Blu-ray presents an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded transfer in its originally projected CinemaScope ratio of 2.35:1. Both studios used an average video bitrate of 38017 kbps, ensuring a consistent visual presentation faithful to the original release. While Scream created fresh image art for the packaging, the disc's master and transfer are identical to Fox's earlier release reviewed six years ago. The high-definition presentation remains effective, maintaining vibrant color saturation that showcases rich hues, including bright flesh tones and vivid primary colors.

However, by contemporary standards, this transfer exhibits significant limitations. The resolution suffers from coarse and chunky grain, slightly obscuring fine detail within the image. Although the original print is well preserved with minimal damage, the older mastering process hinders its potential, particularly in contrast and depth. The film’s black levels occasionally acquire an unintended tint due to intense color saturation, which dilutes the contrast. Nonetheless, exterior scenes benefit from excellent brightness, offering dense and beautifully captured garden visuals that stand out despite the overall limitations. Scream Factory also retains the same chapter markers as Fox's edition, providing twenty-four segments that facilitate seamless navigation of this classic film.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Fly" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0 track (2012 kbps, 24-bit) provided by Scream. This mix is closely comparable to Fox's 4.0 mix, albeit with a slightly reduced bitrate (down from 2944 kbps) due to the addition of a second commentary track. It's important to note that Scream has omitted the Spanish, French, and German DTS 4.0 language dubs present in previous editions. Subtitling options have also been pared down, with only the optional English SDH retained for the main feature, excluding the Spanish and German subs seen on US and European BDs.

Despite the source material's 1950s origins, this DTS-HD 4.0 track remarkably broadens the soundscape. Dialog occasionally travels into stereo channels more frequently than necessary, with voices trailing into the front soundstage even with slight movements—potentially distracting the audience. However, the bold and dramatic score benefits significantly from the 4.0 mix, achieving a full and wide-bodied presentation that excels in range and fidelity. This enhanced audio fidelity particularly shines in building tension and delivering a prominent dramatic impact.

The Blu-ray of "The Fly" offers an impressive array of extras, combining archival content with new insightful material, ensuring a thorough examination of the film's legacy. The standout is the newly recorded audio commentary featuring Author/Film Historian Steve Haberman and Filmmaker/Film Historian Constantine Nasr, which delves into the director's and cast members' backgrounds, production insights, and sequel discussions. This track complements the existing commentary by Actor David Hedison and Historian David Del Valle well. Not to be overlooked is the engaging 44-minute biographical segment on Vincent Price, produced in 1997, which highlights his extensive Hollywood career. Additionally, there are shorter featurettes like "Fly Trap: Catching a Classic," which reflects on the movie's impact. Trailers and a brief Fox Movietone news clip also add valuable context. Unfortunately, the previously mentioned photo gallery is absent on this disc.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary by Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr: Analyzes film production, cast, and sequels.
• Audio Commentary by David Hedison and David Del Valle.
• Biography: Vincent Price: In-depth look at Vincent Price's career and legacy.
• Fly Trap: Catching a Classic: Discusses the film’s initial release impact.
• Fox Movietone News: A brief segment profiling the movie's premiere.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for "The Fly".

Kurt Neumann's 1958 classic "The Fly" is unveiled in Scream Factory’s five-movie box set, The Fly Collection, showcasing a profound atomic horror narrative that transcends the genre's typical exploitative ventures. The film takes an introspective approach, portraying the monstrous transformation of Andre Delambre (David Hedison) as a poignant metaphor for post-WWII scientific remorse, akin to J. Robert Oppenheimer's reflections on the atomic bomb. The storyline traces Delambre’s initial euphoria upon mastering the teleporter technology, gradually morphing into a harrowing acknowledgment of its potential for abuse. This shift is symbolized through visceral cinematic elements—emanating sounds of atom splitting, blinding lights—drawing a stark parallel to the atomic age's destructive capabilities.

Scripted by James Clavell, whose experiences as a POW imbue the narrative with a unique perspective, "The Fly" delves into moral ambiguities linked to scientific advancements. The somber tone is echoed through meticulous character development and thematic depth. Vincent Price's defense of Delambre underscores the sacrifices made by scientists during wartime, enhancing the narrative's complexity. Unlike its contemporaries that predominantly leverage radiation for fear-mongering, "The Fly" introspectively addresses the ethical ramifications of groundbreaking discoveries, positioning it as a modern reinterpretation of the Frankenstein mythos.

Moreover, Patricia Owens' portrayal of Helen Delambre adds substantial depth to the film's emotional core. Helen’s journey from ignorance to horrifying enlightenment about her husband’s fate unfolds with calculated restraint, gripping the audience before revealing his grotesque transformation. This delayed revelation ensures maximum impact and underscores her character’s resilience—a stark contrast to the typical 1950s female roles relegated to mere damsel-in-distress tropes. Her ultimate acceptance of her irrevocably altered family life underscores the perpetual burden of scientific experimentation gone awry, encapsulating the moral quagmire at the heart of "The Fly."

The Blu-ray release of "The Fly" (1958), part of the newly issued US box set from Scream Factory, offers a meticulous presentation of this classic sci-fi horror film. The video transfer is pristine, exhibiting a sharp and detailed black-and-white visual quality that greatly enhances the eerie atmosphere of the story. Audio is equally impressive, with crisp dialogue and well-balanced background scores that complement the suspenseful narrative. This release also includes a new audio commentary by Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr, which provides substantial insights into the film's production and its historical context.

Fans of "The Fly" will appreciate the additional content and expert analysis provided in the commentary track. Haberman and Nasr's discussion is both informative and engaging, offering a deeper understanding of the film's themes, such as the existential dread associated with scientific advancement. Despite the high quality of the presentation, those who already own Fox's 2013 release may need to consider their level of interest in the added commentary and supplementary materials. The transfers for both video and audio are identical to the previous 2013 release, which may affect the decision for re-purchasing.

In conclusion, if you don't own Fox's 2013 BD of "The Fly" (1958), then you'll want to obtain it by purchasing the new US box set of The Fly Collection. Though the video transfer and audio presentation are carbon copies of that disc, Scream Factory has added a pretty informative audio commentary with Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr. If you did pick up the previous disc, you'll need to determine the value of the new track and weigh it with how much you enjoy and like the sequels as well as Cronenberg's remake and the sequel to the '86 film. A STRONG RECOMMENDATION for this disc. A reserved, cautionary sci-fi tale, The Fly uniquely recounts the discovery of nuclear horrors, and the resulting regret.