Island of Lost Souls Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Island of Lost Souls" by Eureka Entertainment mirrors the high standards set by Criterion’s edition, both featuring an AVC encode for the 1.33:1 (actually 1.37:1) image. Upon thorough comparison, differences between the two editions are minimal and largely subjective. Specifically, the Eureka transfer appears slightly brighter, allowing marginally more detail in shadowy areas, although some may prefer the darker, more contrast-rich Criterion version. The UK release exhibits a finer grain structure than its US counterpart, which some might find smoother but less atmospheric.

Eureka’s Blu-ray successfully preserves the intricate details of the vintage 1932 film, despite inherent age-related wear and restoration limitations. Both transfers source from a combination of a damaged 35mm fine-grain master positive, UCLA's 35mm nitrate positive, and a 16mm private screening print, ensuring the best possible image quality given the film’s history. The image displays commendable depth and detail, particularly in jungle sequences where foliage and costume elements are rendered vividly. The occasional discolouration and fluctuations in grain are minimal and do not detract from the overall viewing experience.

Grain is naturally resolved, avoiding any artificial enhancements, and contrast remains generally stable with deep blacks and refined shadows. The balance between light and dark tones is convincingly managed, enhancing the visual depth without overshadowing finer details. Given the condition of the source material, the final score reflects the excellence of this transfer rather than comparing it to more contemporary releases. Fans outside Region A will find Eureka's release a gratifying alternative, preserving the integrity and atmospheric quality of this horror classic.

The audio presentation of "Island of Lost Souls" on Blu-ray, provided by Eureka Entertainment, boasts a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that admirably handles the vintage source material. Designed to showcase the original audio as purely as possible, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track ensures clarity and crispness without unnecessary enhancements that could detract from its authenticity. Dialogue, though occasionally masked by minimal damage, remains largely intelligible and retains the distinct character nuances, such as Laughton's nuanced delivery and Lugosi's unique guttural speech. The mix also captures the eerie howls and yowls during Moreau's torturous experiments with an unsettling immediacy.

Of course, the audio does present some inherent limitations typical of its era, including slight tinniness and sporadic background hiss. These minor imperfections, however, contribute to the film's vintage charm and do not detract significantly from the listening experience. Enhancements have been made to stabilize dynamics and improve overall fluidity without introducing disruptive distortions or dropouts. The music is limited to brief opening and closing pieces, which are delivered with impressive flair. Overall, this DTS-HD MA 2.0 track provides a commendable audio experience, preserving the film's historical essence while optimizing clarity and engagement for modern audiences.

The Blu Ray extras of "Island of Lost Souls" provide some valuable insights but are relatively light in content. The primary offerings include two thoughtfully produced interviews: one with actor/director/writer Simon Callow, who provides engaging, albeit somewhat meandering commentary on Charles Laughton, and another with horror historian Jonathan Rigby, who delivers a concise analysis of the film's historical context and social impact. Both interviews, complemented with clips, illustrations, and stills, are artfully shot in black and white. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer is included. Despite these features, the package feels lacking in depth compared to Criterion's edition, leaving an appetite for more comprehensive material fitting this film's 80th Anniversary.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer for "Island of Lost Souls."
• Simon Callow: Interview with biographer Simon Callow on Charles Laughton and the film’s production history.
• Jonathan Rigby: Interview with historian Jonathan Rigby on the film’s context and impact.
• Booklet: Lavish booklet featuring rare production imagery.

"Island of Lost Souls," directed by Erle C. Kenton, is a landmark in horror cinema, showcasing one of the creepiest and most atmospheric adaptations of H.G. Wells' "The Island of Dr. Moreau." Heavily censored in its time, this 1932 classic presents profound themes of human progress, morality, and the consequences of playing God. Dr. Moreau, portrayed masterfully by Charles Laughton, is the quintessential mad scientist, embodying hubris and unchecked ambition. His island, populated by beast-men grotesquely reshaped in his House of Pain, becomes a microcosm of absolute power gone awry. Laughton's villainy, coupled with Wally Westmore's iconic makeup designs and Karl Struss's evocative cinematography, ensures the film is as visually compelling as it is narratively gripping.

Richard Arlen (Edward Parker) and Kathleen Burke (Lota, the Panther Woman) provide strong supporting performances, their chemistry adding a layer of tragic romance to the tale. Burke's seductive allure is palpable, adding tension and complexity to Parker’s predicament. The legendary Bela Lugosi, though nearly unrecognizable in heavy makeup, leaves a lasting impression with his portrayal of the Sayer of the Law. The film's atmosphere is both foreboding and mesmerizing, a testament to Struss’s skill behind the camera. His work on previous classics like F.W. Murnau's "Sunrise" and Chaplin’s "The Great Dictator" shines through, lending the film an uncanny visual texture.

"Island of Lost Souls" benefits tremendously from its high-definition Blu-ray transfers, be it from Eureka or Criterion. Both transfers maintain the coarser texture of the film's grain and the deep shadows intrinsic to its horror elements. The film's ability to provoke thought and unsettle continues to resonate today. Whether exploring its taboo-breaking themes or appreciating its historical cinematic value, this release is indispensable for genre aficionados and film historians alike.

Eureka Entertainment's release of Erle C. Kenton's Island of Lost Souls is a masterful presentation that rivals Criterion's Region-A edition in every respect, making it an excellent option for those outside the Region-A territory. The transfer showcases a crisp and clean image, preserving the film's enduringly eerie atmosphere. This edition also excels in terms of audio quality, capturing every nuance of the original soundtrack with impressive fidelity. The dual-package of visual and auditory enhancements provides a comprehensive and immersive viewing experience that honors the classic nature of the film while offering modernized clarity and precision.

In addition to the remarkable technical presentation, Eureka Entertainment includes exclusive new interviews, providing valuable insights and historical context to the film. These interviews add significant depth and understanding, enriching the viewer's appreciation for this cinematic gem. The supplementary materials maintain a high standard, contributing to an engaging and informative exploration of Island of Lost Souls and its production history.

Overall, Eureka Entertainment's release is crafted with meticulous detail, offering an exemplary Blu-ray experience. It stands as a testament to high-quality film restoration and thoughtful curation, making it an essential acquisition for classic film enthusiasts and collectors alike. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.