Murders in the Rue Morgue Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory’s Blu-ray release of "Murders in the Rue Morgue" impressively showcases the film using a robust MPEG-4 AVC encode on a single BD-50 disc. Drawing from the same 2K restoration as Eureka's edition, the result is a visually pleasing presentation, particularly noted for its impressive grayscale and deep blacks. Notably, when fog is absent from the scene, the contrasts are striking, with inky blacks, such as on Mirakle's coat, maintaining depth and detail. Although minor speckling, dirt, and scratches are noticeable, mainly within the first reel, these imperfections are minimal.

Encapsulating the visual fidelity, Shout! Factory has optimized the feature with an average video bitrate of 36000 kbps. This encoding choice contributes to a crisp picture quality that enhances the film's atmospheric tension. Complementing the visual experience, the disc provides a dozen chapter markers for viewer convenience. Overall, this Blu-ray presentation earns a commendable video score of 3.75 out of 5, making it a worthwhile addition for classic horror enthusiasts and aficionados of high-quality home video presentations.

Shout! Factory presents an English DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono mix (1662 kbps, 24-bit) for "Murders in the Rue Morgue." The audio track, while predictably flat, maintains an audible dialogue track, although users may need to turn up their receiver volume to ensure clarity. Notable is the presence of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake during the opening credits—initially subtle but gradually rising in pitch, contributing a period-appropriate atmospheric touch.

Despite some mild hiss and occasional crackle, particularly prevalent in the opening titles, the audio remains reasonably clean throughout the film. The restored soundtrack eschews the alterations found on the French Blu-ray release, which included additional music. Instead, this presentation adheres to a purer form with music restricted to the opening and closing credits, leaving the majority of the film silent. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided, displaying legibly in a bright yellow font.

This professional-grade release ensures an immersive albeit modestly dynamic audio experience that respects the film’s original sound design and periods of silence.

The Blu-ray release of "Murders in the Rue Morgue" offers a comprehensive set of extras that delve deeply into the film's production history, cast, and critical reception. The package features two detailed audio commentaries: one by Gary D. Rhodes, who provides extensive context on Bela Lugosi’s career and the film's intellectual undertones, and another by Gregory William Mank, focusing on production details and its initial critical response, though delivered at a brisk pace. Additionally, the theatrical trailer, while not fully restored, provides nostalgic value. A thoughtfully curated still gallery showcases in-depth visuals from the film shoot and promotional materials, further enriching the viewer's experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• EXCLUSIVE Audio Commentary by Author/Film Historian Gary D. Rhodes: Covers production origins, cast careers, Darwinian evolution, and other pertinent topics.
• Audio Commentary by Author/Film Historian Gregory William Mank: Discusses film's production aspects and critical reception.
• Theatrical Trailer: Re-release trailer, upconverted to 1080i.
• Still Gallery: Slide show featuring 43 images from the film shoot and marketing campaign.

Universal Pictures’ 1932 release, "Murders in the Rue Morgue," directed by Robert Florey, represents a significant, albeit often overlooked, contribution to the horror genre. Concurrently working on both "Frankenstein" and "Rue Morgue," Florey's directorial finesse is evidenced in his adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe's 1841 short story. Despite ultimately being replaced by James Whale for "Frankenstein," Florey's vision for "Rue Morgue" retained his distinctive touch, creditably augmented by Bela Lugosi’s chilling portrayal of Dr. Mirakle—a mad scientist conducting gruesome experiments by injecting a gorilla's blood into kidnapped women. This narrative deviation from Poe's original tale, especially the addition of Dr. Mirakle, injects a fresh malevolent edge to the film.

Widely acknowledged by contemporary critics for its emotional impact, "Murders in the Rue Morgue" elicited a visceral response from audiences during its preview release, with reports from the time reflecting a captivated, albeit terrified, viewership. Though it did not achieve the commercial success of "Dracula" or "Frankenstein," its unique artistic contributions were noted as exceptional, with some even regarding it as surpassing "Dracula" in its eerie craftsmanship. The film stands out for its atmospheric tension and its ability to maintain the suspense integral to Poe’s literary horror. Florey's film earned recognition in later years within the cult of Universal horror aficionados, appreciated for its role in defining the studio’s early 1930s horror legacy.

This film showcases Florey’s narrative ingenuity and cinematic style, which, although initially overshadowed by better-known monster movies, earned enduring acclaim and a dedicated fanbase through subsequent re-evaluations. With Florey’s compelling direction and Lugosi’s sinister performance, "Murders in the Rue Morgue" remains an essential piece of early horror cinema, a testament to both its era and its enduring ability to unsettle viewers.

"Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1932) stands as a testament to the collective genius of director Robert Florey, star Bela Lugosi, and cinematographer Karl Freund. Their collaboration culminated in an American Expressionist horror film echoing the stylistic idiosyncrasies of "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" (1920), albeit not a direct remake. While unmistakably diverging from Edgar Allan Poe’s original narrative, Florey’s inventive character, Dr. Mirakle, enriches the storyline with unique originality. Shout! Factory’s Blu-ray transfer is commendable, maintaining the quality exhibited in Eureka Entertainment’s Poe/Lugosi box set. The inclusion of a fresh commentary by film historian Gary D. Rhodes enhances the viewer's experience with insightful historical context and engaging anecdotes.

While "Murders in the Rue Morgue" is not flawless, it succeeds in showcasing Bela Lugosi’s dominance as a cinematic icon of horror, solidifying his status beyond merely a "Poverty Row" regular. This early Universal Horror offering distinguishes itself through superior production values and innovative storytelling, juxtaposing sharply with many contemporaneous, less compelling horror flicks featuring Lugosi. The restoration on Blu-ray allows both aficionados and new audiences to appreciate this somewhat obscure gem in high definition.

In summary, Shout! Factory’s meticulous presentation of "Murders in the Rue Morgue" on Blu-ray is a definitive treat for any classic horror enthusiast. The combination of historical value, expert restoration, and enriching commentary makes it a highly recommended acquisition for collectors and fans alike.