Obsessed Blu-ray Review

"Obsessed" arrives on Blu-ray with a compelling presentation, courtesy of ClassicFlix, boasting an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. This release features a StudioCanal collaboration, highlighted by the advertising of a 4K restoration, which indicates an elevated grade of visual fidelity. The presentation maintains an organic feel, successfully preserving a robust grain field that enhances the period-specific authenticity of sets and costumes. Throughout the film, fine detail is effectively maintained, contributing to an overall sharp and pleasing image.

The transfer excels with consistent contrast, ensuring commendable black levels and well-modulated grayscale. These technical aspects enrich the viewing experience, offering impressive depth and clarity to the visuals. However, viewers might notice occasional dips in clarity, which randomly impact certain scenes briefly before reverting back to the high standard. Additionally, minor age-related artifacts do surface sporadically, yet they don’t significantly detract from the overall restored aesthetic.

For a piece originally captured in its theatrical 1.37:1 format, this edition succeeds in retaining its authentic visual integrity while providing a sharp, crisp image quality throughout. The division of the film into 13 chapters further facilitates a seamless navigation experience. Despite minor interruptions in clarity, this Blu-ray presentation garners appreciation for its satisfying blend of traditional cinematic charm and contemporary restoration techniques.

The Blu-ray release of "Obsessed" delivers a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono soundtrack that stays true to the technology constraints of its time. While the dialogue, which is abundant throughout, remains consistently clear and crisp, the audio experience is not without its imperfections. The track occasionally exhibits a soft background hiss that becomes noticeable in quieter scenes but does not significantly detract from the overall listening experience.

Allan Gray’s score is prominently featured throughout, sometimes overwhelmingly so, and it could benefit from more deliberate placement. This comprehensive scoring approach can feel excessive and detracts from the otherwise clear dialogue, given Gray's renown for more structured compositions. This tendency to saturate the soundscape with music does not align with Gray's celebrated collaborations with filmmakers Powell and Pressburger, who were known for their composed cinematic projects. However, despite these musical excesses, the professional blending of dialogue with music and sound effects ensures that viewers can follow the film's narrative seamlessly.

Overall, while the mixing incorporates most elements with expertise, there is a sense that less might have been more in terms of musical cues. The optional English subtitles provide an additional layer of accessibility, further enhancing the experience for all viewers.

The Blu-ray of "Obsessed" features a typical array of extras mostly dedicated to ClassicFlix promotional material. Fans of the label will appreciate the inclusion of various trailers, though these aren't substantial in content or unique to this release. The bonuses open with a teaser for "Black Magic," setting the tone for a collection that aligns more with marketing purposes than in-depth exploration of "Obsessed." While comprehensive supplements directly related to the film might be absent, these extras provide a glimpse into ClassicFlix's broader catalogue, which some viewers may find intriguing.

Extras included in this disc:

• ClassicFlix Trailers: Includes previews for "Black Magic," "I, the Jury," "The Michael Shayne Mysteries," "O. Henry Playhouse," and "T-Men."

"Obsessed" (also known as "The Late Edwina Black") presents a tantalizing exercise in translating stage plays to the silver screen. The film embarks on a suspenseful journey, echoing motifs from Daphne du Maurier’s "Rebecca," yet lacking its Gothic depth and character intricacy. When Edwina Black, an unseen yet omnipresent dowager, dies under suspicious circumstances, her domineering legacy haunts the narrative like a specter. Her passing catalyzes a whodunit centered around three plausible suspects: her husband Gregory, played with nuance by David Farrar; her confidant Elizabeth, portrayed by Geraldine Fitzgerald; and the staunchly loyal housekeeper Ellen, with Jean Cadell delivering an impressive performance. The screenplay, adapted by Charles Frank and David Evans, maintains a predominantly dialogue-driven plot with sudden emotional escalations that occasionally verge on the comedic.

Directed by Maurice Elvey, the film utilizes its Victorian mansion setting to patch in nooks of intrigue, where secrets murmur beneath its shadowy veneer. The mise-en-scène conveys an effective sense of foreboding, underscored by the eerie chimes resonating through Edwina’s home. Inspector Martin (Roland Culver), an ingenious foil to Herculean detectives like Columbo, unobtrusively navigates the charged atmosphere, coaxing out hidden motives with shrewd questioning. While the screenplay endeavors to emulate Agatha Christie’s mastery in limiting suspects yet maintaining suspense—such as in "Cards on the Table"—it occasionally reveals its hand prematurely, leading viewers comfortably to the culprit.

Among the performances, Jean Cadell stands out, imbuing her role with lingering emotional resonance. Fitzgerald's Elizabeth and Farrar’s Gregory embody a tangible chemistry under duress, though their characters’ ardor wanes under suspicion. Despite hints of predictability and an overly insistent musical score by Allan Gray that sometimes intrudes upon pivotal scenes, "Obsessed" offers a respectful nod to its theatrical roots, providing an hour of engaging, if not entirely sophisticated, mystery cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Obsessed," known originally as "The Late Edwina Black," captures the essence of a classic stage mystery with both visual and technical strengths. The film's transition from stage to screen is handled adeptly, preserving its engaging dialogue and the vibrancy of its original setting. The performances by the leading cast, including noteworthy British character actors like Culver and Cadell, are a major highlight, providing depth and charisma to the narrative. Despite being dialogue-driven, the film does not lose its intrigue, maintaining the audience's interest through its layered storytelling and nuanced characters.

From a technical perspective, the Blu-ray presentation is generally solid, delivering a clean and crisp visual experience that complements the film's artistic direction. The audio quality supports the dialogue-heavy narrative well, ensuring clarity without overshadowing the subtle ambiance crucial to maintaining suspense. The adept preservation and restoration allow viewers to appreciate the intricate details reminiscent of classic cinema.

In conclusion, while "Obsessed" may not stand out among its genre peers in terms of novel storytelling, it compensates with strong performances and commendable technical merit. Fans of British cinema and character-driven narratives will find value in this Blu-ray release, appreciating its attention to detail and the engaging portrayals by the cast. The combination of solid technical execution and vibrant performances makes it a worthwhile investment for enthusiasts of traditional mysteries.