Prophecy Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Prophecy" showcases a commendable video transfer, despite the absence of information about a new 4K or 2K master. The AVC encoded image, framed in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, delivers consistent clarity and definition. The 1979 film exhibits a thick layer of grain, particularly prominent during night scenes, but the encode handles this well, maintaining purity and avoiding compression artifacts. Clarity is precise, with sharp differentiation in costumes, facial details, and the creature effects. Blacks are slightly murky at times but retain depth, and contrast is balanced, delivering crisp daylight shots and intricate textures in close-ups.

Color reproduction is natural and robust, enhancing the rich greens of the forested locations and the rustic earth tones throughout the film. Period outfits exhibit distinct hues, while the mutated bears' reddish-pink skin notably stands out against the darker wooded environments. Despite some mild speckling and occasional debris from the source, the overall presentation remains engaging and faithful to the film’s aesthetic. Depth of field is strong, particularly in aerial shots, and motion remains smooth without distortions. Skin tones maintain a natural look with clear facial textures in most shots.

Overall, the Blu-ray provides a visually appealing experience for "Prophecy," with impressive detail and dimension maintained across various scenes despite some inherent limitations of the original film stock and occasional grain issues. The attention to detail in nature scenes and creature design offers a solid presentation that stays true to the film's era while offering a visually satisfying viewing experience.

The audio presentation of the Blu-Ray release of "Prophecy" features a robust 2.0 DTS-HD MA track that stays true to the original source material while delivering an impressive performance for its type. Leonard Rosenman’s commanding score is prominently showcased, offering precise instrumentation and dramatic support throughout the film. Dialogues are generally crisp and clear, though instances of overdubbing and directional muting are noticeable at times. The sound effects, especially during scenes involving the mutated bear, provide a surprising amount of midrange rumble and energy, making for a more engaging listening experience.

Atmospheric elements in the audio track are well-placed, creating an expansive soundstage that adds depth to scenes with natural interactions like brushing leaves or splashing water. The industrial activities within the film, such as those at the paper mill, sometimes introduce light crackles and mild distortion but do not detract significantly from the overall listening experience. Noteworthy is a brief audio dropout at the 01:00:20 mark, which, while slightly jarring, does not severely impact the enjoyment of the film.

Overall, "Prophecy’s" audio track presents a potent and capable stereo mix that satisfies expectations. While it may not boast advanced surround sound features, its high-fidelity musical score and accurate rendering of dialogue and sound effects make it a reliable option for fans of the film. The presence of optional English SDH subtitles further enhances accessibility for viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "Prophecy" provides a robust set of extras that offer significant insight into the film's production, challenges, and the personal experiences of its cast and crew. These features include candid interviews with key players such as Talia Shire, Robert Foxworth, David Seltzer, Tom Burman, Allan Apone, and Tom McLoughlin. Notably, the interviews reveal recurring themes of technical difficulties and directorial clashes, particularly regarding the infamous mutated bear costume. Seltzer’s unfiltered thoughts and Burman's vivid recounting of the heckling incident during the premiere are especially compelling. The still gallery and radio spots add a nostalgic touch, rounding out an exhaustive supplement package that enriches appreciation for this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• All Of Our Sins: An interview with Talia Shire.
• Bearing Up: An interview with actor Robert Foxworth.
• Bear And Grin It: An interview with writer David Seltzer.
• Hard To Bear: An interview with special make-up effects designer Tom Burman.
• Prophecy Prodigy: An interview with special make-up effects artist Allan Apone.
• Beneath The Bear: An interview with mime artist Tom McLoughlin.
• Theatrical Trailer
• Radio Spots
• Still Gallery

"Prophecy," directed by John Frankenheimer and based on a script by David Seltzer, aims to address environmental destruction through an eco-horror lens. The plot revolves around Dr. Robert (Robert Foxworth) and his pregnant wife Maggie (Talia Shire), who travel to Northern Maine to investigate claims of industrial pollution from a logging company affecting the local Native American community, led by John Hawks (Armand Assante). The narrative sets the stage for a corporate conspiracy involving methyl mercury poisoning, which has mutated animals and caused severe health issues for the community.

Despite having an important and timely message about industrial pollution and corporate malfeasance, "Prophecy" struggles to maintain a cohesive tone. The first two acts are characterized by a slow-burning mystery that builds tension through its ecological and social themes. However, the final act shifts jarringly into a campy monster movie, featuring a gigantic mutant bear created by unconvincing special effects. This abrupt tonal shift undermines the film's earlier atmospheric build-up and renders the climactic scenes unintentionally comedic rather than terrifying.

"Prophecy" is ambitious but ultimately falls short due to its inconsistent execution. The concept of eco-terror and the initial setup promise an engaging critique of corporate greed and environmental neglect. However, Frankenheimer's direction falters during crucial moments, as the special effects and practical monster costumes fail to deliver genuine scares. Instead, they provoke laughter, diluting the film's intended horror and seriousness. Despite an earnest effort from the cast, particularly Shire and Foxworth, the film's thematic depth is obscured by its uneven pacing and misplaced priorities in its climactic sequences.

"Prophecy" is noted as one of the last eco-horror films of the 1970s, with a unique blend of environmental cautionary tale and creature feature. Directed by John Frankenheimer and written by David Seltzer, the film stars Talia Shire, Robert Foxworth, and Armand Assante. It revolves around a corporate cover-up that climaxes with a terrifying encounter with a mutated bear. The film attempts to straddle the line between 1970s suspense and 1980s gore, but ends up feeling tonally unbalanced, particularly in its final act. Despite its somewhat laughable fight scenes by current CGI standards and inconsistent scares, it still manages to evoke certain thrills.

Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release of "Prophecy" enhances the viewing experience with a solid audio and video transfer, featuring an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 AVC and DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio. English SDH subtitles are included for accessibility. The presentation does justice to the film's visuals and auditory elements, capturing the eerie atmosphere intended. Furthermore, the plethora of extras added to this edition makes it a valuable addition for collectors. Despite lacking special packaging, the release compensates with content that elevates its appeal beyond mere nostalgia.

Conclusion:

"Prophecy" largely gains its status as a cult classic through its balance of unintended humor and earnest ecological message. It remains memorable to this day, in part due to Stephen King's acknowledgment in "Danse Macabre." While it may not be a pinnacle of horror, the Blu-ray treatment by Scream Factory offers both fans and newcomers an enriched experience worth exploring. Given the tonally inconsistent yet entertaining nature of the film, a rental is recommended for those unfamiliar. However, dedicated fans will find this release an essential addition to their collection.