Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

The Warner Archive's release of "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" on Blu-ray, derived from a 4K scan of the original camera negative, preserves the film's intended 1.33:1 aspect ratio, offering a striking visual improvement over earlier versions. The meticulous restoration elevates the film's deliberate yet originally difficult-to-discern dark aesthetic. Enhanced detail in the shadow-drenched, low-contrast interiors of the mansion—long a challenge in previous home video and broadcast iterations—now reveals intricacies previously lost. Improved black levels and color saturation not only clarify but enrich the film's distinctive palette and boldly unconventional lighting decisions. The faithful reproduction of skin tones and the crisp presentation of period-appropriate details, like Sally's avocado-green stove, alongside a balanced film grain presence, collectively refine the cinematic experience.

Despite its inherently dark visual narrative, challenges with presenting a nuanced spectrum of blacks and greys are impressively addressed through an excellent AVC MPEG-4 encode at an aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The Blu-ray's capacity to display such depth and clarity in scenes dominated by shadows or nighttime settings is noteworthy, ensuring that the film's meticulously designed creatures and environments are presented with remarkable realism. While the palette favors muted tones, natural skin hues stand out, providing a stark contrast that enhances the visual depth. Though predominantly successful in its transfer, minor flaws are present, including occasional black crush and an almost imperceptible hint of banding in select light beams, neither detracting significantly from an otherwise stellar presentation.

The committed effort placed into the set design and atmospheric creation of "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" is given its due recognition through this transfer. Despite minor imperfections, the Blu-ray delivers a supremely watchable experience. Its ability to maintain clarity and detail in even the most challengingly dark scenes, alongside an accurate representation of intended colors and textures, ensures that both new fans and long-time enthusiasts will find something to appreciate in this high-quality release.

The audio presentation of "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" on Blu-ray employs a pair of sound configurations, each with its unique merits and limitations. The DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track valiantly manages its source material, achieving almost perfect mixing between dialogue and sound effects while maintaining a cozy relationship with its mono origins. Billy Goldenberg's eerie score shines in this setup, displaying an enhanced clarity that was perhaps never fully appreciated before. Despite the inherent constraints of a 2.0 setup, particularly with a film that confines itself largely to indoor scenes, certain audio elements like whispered voices manage to introduce a hint of directionality. This slightly expands the soundstage, an impressive feat given the format's limitations. No technical flaws such as pops, hiss, or synchronization issues mar the experience, ensuring a clean auditory journey throughout.

In contrast, the 5.1 English DTS-HD MA surround sound track elevates the experience by bringing a broader and richer soundscape that accentuates the gothic score and LFE-driven sound effects, including chanting whispers that add to the movie's chilling atmosphere. However, this mix doesn't shy away from its shortcomings, particularly in subtlety—a trait it shares with the narrative—leaning towards a binary approach to ambient noise. Notably, this approach misses chances for nuanced sound layering, which could have contributed to a more immersive atmosphere reminiscent of more subtly crafted films like 'The Others'. A discernible audio error around the 54-minute mark underscores this point, where the balance between foreground screams and background noise becomes inconsistent, drawing attention to itself. Such missteps notwithstanding, the 5.1 mix delivers a robust and engaging auditory experience that complements the film's visual and thematic elements.

Both tracks are supported by well-formatted English (SDH) subtitles, a minor but appreciated detail that indicates careful attention to accessibility and viewing experience. The subtitles avoid common formatting pitfalls seen in other releases, opting for a more viewer-friendly presentation rather than defaulting to all caps text—a decision that improves readability and user satisfaction.

This special edition Blu-ray of "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" comes packaged in a standard keepcase, donning ultra-dark cover artwork with Sally's haunting visage that challenges visibility without direct light. Though devoid of slipcover or inserts, reflecting Warner Archive Collection's recent aesthetic choices, it compensates with its content, particularly in its supplementary material. It features two audio commentaries; the first, from 2011, offers an informal discussion with Steve Uncle Creepy Barton, Jeffrey Reddick, and Sean Abley, reveling in the film's production quirks and 1970s horror cinema Easter eggs. The second, a more recent addition, provides a solo deep-dive by Amanda Reyes, shedding light on the film’s historical and thematic nuances. The extras shine with a three-part making-of documentary, each segment available in HD, providing a comprehensive look at the story development, the intricate detailing of Blackwood's Mansion, and especially the fascinating process behind the creature effects, showcasing an admirable collaboration of craftsmanship.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary #1: A casual conversation including noteworthy figures such as Steve Uncle Creepy Barton, Jeffrey Reddick, and Sean Abley about the film’s two-week production and 1970s horror cinema.
• Audio Commentary #2: Amanda Reyes offers an insightful perspective on the film’s complexities, connecting it with historical elements and deeper thematic explorations.
• A Three-Part Making-of Documentary: An in-depth exploration divided into The Story, Blackwood's Mansion, and The Creatures, focusing on production design and creature effects.

John Newland's 1973 televised horror "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark", featuring the talents of Kim Darby, Jim Hutton, and William Demarest, remains a standout piece for several reasons, not least of which is its effective delivery of small-screen terror. It masterfully crafts a story around Sally Farnum, played by Darby, who alongside her husband's absence, finds herself in a Victorian mansion with more than just restoration work in mind. The discovery of a sealed fireplace sets off a series of events that thankfully negate the handyman Mr. Harris's warnings, leading to the unleashing of nightmarish creatures. This central plot, accentuated by eerie whispers and red-lit demons, continues to unsettle, proving that polished creature effects are no match for a well-executed story.

Transitioning to Guillermo del Toro's dedication in reviving this horror tale for the big screen, it's evident that despite the initial film's nuances and the noticeable effort put into production, the 2011 adaptation slightly misses the mark. While boasting exceptional creativity, stunning production design, powerful music by Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders, and an atmospheric direction that elevates the horror genre, the emotional connection and internal logic falter. This disconnect primarily stems from the characters' development and the creatures’ inconsistent threat level, which, combined with overt exposition from both humans and creatures alike, diminishes the suspense and terror integral to the original's success.

Despite these shortcomings, both iterations' technical achievements cannot be overlooked. The Blu-ray release deserves commendation for its 4K-sourced transfer and enriching audio commentaries, confirming Warner Archive Collection's commitment to preserving this horror classic. Likewise, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment's release of del Toro's adaptation with vivid disc stats and engaging special features showcases the industry's ability to honor past storytelling with today's technological advancements. Ultimately, "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" in both its original and revamped forms offers a fascinating lens through which to view the evolution of horror cinema.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" is a splendid affair for aficionados of classic made-for-TV horror, delivering a substantial visual and auditory restoration that breathes life back into this iconic film. The remastering process has evidently paid off, offering viewers a crystal clear picture that remarkably preserves the movie's chilling atmosphere despite its predominantly dark palette. This achievement is especially noteworthy when juxtaposed with similar genre films like 'The Others,' with this Blu-ray edging out in terms of video quality, though it falls slightly short on the audio front. Nonetheless, the surround sound track is more than adequate, effectively complementing the movie’s gothic score and enhancing its eerie ambiance.

Adding considerable value to this release are the two full-length audio commentaries, an inclusion that not only satiates the hunger of die-hard fans but also offers fascinating insights into the film's production and enduring appeal. While it’s true that the extra features might not be exhaustive, what is provided enriches the viewing experience significantly. This aspect, coupled with the top-tier audio-visual restoration, makes for a package that’s hard to resist for those with a penchant for vintage scares. However, potential new fans are advised to approach with a measure of caution, given its aged yet effective delivery of horror elements.

In conclusion, Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" stands as a testament to the timeless allure of classic horror. Its superior restoration work, supplemented by insightful commentaries, makes it an essential addition to the collection of genre veterans, promising a nostalgic yet fresh viewing experience. Newcomers should take this opportunity to acquaint themselves with a piece of horror history, though setting expectations according to its era-specific storytelling and pacing. Whether for seasoned vets seeking to relive terror-induced sleepless nights or novices curious about past cinematic frights, this Blu-ray strikes a commendable balance between preserving the original's essence and catering to modern home theater standards.