The House by the Cemetery Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The House by the Cemetery" by Blue Underground offers a strong visual experience that breathes new life into Fulci’s macabre artistry. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio displays stunning detail from start to finish. Whether it's the dusty, dingy hardwood floors or the meticulously designed gore effects, the image is sharp and well-defined. The colors remain steady and natural, reflecting both the bright hues of clothing and the more subdued tones of the house interior. The film's print is in commendable condition, with only occasional stray hairs and speckles, and minimal issues such as harmless wobble during the opening credits.

Grain is handled with a light to moderate touch, preserving a film-like look. However, the grain exhibits an occasional static quality that might detract slightly from the overall experience but does not significantly impair it. Detailed textures stand out clearly—be it facial details, clothing, or the atmospheric elements of woodgrain and foliage. The darker themes of the film are aptly supported by solid black levels, excellent contrast handling, and only minimal crushing in the shadowed basement scenes. The cinematography by Sergio Salvati, which includes traditional spooky low-light settings and richly composed shots, is showcased to its fullest potential.

The transfer effectively enhances the visual depth and atmosphere that Fulci intended. Certain scenes, like those with stained-glass windows, are imbued with just the right amount of luster. Despite a few moments of blur and texture static in motion, the overall presentation remains crisp, clear, and vibrant. Even the graphic wounds are impressively rendered, although they do betray some of their latex origins under high scrutiny. In conclusion, this transfer is a visually remarkable experience that captures the sinister beauty of "The House by the Cemetery" quite captivatingly, even if not entirely flawlessly.

The Blu-ray release of "The House by the Cemetery" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track and an Italian Dolby Digital mono track, catering to a broad audience with optional English, French, and Spanish subtitles. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix remains faithful to the original mono source, preserving the authenticity of the film's sound design while offering a cleaner and clearer presentation than previous releases. Despite this, the soundtrack manifests occasional issues such as unnatural sound effects and moments where dialogue is drowned out by the score and effects.

Walter Rizzati’s unorthodox score is a highlight, delivered with crispness and sufficient breadth to showcase its warped motifs. However, some segments of the music can seem strained, lacking depth despite the lossless format. Effects such as the cacophony of banging sounds and the relentless screeching of a bat are adequately clear and effective, though they sometimes approach over-exaggeration. Dialogue is consistently clean and center-focused, though it occasionally suffers from severe dislocation due to the original mix’s haphazard nature.

This mix also exhibits a decent dynamic range; even the shrillest screams are delivered without distortion. Directional effects are present but not remarkable, and bass presence is marginal, only felt in more tense moments. While it does not employ surround sound, the track supports the film’s atmosphere effectively. The Italian DD mono track, unfortunately, lacks the clarity and vigor of its English counterpart, resulting in a muddier and less impactful experience. Despite these minor shortcomings, Blue Underground’s audio presentation is solid and effectively complements the visual elements of this horror classic.

The Blu-ray release of "The House by the Cemetery" boasts a comprehensive selection of extras, showcasing detailed retrospectives and in-depth discussions with the cast and crew. Viewers are treated to a series of interviews that dive into the making of the film, shedding light on director Lucio Fulci’s challenging yet passionate approach to filmmaking. Key highlights include candid recollections from stars such as Catriona MacColl, Paolo Malco, and child actors Giovanni Frezza and Silvia Collatina, who share vivid memories of their experiences on set. Additionally, contributions from special effects artists and cinematographers provide technical insights into the film's visual and practical effects, enhancing the overall appreciation of Fulci's work. Although a full-length commentary track is notably absent, the diverse array of supplementary content delivers a rich and engaging exploration of this cult classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Meet the Boyles: Interviews with stars Catriona MacColl and Paolo Malco.
• Children of the Night: Interviews with Giovanni Frezza and Silvia Collatina.
• Tales of Laura Gittleson: Interview with actress Dagmar Lassander.
• My Time with Terror: Interview with actor Carlo De Mejo.
• A Haunted House Story: Interviews with co-writers Dardano Sacchetti and Elisa Briganti.
• To Build a Better Death Trap: Detailed discussion with cinematographer Sergio Salvati, special make-up effects artist Maurizio Trani, special effects artist Gino De Rossi, and actor Giovanni De Nava.
• Deleted Scene: Bat Attack aftermath.
• Trailers: International and U.S. trailers.
• TV Spot: Brief promotional clip.
• Poster & Still Gallery: A slideshow of stills and posters set to the film's music.

The House by the Cemetery showcases the stylistic signatures of Lucio Fulci, melding the classic zombie genre with elements of the old dark house narrative. The story follows Norman, Lucy, and their young son Bob as they move into an isolated mansion in New England, unaware of its history with a ghoulish former resident, Dr. Freudstein. Fulci stitches together various horror influences – from The Shining to The Amityville Horror – into a blood-drenched tapestry of necromantic surgery and ghostly premonitions. However, the screenplay stumbles with unresolved plot threads and choppy editing, occasionally creating an erratic narrative flow. Despite this, the film's atmosphere is uniquely haunting, with visually compelling scenes and a mood that remains quite memorable.

Technically, Fulci delivers gruesome gore effects that are convincingly grotesque, including graphic murders and unsettling creature designs. The film’s faithful transfer from the original camera negative results in a visual presentation that surpasses previous home video releases, although some persistent grain issues remain. The audio is laudable for its fidelity to the original sound design. Fulci's directorial flair is evident in his stylistic choices: tight close-ups, dreamlike color palettes, and prolonged violence sequences that elevate gore into a kind of morbid artistry. Unfortunately, some narrative elements feel underdeveloped, with certain characters and plot points coming across as unintentional comedy rather than compelling horror.

Critically, The House by the Cemetery divides opinions with its mix of visceral thrills and narrative gaps. It sacrifices depth and cohesive storytelling for an unrelenting focus on brutal effects, satisfying seasoned gore aficionados but leaving others wanting more. While the haunted house tropes and predictable setups can feel derivative, there is an undeniable charm in its chaotic execution. Hardcore fans of Italian gore cinema will appreciate Fulci's uniquely macabre vision, whereas viewers seeking substantial horror may find the film lacking in substance despite its stylistic bravado.

"The House by the Cemetery" presents a compelling, if flawed, foray into Italian horror by Lucio Fulci. Its plot is fundamentally sound, grounded in an eerie supernatural realm, but it falters with unresolved story elements and fractured narrative threads. Despite these shortcomings, the film excels in delivering atmospheric direction and complex gore effects, though it is weighed down by weak acting, most notably from an intensely annoying child lead, and a lackluster script. The visual and technical execution remains a standout, appealing primarily to a niche audience familiar with Fulci's work and Italian horror conventions.

The Blue Underground Blu-ray release of "The House by the Cemetery" provides a competent viewing experience. While the film is gory and sporadically entertaining, the video quality is strong, revealing the atmospheric nuances of Fulci's direction. Audio is sufficient, though not remarkable, yet both elements combine to deliver a satisfying sensory experience for fans. The assortment of extras is extensive and offers an insightful retrospective into the film’s production and legacy, enhancing the overall package.

Overall, "The House by the Cemetery" is a release tailored for devoted fans of Italian horror and Lucio Fulci. Though marred by its nonsensical and thin storylines, it compensates with grotesque visuals and a well-curated Blu-ray release. Recommended for enthusiasts who appreciate Fulci's unique style and can overlook its narrative flaws.