Tentacles Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Tentacles," encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in a 1080p transfer and presented in a 2.36:1 aspect ratio, demonstrates a commendable video quality courtesy of Kino Lorber. This release utilizes an older MGM master which still manages to provide a surprisingly pleasing visual experience despite subtle softness in some scenes. Delineation, clarity, and depth are consistently strong across the film, establishing a robust viewing platform. The color balance is notably impressive, offering lovely saturation and maintaining excellent stability throughout. There remains potential for improvement, with grain exposure that could be more persuasive and minor adjustments possible, suggesting room for enhancement in a future 4K release.

The image retains a solid density and commendable stability, despite some speckling indicative of wear. The encoding is handled well, with a high bitrate ensuring smooth transitions and retention of detail. While there are issues with brightness and some excessively hot whites, the black levels are generally solid, avoiding severe crush problems in darker scenes. The bold color palette brings vividness to the primaries, contributing to the film's aesthetic appeal. However, criticisms arise primarily from inconsistent scene quality, particularly when depicting the octopus antagonist. These scenes often rely on mismatched footage ranging from scale models to rubber props, leading to visual inconsistencies. Despite these variances in shot quality, they add a layer of charm typical of this genre.

The Blu-ray release of "Tentacles" features a single audio track in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. The track effectively captures the essence of Stelvio Cipriani's dynamic soundtrack, notable for its diverse range of nuanced dynamics that add depth to the film's audio landscape. Notably, the underwater scenes are enhanced by distinctive sound effects that create memorable contrasts, allowing action sequences to maintain a good sound quality and clarity.

While the dialog remains clean and stable throughout, it occasionally exhibits a peculiar, somewhat enclosed quality often characteristic of Italian cinema. This does not detract significantly, as there are no expected synchronization issues typically associated with such films. Cipriani’s score remains sharply presented, though its sometimes dominant presence could overshadow other elements. Particularly unconventional is the use of a children’s slide whistle as a primary instrument, which intriguingly contributes to the film's tension.

Overall, while the track may not boast a wealth of spatial depth or atmospheric breadth, it proficiently supports the film’s requirements. Sound effects are well-integrated, providing a satisfactory auditory experience despite the track's limited expansive qualities. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 effectively accomplishes its role in delivering a clear and engaging auditory accompaniment to "Tentacles", ensuring an immersive viewer experience.

The extras for the Blu-ray release of "Tentacles" predominantly consist of promotional content with a nostalgic flair. Notably featured is an original theatrical trailer and a radio spot, both in English without subtitles, which afford viewers a glimpse into the film's vintage marketing strategies. Additionally, the disc includes a reversible cover adorned with classic poster art, offering collectors an aesthetic variety. However, apart from these highlights, the selection leans heavily on a standard gallery of trailers from Kino Lorber Studio Classics (KLSC) that pertain to similar genre films, offering little in terms of depth or unique insights into the film's production. Overall, while evocative of its era, the supplementary content may not satisfy those seeking comprehensive background information or in-depth interviews.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: An original vintage trailer for "Tentacles."
• Radio Spot: An original U.S. radio spot for "Tentacles."
• Cover: Reversible cover with vintage poster art for "Tentacles."

Ovidio Assonitis' "Tentacles" exemplifies the Italian cinema tradition of audacious genre experimentation, echoing predecessors like Spielberg’s "Jaws" while carving its unique path. Released in 1977 and now available on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, this film offers a distinctive blend of horror, humor, and eccentric narrative choices. Set in Southern California, the plot weaves a bizarre encounter of a giant sea creature terrorizing a seaside community, leading to the disappearance of locals and tourists alike. Veteran reporter Ned Turner, played by John Huston, collaborates with marine biologist Will Gleason (Bo Hopkins) to discover whether the killer might indeed be an enormous octopus, employing orcas Summer and Winter in the ultimate sea confrontation.

The film's narrative wanders into unexpected territories, coupling its horror elements with a whimsical sense of humor. This balancing act results in tonal contrasts throughout its progression, with actors like Henry Fonda delivering earnest performances while others embrace more comedic roles. Such divergence creates a fascinating dynamic that lends unpredictability to the viewing experience. Composer Stelvio Cipriani’s eclectic score further enhances this whimsical unpredictability, adding layers that shift the film’s atmospheric makeup, leaving its identity intriguingly elusive.

Despite its occasionally disjointed narrative, "Tentacles" boasts some moments of brilliance that serve as a testament to Italian cinema’s flair for turning limitations into unique stylistic features. While the special effects may not always convince—most notably the famously ineffective octopus replica—these quirks only add to its charm. For fans of vintage creature features and Italian genre cinema, this Blu-ray presentation offers a charmingly eccentric addition to any collection, celebrating the film's often chaotic but undeniably entertaining spirit.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Tentacles" offers viewers a vibrant blend of nostalgia-infused entertainment laced with a charmingly exotic atmosphere. Despite initial expectations of a mundane and visually lackluster Jaws imitation, the film surprisingly delivers an engaging viewing experience anchored by the eclectic presence of Franco Diogene. His contributions, albeit minor, infuse the narrative with a unique flair reminiscent of his memorable roles in genre films like Midnight Express. The enigmatic atmosphere is complemented by unpredictable, borderline brilliant moments that enrich the film’s nocturnal allure.

From a technical standpoint, the release utilizes an older but well-preserved organic master supplied by MGM, ensuring that the visual presentation, while not groundbreaking, remains solid for its vintage appeal. While some collectors might have experienced the pricier Scream Factory edition, Kino Lorber offers a cost-effective alternative with an A/V presentation that lacks any significant restoration but maintains overall quality. Additional commendations are warranted for Kino Lorber Studio Classics' impressive artwork effort, which adds value to the package despite the scant bonus features.

In summation, "Tentacles" transcends its expected shortcomings through assured direction and a remarkably over-qualified cast, offering a slice of aquatic carnage that entertains rather than innovates. Although not every element of the Blu-ray release will set new standards, it remains a recommended pick for genre fans and collectors. Particularly appealing during late-night viewings, this release holds allure, making it a valuable addition for enthusiasts seeking to embrace its whimsical charm without the prohibitive costs of rare editions.