The Maze Blu-ray Review

Kino's Blu-ray release of "The Maze" delivers impeccable video quality, featuring rigorous technical efforts in both 2D and 3D presentations. The 2D version showcases a nearly flawless image, stemming from left and right 35mm film elements provided by the Paramount Archives and impeccably restored by PRO-TEK in a 4K scan. Although some minor wear-and-tear remnants and light wobble exist, they are trivial in the broader context. The restoration team preserved light grain and maintained textural consistency with robust details in faces, clothes, and atmospheric settings—especially the maze’s intricate hedges. The grayscale rendering is superb with deep blacks and exquisite shadow detail, giving a firm foundation to the atmospheric qualities of the film.

The 3D Film Archive's restoration is even more extraordinary, highlighting the film’s visual depth and spatial authenticity. The framing of objects and characters enhances the depth along the z-axis, significantly within the maze and castle interiors. Attention to detail extends to minor elements such as angled newspapers and flower vases, which utilize 3D space effectively. The standout moments include an opening sequence that draws viewers into the maze and scenes featuring dynamic object separation and tangible depth. This 3D presentation minimizes crosstalk effects and maintains sharpness and pristine grayscale, rivaling or even surpassing its 2D counterpart with a compelling three-dimensional experience.

Overall, "The Maze" in 1080p resolution, AVC/MVC codec, and original 1.37:1 aspect ratio confirms its video excellence. From rich black levels to superior contrast and sharpness, every frame is a testament to high-quality restoration work. This Blu-ray package is an exemplary demonstration of fine depth, rich details, and a thoroughly immersive 3D experience that is bound to captivate enthusiasts holding onto their 3D gear.

"The Maze," presented on Blu-ray, features a restored three-channel stereophonic sound by Eckhard Böttner, achieving high fidelity through a DTS-HD Master Audio 3.0 lossless soundtrack. This track delivers exceptional audio quality, with fine front-stage coverage and effortless width that imbue scenes with a noticeable open-space ambience and musical richness. Fluid sound effects enhance the experience, whether it's splashes heard distinctly off to the left side around the 9-minute mark or more intensive climactic sounds in later scenes. Despite its age, the musical fidelity remains impressive, and dialogue is consistently clear from a centered positioning, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The audio presentation adeptly keeps pace with the three-dimensional visuals of the film, particularly in how it handles natural and dynamic sound effects. From the eerie shuffles and limps behind the locked doors to the immersive dimensional effects as Kitty and Edith navigate the maze, the DTS-HD MA 3.0 stereophonic mix adds substantial depth and spatial awareness to the film's atmosphere. Marlin Skiles' score is effectively moody, maintaining the tension without overpowering other elements in the mix. This track notably avoids any hiss, pops, or age-related issues, ensuring an exceptional auditory experience that complements the film's tense and mysterious tone.

Additionally, the disc provides both DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono and reconstituted 3.0 tracks, both wonderfully free of age-related artifacts such as hiss, crackles, and pops. The 3.0 track excels in using directional dialogue across the front soundstage while positioning Skiles' subtle yet moody score throughout the mix to excellent effect. This thoughtful audio presentation intricately enhances the overall atmosphere and style of "The Maze," making it a standout aspect of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu Ray release of "The Maze" presents a commendable assortment of extras that enhance the viewing experience with rich, informative content. The audio commentary, hosted by Tom Weaver, is a standout feature, offering an expansive dive into the film's 1950s production, from the real historical inspiration to the intricate differences between the novel and the film. Additional insights from experts like David Schecter on the film score and Bob Furmanek on the 3D restoration process make it a captivating track. Veronica Hurst’s interview, though brief, adds a personal touch, discussing her casting and experiences on set. The original 3-D trailer is a nostalgic inclusion, completing this educational and entertaining package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insights from historians covering the film's history, technical aspects, and restoration.
• Veronica Hurst Interview: Behind-the-scenes with lead actress.
• Original 3-D Trailer: Theatrical preview in both 2D and 3D.

"The Maze" directed by William Cameron Menzies, masterfully combines elements of gothic horror and suspense to create an atmospheric and chilling narrative. Adapted from Maurice Sandoz's book, the film benefits significantly from its 3D presentation, which heightens the depth and immersion of both the titular maze and Craven Castle. The movie thrives on its slow-burn suspense, ratcheting up tension through mysterious occurrences and foreboding settings, all enhanced by eerie and intricate set designs. Richard Carlson leads the cast as Gerald MacTeam, who mysteriously ages and changes demeanor after inheriting his uncle's castle, while Veronica Hurst's performance as Kitty is particularly noteworthy for her determined and plucky character, driving much of the intrigue forward.

The narrative unfolds with Kitty Murray, deeply troubled by her fiancé Gerald's sudden and bewildering transformation after inheriting Craven Castle. Alongside her aunt Edith, Kitty ventures to Scotland to unearth the castle's dreadful secrets. The labyrinthine hedge maze and the enigmatic Keep Out sign amplify the sense of looming dread and mystery. A combination of skillful pacing, meticulous scene staging, and the expert use of 3D effects make the environments almost characters in their own right. The film's slow revelation of its central mystery, particularly in 3D, allows the audience to fully experience the spatial depth of the maze and castle, contributing greatly to the suspenseful atmosphere.

Despite its 1950s origins and some plot elements that modern audiences might find quaint or outlandish, "The Maze" retains its charm as a vintage horror gem. While some may find the climactic reveal somewhat absurd by contemporary standards, fans of old-school horror will appreciate its mood and methodical build-up. Oscar-winning production designer Menzies uses the limited budget creatively, delivering a film rich in atmospheric dread and visual intricacy, proving "The Maze" as a distinctly memorable entry in the genre.

"The Maze" Blu-ray offers a captivating return to classic gothic-horror, effortlessly blending atmospheric tension with subtle suspense. The 3D Film Archive's restoration team, led by Greg Kintz and Bob Furmanek, has delivered an impeccably restored 3D transfer that breathes new life into the film. The enhanced 3D effect is immersive, contributing significantly to the film's eerie and moody aesthetic. The visual presentation stands out exceptionally well, with high-definition clarity that maintains the movie's original charm while enhancing its atmospheric depth. Complementing the visual excellence, the audio mix is impressively balanced and effective, adding another layer of immersion to the viewing experience.

The narrative pacing of "The Maze" is skillfully handled, holding back major reveals and teasing the audience until the story culminates in a finale that's sure to spark varying opinions. While some may find the concluding moments laughable in a literal sense, they are undoubtedly metaphorically rich, challenging viewers to reflect on themes of perception, reality, identity, and truth. The thoughtful build-up ensures that the viewer is fully engaged and invested by the time the film reaches its climactic end. This nuanced storytelling is further highlighted by the addition of valuable bonus features, including a must-listen commentary, that provide deeper insights into the film’s thematic elements and production.

It's easy to dismiss The Maze's finale as silly, and out of context it certainly is. It's a movie that, considering its endgame, requires a gradual appreciation as the viewer comes to terms with what, exactly, it means, more in a metaphorical sense than a literal one. It speaks to an interesting point that should be relevant still today about perception and reality, identity, and truth. Literally, it's laugh-out-loud absurd. Metaphorically, it's much more challenging. Whether it works in the movie's immediate context is up for debate, but there's no mistaking that the film is otherwise an exceptionally well-crafted moody and mysterious experience that's made all the better by its 3D presentation, which on this Blu-ray is the beneficiary of a startlingly intense and highly enjoyable 3D restoration by Greg Kintz, Bob Furmanek, and everyone at the 3-D Film Archive. Also boasting quality sound and a couple of excellent extras, including a must-listen commentary, this release of course comes very highly recommended and is an early contender for a spot on the year-end top-10 list.