And Soon the Darkness Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "And Soon the Darkness" by Kino Lorber delivers an outstanding 1080p MPEG-4 AVC high definition presentation, maintaining the film's original 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio. Benefiting from a recent 4K restoration, the video quality is remarkable. The transfer is incredibly clear, featuring an effective layer of natural film grain that enhances its cinematic feel. The diligence in the high bit-rate encoding significantly elevates the overall viewing experience, preserving the filmmaking intricacies with precision. Outdoor sequences and more atmospheric, tense scenes are vividly rendered, displaying excellent color reproduction and beautiful texture details.

This HD transfer stands directly in comparison to previous home video releases, particularly surpassing the older Anchor Bay DVD version. The color palette is strong and vibrant, and finer details are captured accurately, with organic and well-rendered film grain. Issues of print damage, such as scratches or dirt, are nearly non-existent in this release, marking a significant improvement. This restoration ensures that "And Soon the Darkness" has never looked better on home video, offering a visually engaging experience that respects the film’s original aesthetic while enhancing its clarity and overall visual impact.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "And Soon the Darkness" is truly exceptional, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio mono track. The sound quality is lossless and provides an impressive level of detail and clarity throughout the entire track. Dialogue reproduction is exceptionally crisp, ensuring that conversations are clear and easily distinguishable. Laurie Johnson’s music score is rendered with excellent fidelity and ambiance, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Moreover, the audio track is devoid of common disturbances such as hiss, static, or crackle. This makes for a clean and immersive audio experience that far surpasses previous releases, notably the Anchor Bay DVD. Optional English SDH subtitles are available, making this an accessible choice for a wider audience. All these aspects contribute to an outstanding audio experience that sets a new benchmark for the film in home media.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "And Soon the Darkness" provide an immersive and detailed insight into the film’s background and production. The two distinct audio commentaries offer valuable perspectives; one features Director Robert Fuest and Co-Writer/Co-Producer Brian Clemens in conversation with journalist Jonathan Sothcott, which provides a nostalgic and reflective recount of the film's creation. The second, newly recorded, commentary by film historian Troy Howarth delivers an in-depth analysis of the production and contextual information about EMI Films. Additional features, such as the vintage radio spots and the original theatrical trailer, offer a nostalgic glimpse into the film's promotion history. Additionally, enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of trailers for contemporaneous Kino Lorber releases, enhancing the overall archival value of this Blu-ray.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary with Director Robert Fuest and Co-Writer/Co-Producer Brian Clemens, Moderated by Journalist Jonathan Sothcott: Reflective commentary on the film's creation.

Audio Commentary by Film Historian Troy Howarth: Comprehensive analysis and historical context.

Radio Spots: Vintage audio advertisements promoting the film.

And Soon the Darkness Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.

Additional Trailers: Promos for Sudden Terror, The Mind Benders, The Black Windmill, and The Man Who Haunted Himself.

"And Soon the Darkness" is a standout thriller that successfully combines visually engaging filmmaking with arresting performances and a riveting plot. Directed by Robert Fuest, the film captures the eerie beauty of the French countryside – an integral part of its brooding atmosphere. The storyline follows two young nurses, Jane (Pamela Franklin) and Cathy (Michele Dotrice), as they cycle through the pastoral landscape. Their holiday quickly turns into a nightmare when Cathy disappears, leaving Jane to navigate a maze of suspense and growing danger. The tension is masterfully crafted, with the screenplay by Brian Clemens and Terry Nation keeping viewers guessing until the very end.

The film boasts numerous technical triumphs. The editing by Ann Chegwidden ensures a well-paced experience that complements the intense story. Laurie Johnson’s score evokes a Bernard Herrmann-esque sense of foreboding, effectively heightening the suspense. Additionally, Ian Wilson’s striking cinematography brings out the breathtaking yet ominous ambiance of rural France, providing a rich visual tapestry that accentuates Fuest’s direction. The mise-en-scène is meticulously designed to ensure that every frame contributes to the film's suspenseful aura.

Performance-wise, Pamela Franklin's portrayal of Jane stands out for its depth and vulnerability, making her emotional journey all the more compelling. Michele Dotrice infuses Cathy with palpable exuberance, echoing Janet Leigh’s role in "Psycho," whose disappearance ignites the plot's central conflict. Sandor Elès delivers a memorable performance as the enigmatic scooter rider whose intentions remain shrouded in ambiguity, significantly intensifying the film's tension. Supporting roles from John Nettleton, Clare Kelly, and Hana Maria Pravda add layers of intrigue and authenticity to the story. As both a homage to Hitchcockian thrillers and an original piece, "And Soon the Darkness" emerges as an enthralling 1970s thriller that should not be overlooked.

And Soon the Darkness, initially met with tepid reception, emerges as a hidden gem deserving of reappraisal in its Blu-ray format. The film, masterfully directed by Robert Fuest, engages viewers with an unrelenting suspense and intrigue reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock's style. Set against a hauntingly beautiful backdrop, the film pulls audiences into its uniquely tense world courtesy of Fuest’s evocative imagery that focuses on isolation and vulnerability.

The Kino Blu-ray release significantly enhances the viewing experience with a stunning 4K restoration that brings out the film's visual quality to its fullest potential. The lossless audio track is equally impressive, providing clear and immersive sound that amplifies the film’s suspenseful atmosphere. Additionally, the release includes two insightful commentary tracks packed with valuable details about the movie’s production and thematic elements, providing ample material for both fans and newcomers seeking a deeper understanding of this thriller.

What an entertaining and surprising thriller And Soon the Darkness proves itself to be. This is a film which is full of suspense and intrigue. There's a darkness to the thriller that is truly unshakable. The filmmaking simply manages to pull one into the unique world that it creates with relative ease. Director Fuest creates evocative imagery that spellbinds and reminds one of the work of the great Alfred Hitchcock. The Blu-ray release features a superb 4K restoration, an excellent lossless audio track, and worthwhile supplements to make the release worth owning. Highly recommended.