Carnival Magic Blu-ray Review

"Carnival Magic" on Blu-ray is an intriguing effort by the studio, known for earlier releases like The Stranger and Kansas City Confidential. Unlike those titles, "Carnival Magic" was mastered in HD from an internegative, though the restoration demo included as a supplement suggests these elements were not preserved in optimal conditions. The 1080p AVC encoded transfer at 1.78:1 displays impressive black levels and minimal damage, indicating thorough cleaning efforts. However, the color grading poses significant challenges, skewing noticeably toward pink hues. This issue stands out when comparing to the original, much worse, sickly yellow captured in the restoration demo. The softness of the image, likely due more to original film elements and budget constraints than the transfer itself, does mitigate some problems from aggressive DNR application, avoiding an overly waxy appearance.

The detail levels are admittedly underwhelming, with a consistent softness and some design shortcomings such as noticeable bands, noise, black crush, and occasional blocking. Whites appear harsh and skin tones vary from splotchy to alien-like purples in certain sequences. Despite these visual imperfections, the minimal presence of dirt and debris is laudable. The restoration video suggests these improvements were achieved through considerable effort, evident even though "Carnival Magic" is far from a flawless visual experience. This Blu-ray release showcases the studio's dedication to salvaging a largely forgotten film, doing their best with the available elements and providing a relatively cleaner and more watchable version than what might have otherwise existed.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Carnival Magic" is offered in two Dolby tracks: 5.1 and 2.0. Despite the notable absence of a lossless audio option, this setup performs reasonably well considering the film's limited production resources. While there is no significant damage to the audio tracks, the overall sound tends to be compressed, particularly in certain music cues like the final circus parade. The matrixed 5.1 track provides an adequate level of immersion early on, but the range decreases over time, and some elements begin to suffer from harshness and lack of depth.

Dialogues gradually become more abrasive, and there are instances of feedback, random crackles, and short snaps, which can be somewhat jarring. Furthermore, sync issues arise, with several scenes increasingly out of alignment by noticeable margins—indicative of subpar ADR work. The surround channels contribute lightly to ambiance but often include a hollow echo of the dialogue, which feels more like an unwanted artifact than an intended effect. Bass elements are virtually non-existent, leaving the audio spectrum somewhat imbalanced.

Overall, while the audio quality of "Carnival Magic" won't stand out for its excellence, it fulfills its basic purpose without any major negative surprises. Given the film's modest original production conditions, expectations for any advanced audio features should remain modestly tempered.

The Blu-ray release of "Carnival Magic" comes with a variety of engaging and revelatory extras that provide both humor and insight into this cult classic. The Feature Commentary by Joe Rubin and Elvin Feltner stands out, offering a blend of fawning admiration and clueless reminiscence that is as entertaining as it is informative. The Interview with Elvin Feltner from April 2010 sheds light on the film’s ambitious production. The Outtakes—lacking audio—can be intriguingly odd for some viewers, while the Slide Show gives a historical perspective through newspaper clippings and production photos. Rounding off the package, the Trailers and the Restoration Demo present a comprehensive look at both the promotional and technical aspects of the film’s journey.

Extras included in this disc:

• Feature Commentary: Joe Rubin and Elvin Feltner provide engaging back-and-forth on film logistics and memorable anecdotes.
• Interview with Elvin Feltner: A revealing sit-down from 2010 discussing behind-the-scenes elements.
• Outtakes: Silent clips offering a unique though peculiar look at raw footage.
• Slide Show: Newspaper articles, print ads, and production photos about the film.
• Trailers: Theatrical and television trailers.
• Restoration Demo: Insights into the film’s restoration process.

"Carnival Magic" presents a fascinating case study in low-budget, eccentric filmmaking aimed at children, with director Al Adamson attempting to pivot his career from schlock horror to a kids' audience. The film's premise centers on Markov the Magnificent (Don Stewart), a down-and-out circus magician with actual supernatural abilities. His fortunes change when he reluctantly incorporates Alex the Great, a super-intelligent, talking chimpanzee played by Trudi the Chimp, into his act. However, this incites jealousy and dark intentions from other carnies, leading to a bizarre sequence of events involving animal attacks, kidnappings, and telepathic conundrums.

Trudi the Chimp's performance as Alex is both the highlight and the most bewildering element of the film. The chimpanzee’s artificially deep, gravelly voice that doesn't match lip movements provides unintentional comedic moments. Alex partakes in activities ranging from driving cars in chase scenes to dramatic deathbed moments, all of which contribute to an offbeat yet strangely compelling narrative. Even as the storyline falters with disjointed subplots and inconsistent pacing, the presence of amateurish magic tricks and peculiar carnival scenes creates an atmosphere reminiscent of Ed Wood's notorious works.

The production value of "Carnival Magic" is emblematic of Adamson’s reputation for budget-constrained filmmaking. Missteps include wooden acting, shoddy costuming, and tedious magic sequences that stretch credulity. However, these elements have contributed to the film’s cult status, appealing particularly to viewers with a taste for the absurd and herbally enhanced movie nights. Including dark trivia about Adamson’s murder and the film's rediscovery adds a layer of grim fascination to its legacy. For any enthusiast of bizarre cinema or aficionados of movies so inept they’re captivating, "Carnival Magic" stands as a must-see oddity.

Carnival Magic, a bizarre piece of cinema with an equally strange history, is one of the most outlandishly peculiar kids' movies you will ever encounter. The film itself is an odd mix of jaw-droppingly absurd scenes, featuring some of the weirdest characterizations possible, with Alex the talking monkey standing out as a memorable, if eccentric, figure. The narrative is so off-the-wall that it's a marvel anyone ever thought this was suitable for children. Yet, for all its eccentricities, there's something undeniably captivating about this surreal experience.

The Blu-ray release by HD Cinema Classics showcases a commendable restoration effort. The quality of the transfer is impressive, ensuring that all the bizarre details are presented with clarity. The restoration demo included is particularly noteworthy, providing insight into the meticulous work that went into preserving this peculiar gem. While the finished product is still somewhat troubled, it’s not due to any faults in the restoration – the film itself is inherently flawed in its charm. This release gives viewers a chance to witness a film that defies conventional standards.

If you're suitably jaded (as in fact I am), Carnival Magic will provide a once-in-a-lifetime (you can hope, anyway) experience. How anyone thought this could ever be a kids' film is truly beyond belief, but as it stands, Carnival Magic features one jaw-droppingly absurd scene after another. I can't outright recommend this title since it's so completely off the charts in terms of content, but if you possess a certain black sense of humor (and you know who you are), this is the finest Trudi the Chimp film on Blu-ray you will see released this or any year.