God Told Me To Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Larry Cohen's God Told Me To arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Blue Underground with a stunning 1080p transfer, sourced from the original negatives and scanned at 4K resolution. This restoration brings out exceptional details with sharp, well-defined lines, particularly in scenes featuring buildings and city streets. Outdoor footage benefits greatly from abundant natural light, making even small objects and details incredibly easy to see. Facial complexions, textures, and minor blemishes are highly revealing during close-ups, alluding to a deftly executed high-definition experience.

The film's video presentation is further enhanced by its excellent color reproduction. Colors appear wonderfully saturated and natural, with specific tonalities, like those observed in screencaptures #1 and #14, manipulated to effect. Contrast is crisply balanced, making billboards and book lettering distinct. Image stability is commendable with no evident degraining or sharpening adjustments, providing a healthy organic appearance that truly respects the film's original vision. Notably, deep blacks add a three-dimensional feel to the video, further enriching the visual quality despite occasional soft spots and minor wear typical of a low-budget, 40-year-old production.

One minor blemish in this otherwise stellar presentation is a brief encoding issue around the 25:00:02 mark, where light macroblocking appears in a dark sequence at the bottom right of the frame (as documented in screencaptures #19 and #20). Despite this flaw, the presentation holds up impressively well. Overall, this Region-Free Blu-ray release by Blue Underground is likely to remain the definitive home video edition of God Told Me To, offering an excellent visual upgrade for fans and newcomers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "God Told Me To" presents three commendable audio tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (Mono), and English Dolby Digital 5.1 EX. Additionally, it offers optional yellow English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles. The 2.0 Mono track, in particular, stands out for its depth and clarity, delivering an unexpectedly nuanced range of dynamics. Dialogue is crisp and stable, free from pops, cracks, and digital distortions, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer the original audio design.

Among the new audio options, the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track impresses with its dynamic and immersive soundfield. The rear channels are frequently animated with the ambient noise of an urban environment, providing an engaging backdrop. Sound effects transition smoothly across the speakers, enhancing the film’s spatial experience. The front soundstage is well-defined, with clear separation and balance between channels, ensuring that Frank Cordell's musical score shines with outstanding detail and clarity. While the bass is adequate but not exceptional, the dialogue remains crystal-clear and well-prioritized, making this mix a standout for those seeking a modernized auditory experience.

The Blu-Ray release of "God Told Me To" boasts a robust array of extra features that offer a deep dive into the film's production and legacy. Highlights include interviews with key contributors like star Tony Lo Bianco, who provides insightful commentary on the film's controversial elements and memorable moments during filming, and special effects artist Steve Neill, who discusses his industry entry and collaboration with Larry Cohen. Two Q&A sessions with director Larry Cohen are featured, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the casting, production, and scoring of the film. Additionally, an archival collection of promotional materials and an informative audio commentary provide further context for this genre classic. This immersive set of extras substantially enriches the viewing experience, making it a must-have for fans and cinephiles alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Heaven & Hell On Earth: Interview with Star Tony Lo Bianco.
• Bloody Good Times: Interview with Special Effects Artist Steve Neill.
• God Told Me To Bone: Q&A session with Larry Cohen.
• Lincoln Center Q&A with Larry Cohen: Archival Q&A footage.
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spots: Various promotional TV spots.
• Poster and Still Gallery: Collection of posters, stills, and other promotional materials.
• Audio Commentary: Informative track by Larry Cohen from Blue Underground's DVD release.

Larry Cohen's "God Told Me To" (1976) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Blue Underground, showcasing its unique blend of crime, horror, and sci-fi elements. The narrative kicks off when NYPD detective Paul Nicholas (Tony Lo Bianco) confronts a sniper who calmly declares divine instruction before leaping to his death. This bizarre event is followed by a trail of shocking murders where each perpetrator claims the same ethereal motivation. Cohen masterfully intertwines a detective's quest with themes of religious fanaticism and alien interference, making for a film that's perplexing yet captivating. Though it sometimes veers into chaos and ambiguity, these elements serve to mask budgetary constraints and keep the viewer guessing.

The film's technical attributes further enhance its cult status. Cinematographer Paul Glickman’s use of New York City imbues the film with a gritty, authentic atmosphere despite its modest budget. The original score by Franck Cordell, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, adds a profound layer of eerie sophistication. Tony Lo Bianco delivers a compelling performance as a detective ensnared in a web of supernatural intrigue, supported by notable turns from Sylvia Sidney and Sandy Dennis. While Cohen’s direction may at times seem shoddy, his ability to evoke thought-provoking concepts within the framework of low-budget schlock is undeniable.

"God Told Me To" reaffirms Cohen’s reputation as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle sprawling ideas through an unconventional lens. The film’s amalgamation of genres serves as a vehicle for questioning sociopolitical and existential beliefs. Its ability to engage viewers while deliberately skirting coherent logic positions it as an enduring piece in cult cinema. Despite not pushing boundaries in filmmaking technique, it remains a distinctly bold narrative exploring faith and madness. The Blu-ray release, furnished with insightful supplemental features and pristine resolution, provides an excellent way to experience this enigmatic classic.

The new Blu-ray release of Larry Cohen's "God Told Me To" is an exemplary presentation, perfectly balancing horror and sci-fi elements to create a uniquely engaging film-noir hybrid. This release features a remarkable 4K restoration that significantly enhances the visual appeal, bringing new life to Cohen's work. The stunning audio and video quality exemplify the technical prowess of Blue Underground's efforts, immersing viewers in the film's eerie atmosphere and philosophical undertones. The package also includes exclusive new interviews with Tony Lo Bianco and special effects artist Steve Neill, which provide valuable insight into the film’s production and thematic depth.

Cohen's film intrigues by merging themes of bodily harm—both physical and psychological—with philosophical questions on humanity’s modernity and cultural apathy. The Blu-ray effectively captures these elements, aided by an exceptional selection of supplementary materials. These additions, including a commendable gallery of archival promotional assets, make for a robust and comprehensive viewing experience. The inclusion of industry professional Gregory Chick's contributions further enriches the release, ensuring high-quality content throughout.

The new 4K restoration of Larry Cohen's "God Told Me To" is outstanding, and the film now looks mighty impressive on Blu-ray. Also included on this Blu-ray release are exclusive new interviews with Tony Lo Bianco and special effects artist Steve Neill, as well as an excellent gallery of archival promotional materials. (Kudos to Gregory Chick for his fantastic contributions to Blue Underground's releases). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.