The Ghoul Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's presentation of "The Ghoul" on Blu-ray utilizes an AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed in a 2.34:1 aspect ratio. The HD master for this transfer was provided by the filmmakers and, adhering to the intended dreamlike aesthetic, exhibits intentional imperfections. The digital shoot incorporates numerous dissolves, superimposed imagery, shaky cam techniques, and deliberate focus inconsistencies, all contributing to a surreal visual experience. Scenes set in near darkness sometimes lead to widely variable detail levels and general sharpness. Nonetheless, in more stable, well-lit settings, fine detail and resolution excel, especially in close-up shots.

The 2016 indie production's digital cinematography results in a moody and dark visual style, occasionally venturing into psychedelic imagery. While the 1080p video provides decent definition and clarity overall, darker scenes sometimes suffer from crushed black levels and subpar shadow delineation. Conversely, daylight exteriors and well-lit close-ups showcase improved sharpness and tighter resolution with greater visible detail. Encoded in AVC on a BD-50, the 85-minute main feature maintains an artifact-free presentation save for minor intrusion by banding in a few spots. Bright outdoor scenes exhibit a more natural and richly suffused palette while the overall color tone tends to be rather cool.

While "The Ghoul" may not dazzle viewers with its average video quality, it is a competent Blu-ray release given the production constraints. The psychological thriller’s stylistic choices and challenging low-light conditions are handled capably by Arrow Video's transfer, making it a valuable addition to genre collections.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for "The Ghoul" delivers an engaging and effective sound experience. Waen Shepherd's unusual and evocative score is a standout element, providing rich, dreamlike atmospheres that enhance the overall performance. This sound design occasionally presents effects that do not align directly with the on-screen imagery, generating a sense of auditory detachment that complements the surreal narrative. Long shots of driving through London benefit from well-executed panning effects and precise placement of ambient environmental sounds. Dialogue reproduction on this track is impeccable, maintaining clarity and preventing any notable distortions or issues.

While the soundtrack is predominantly dialogue-driven with substantial action derived from the front channels, modest surround activity does enhance the viewing experience. The atmospheric score by Shepherd helps fill the entire 5.1 soundstage, although finer ambient sweeps are more subtle. Audio fidelity is top-notch, reflecting the high standards expected of a contemporary production. However, the thick accents of the British actors may pose occasional comprehension challenges. During such instances, the white-font English SDH subtitles positioned within the 2.35:1 video frame provide essential support for understanding dialogue.

Arrow Video’s Blu-ray release of "The Ghoul" includes a well-curated selection of extras that delve deeply into the film's production process. Featuring extensive contributions from writer/director Gareth Tunley and lead actor Tom Meeten, these extras provide valuable insights into the indie project. The inclusion of a detailed audio commentary, a comprehensive making-of documentary, and a relevant short film highlights the collaborative nature of its creation. Collectors will also appreciate the insert booklet, particularly notable in first pressings for its insightful writing by Adam Scovell. This disc caters to both Region A and Region B audiences.

Extras included in this disc:

• In the Loop: In-depth interviews with cast and crew.
• The Baron: A 2013 short film with optional commentary.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Commentary: Audio commentary featuring Gareth Tunley, Tom Meeten, and Jack Guttmann.

In Gareth Tunley's debut film, The Ghoul, the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur as London detective Chris (Tom Meeten) investigates a bizarre double murder where victims seem to defy death. The film is rooted in psychological thriller territory, echoing the styles of David Lynch and Christopher Nolan, and employs a narrative that swings from straightforward procedural to a deeply unsettling exploration of the mind. As Chris delves into the case with the help of a friend’s wife, he goes undercover to see an eccentric therapist named Alexander Morland (Geoff McGivern), whose esoteric beliefs push Chris into questioning his own reality.

The Ghoul is filled with imagery and motifs such as Boolean strips and the Ouroboros, suggesting a complex structural artifice. This artifice is reflected in the film's plot, which starts as an investigation but unfolds into a study of Chris' psychological unraveling. As Chris becomes entangled with therapists Morland and Fisher (Niamh Cusack), his fake psychosis appears to turn real, leading to a series of interactions that deepen both his confusion and ours. The inclusion of Alice Lowe's character, Kathleen, who wavers between police profiler and mere figment of Chris' delusions, adds to the film’s hallucinatory ambiance.

Despite a somewhat messy narrative and an underwritten central character, The Ghoul stands out with its moody atmosphere and challenging plot. While the film's pretzel logic might not entirely measure up to Lynch’s or Nolan’s works, it nonetheless creates an unsettling experience, underpinned by solid performances. With its unreliable narrator and dreamlike sequences, The Ghoul demands—and perhaps deserves—a second viewing to piece together its myriad complexities. Although it borrows from films like Sam Fuller’s Shock Corridor, Tunley’s film marks an ambitious if imperfect first attempt at blending psychological horror with intricate storytelling.

"The Ghoul" on Blu-ray presents a captivating yet perplexing journey that benefits significantly from its high-definition release. The film, directed by Gareth Tunley, offers a complex narrative requiring multiple viewings to fully appreciate the layers and subtle clues interwoven throughout. While the storyline may challenge those who prefer clear-cut thrillers, the film's intricate plot and atmospheric portrayal of London—transformed into a nearly phantasmagoric landscape—engage and intrigue.

Technically, the Blu-ray release excels, ensuring that Tunley's unique vision is delivered with optimal clarity. The high-definition format enhances the hallucinatory visual style, capturing the nuanced performances and the film's eerie mise-en-scène in exquisite detail. This heightened sense of immersion draws viewers deeper into the maze of psychological mystery the film presents. The sound design also deserves commendation, balancing dialogue, ambient noise, and the evocative score to create a fully immersive experience.

In conclusion, "The Ghoul" is one of those films that virtually demands at least a second viewing, inviting audiences to deconstruct and analyze its myriad subtleties. While its complex structure may not appeal to everyone, its intriguing story, strong performances, and excellent technical production make it a standout. With this Blu-ray release, the film’s visual and auditory elements are presented at their best, offering a recommended addition for those who appreciate a more cerebral and visually striking thriller.