Experiment in Terror Blu-ray Review

Twilight Time's Blu-ray presentation of "Experiment in Terror" showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1, sourced from the Columbia archives. This black and white transfer, while not attaining the lustrous blacks and bristling whites of some other titles in Twilight Time's catalog, excels with its well-graduated grayscale that captures director Blake Edwards' quasi-noir visual style. The film's meticulous attention to detail is particularly notable in close-up shots, such as one involving Lee Remick's character, where every pore is sharply delineated.

However, while most of the film maintains a high level of sharpness, some location footage does occasionally appear slightly soft, particularly in midrange and wide shots. Nevertheless, the general quality remains impressive due to the excellent condition of the underlying elements. Importantly, there has been no heavy-handed digital manipulation; the transfer avoids over-aggressive sharpening and noise reduction, preserving the film's intended aesthetic integrity.

The audio presentation of "Experiment in Terror" on Blu-ray delivers a notable and immersive experience, presented in a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. While the original film was likely released in mono, this updated 5.1 track expertly avoids the common issue of artificially enhanced surround effects. The front channels primarily handle dialogue with remarkable fidelity, while ambient environmental sounds and Henry Mancini's haunting score, prominently featuring the autoharp, thoughtfully fill the surround channels. The sound design excels in crowded scenes, such as the café Toby visits and the climactic sequence in Candlestick Park, effectively utilizing all surround channels to create a rich and engaging auditory environment.

Twilight Time’s release also includes an isolated score track, an appreciated addition for enthusiasts of Mancini's music. This isolated track is presented in 2.0 stereo and allows viewers to fully appreciate the diverse themes composed by Mancini, from the unnerving autoharp-based main theme to the varied cues that blend breezy and swinging elements with stark minimalism. The inclusion of this feature highlights Mancini’s lesser-known yet impressive work in dramatic scoring, further enhancing the overall audio experience of the film. English SDH subtitles are available for those who need them, and an informative booklet featuring an essay by Julie Kirgo accompanies the release. This combination of features ensures that both the film's narrative and its musical elements are experienced to their fullest potential.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Experiment in Terror" are well-curated and offer a rich array of supplements that provide deep insights into the film. The isolated score by Henry Mancini, presented in pristine DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, allows viewers to fully appreciate the musical composition in isolation, highlighting the tension and mood crafted by Mancini's genius. Two trailers and two TV spots, all presented in 1080p, give a historical glimpse into the film's original marketing efforts, adding context to its release and reception. This impressive compilation brings out the film's underlying themes and enhances the overall viewing experience, making this disc a valuable addition for both cinephiles and casual viewers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score by Henry Mancini: Presented via DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Trailer 1: Original promotional trailer.
• Trailer 2: Second original promotional trailer.
• TV Spot 1: Original TV advertisement.
• TV Spot 2: Another original TV advertisement.

"Experiment in Terror," directed by Blake Edwards, superbly showcases his versatility as a filmmaker beyond his renowned comedic works like "The Pink Panther." Released in 1962, the film stands apart as a masterful thriller, maintaining its tension and ominous allure over the decades. Edwards wastes no time in building suspense, introducing beautiful young bank teller Kelly Sherwood (Lee Remick) who, upon arriving home, is confronted by a wheezing maniac. Ross Martin plays the villain with chilling effectiveness, his asthmatic wheeze becoming one of the most unlikely yet terrifying sound effects in any thriller.

Martin’s portrayal of Red Lynch is disturbingly authentic, setting him up as a seemingly omnipotent antagonist who knows intimate details about Kelly's life and her teenage sister Toby (Stefanie Powers). The dynamic between Kelly and FBI agent Ripley (Glenn Ford), who brings a stalwart seriousness to his role, involves complex codes and tense interactions that keep the audience on edge. The narrative unfolds as a cat-and-mouse game through the streets of San Francisco—beautifully captured by cinematographer Philip Lathrop—which serves not just as a backdrop but as a character in itself.

Lee Remick's performance is one of her best, capturing both vulnerability and courage as she navigates the threats against her. While the film occasionally flirts with implausibility—such as Toby's irrational reaction to Lynch’s phone call despite being warned—these moments are overshadowed by the suspenseful and expertly crafted sequences that define the film, including an intense climax set during a Major League baseball game at Candlestick Park. "Experiment in Terror" is an enduring testament to Edwards’ skill in crafting thrillers, complemented by Henry Mancini’s evocative score, which adds another layer to this elegantly constructed chiller.

Experiment in Terror" is an expertly crafted suspense thriller by Blake Edwards that manages to maintain a sense of tension and excitement throughout. The film's San Francisco setting is vividly brought to life, adding a distinctive character to the narrative. Lee Remick delivers an outstanding performance, and Ross Martin's portrayal is both chilling and memorable. While some plot elements may occasionally stretch credibility, Edwards' brisk pacing ensures that the viewer remains engaged and willing to overlook minor inconsistencies.

The new Blu-ray release by Twilight Time offers a superb restoration of this minor classic, ensuring that the visual presentation is crisp and clear, with excellent contrast and detail. Henry Mancini's score is also given a robust treatment, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The sound quality is impressive, preserving the film's atmospheric tension. Despite a lack of extensive supplementary material, the primary presentation more than compensates with its quality.

In conclusion, "Experiment in Terror" is an exciting thriller that slightly stretches believability but excels in maintaining momentum and engagement. The film's San Francisco backdrop and strong performances by Remick and Martin contribute significantly to its appeal. This Blu-ray release is visually and audibly impressive, making it a recommended addition for suspense enthusiasts and fans of classic cinema.