The Vengeance of She Blu-ray Review

Scream Factory's Blu-ray presentation of "The Vengeance of She" boasts a new 2K remaster from the original film elements, delivering an impressive visual experience. The AVC-encoded image, in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio, offers exceptional clarity and detail. Film grain is authentically preserved, enhancing the richness and depth without appearing overly thick. Close-up shots reveal intricate skin textures and fine details, such as Carol's wavy hair and the intricate designs on the mystics' Arabic-style dresses. The black levels are deep and inky, providing ample shadow detail, though occasional bouts of crush appear.

Color reproduction stands out, with strong saturation and well-defined hues. Outdoor scenes, whether on water or land, exhibit a fresh and vibrant look. Bright colors in costuming and natural skin tones are rendered beautifully. Despite some age-related artifacts like scratches, dirt, and speckling, the print remains in excellent shape and does not distract from the overall viewing experience. The new scan's fidelity reveals production nuances previously unseen on older releases, offering a far superior visual treat compared to the previous Anchor Bay DVD.

Black levels maintain both depth and texture, crucial for scenes set in dark environments like caverns or nighttime sequences. Colors impressively hold up under scrutiny, particularly reds and blues, which burst vividly on screen. Deep blacks mixed with natural flesh tones ensure a visually engaging experience throughout. While some minor imperfections remain from the original source, they are minimal and do not mar the film's enhanced visual fidelity. Overall, this Blu-ray release marks the best home video presentation of "The Vengeance of She" to date, making it a key highlight for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The audio presentation of "The Vengeance of She" on Blu-ray features a 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio track that is both powerful and impressively clear. The soundtrack exhibits minimal signs of age-related issues such as distortion, hissing, and crackling, contributing to a well-preserved auditory experience. Despite the mono configuration, the sound mix achieves significant depth and layering, particularly in Mario Nascimbene's evocative score and musical effects, which are distinctly delivered without overwhelming the dialogue.

Dialogue reproduction remains consistently intelligible, albeit with slight muddying at moments, ensuring that speech is discernible against the background score and environmental sounds. The mono track efficiently captures the essence of the scoring, showing strong front-room presence during action sequences and maintaining a balanced audio profile that prevents crowding during performances. The dynamics of the track are commendable, as the score builds with impressive power and effects are well-articulated in their depth.

Overall, the 2.0 Mono DTS-HD MA sound mix of "The Vengeance of She" stands out for its clarity and balanced presentation, successfully conveying atmospherics such as the expanse of outdoor scenes and the echoing interiors of temples. With minimal hiss and clear, robust dialogue throughout, this audio restoration is a considerable improvement over previous releases, offering an immersive listening experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Vengeance of She" boasts an impressive array of extras that significantly enhance its value for aficionados. A standout is the engaging audio commentary by the Monster Party podcast hosts (Matt Weinhold, Shawn Sheridan, Larry Strothe, and James Gonis), which provides both entertaining and insightful perspectives. New interviews with key crew members—assistant director Terence Clegg, visual effects artist Joy Cuff, and clapper/loader Trevor Coop—offer rare behind-the-scenes glimpses; Clegg recalls on-set challenges with the lead actor, Cuff details creative hurdles during temple set construction, and Coop shares candid memories from this early project in his career. Additionally, the "World of Hammer – Lands Before Time" episode narrated by Oliver Reed delves into Hammer’s prehistoric film cycle. Supplementary features include a theatrical trailer, TV spots, and an extensive still gallery.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary: By Monster Party podcast hosts.
• Interview with Terence Clegg: Assistant director’s recollections.
• Interview with Joy Cuff: Insights from the visual effects artist.
• Interview with Trevor Coop: Clapper/loader's experiences.
• World of Hammer – Lands Before Time: Episode covering Hammer’s prehistoric films.
• Theatrical Trailer: Promotional feature.
• TV Spots: Two brief TV promos.
• Still Gallery: Extensive collection of promotional images.

"The Vengeance of She," directed by Cliff Owen and released by Hammer Productions, is a sequel that attempts to capture the success of its predecessor, "She." Unfortunately, the void left by Ursula Andress's absence is palpable. Olinka Berova steps into the role with evident beauty but lacks the magnetism to truly command the screen. As Carol, a Scandinavian woman drawn by mystical voices to the lost city of Kuma, her journey is intriguing yet sluggishly portrayed. The narrative, while steeped in H. Rider Haggard's themes of reincarnation and ancient mysteries, unfolds at a glacial pace, plagued by long stretches of exposition and minimal action.

The production quality maintains Hammer's penchant for fantastical settings mixed with a low-budget charm. Noteworthy elements include Mario Nascimbene’s eclectic score, which skillfully blends traditional orchestration with jazzy saxophone solos by Tubby Hayes. However, the film’s visual allure is undercut by pedestrian cinematography and sparse set design that fail to evoke the grandeur of an ancient mystical city. The performances range from the notably charming Derek Godfrey as Men-Hari to the more forgettable Edward Judd as Dr. Philip Smith, whose subplot with Carol feels half-hearted and overly dramatic.

Overall, "The Vengeance of She" finds itself mired in a plethora of clichés typical of late 1960s Hammer films—cheesy dialogue, overwrought plot twists, and inconsistent pacing. Despite its engaging premise and moments of nostalgic charm, the movie struggles to replicate the success and allure of its predecessor. The film oscillates between moments of intrigue and long stretches that might leave viewers checking their watches. While it’s a must-watch for dedicated collectors and fans of vintage Hammer Productions, general audiences might find it less compelling compared to modern cinematic offerings.

"The Vengeance of She," released on Blu-ray by Scream Factory, revisits the enigmatic blend of adventure, fantasy, and romance that defined Hammer Pictures' later years. Deviating significantly from the 1965 original, this sequel carves out its unique narrative, capturing a distinct allure with its unconventional pacing and hybrid genre. Although the film's slow-burning nature may challenge some newcomers' patience, it presents a compelling experience for audiences willing to embrace its methodical storytelling. Shout Factory's dedication to high-quality restoration is evident through the superior video encoding and first-rate audio presentation, which notably enhances the viewing experience.

Despite its lukewarm reception upon initial release, "The Vengeance of She" has cultivated a niche following among Hammer Films enthusiasts. The Blu-ray release stands out with solid technical merits, including a 1.75:1 aspect ratio and crisp DTS-HD MA Mono audio, ensuring the film's aesthetic and atmospheric integrity is preserved. Substantial special features, such as illuminating interviews with cast and crew, add significant value. These extras provide insightful context and are especially enjoyable for their candidness and historical perspective, shedding light on behind-the-scenes dynamics.

In conclusion, "The Vengeance of She" straddles the line between Femme fatale intrigue and classic adventure movie charm. While it may not strike a chord with all viewers initially, its slow-burn appeal and quality presentation make it a worthy addition to any Hammer Films collection. Fans of the genre will appreciate the effort put into this release, while new viewers are encouraged to approach it with an open mind. This Blu-ray edition is a commendable homage to one of Hammer Productions' final forays into fantasy cinema. Highly recommended for enthusiasts and collectors who seek to explore the depth of Hammer's storied filmography.