The Hound of the Baskervilles Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Hound of the Baskervilles" utilizes an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio. The transfer appears to be sourced from the same MGM master as the British release by Arrow. Unfortunately, video quality is inconsistent; some scenes display decent saturation and detail, while others suffer from a blanched, fuzzy look. The color palette overall has a faded quality, with flesh tones often appearing pinkish or ruddy and the characteristic Hammer reds leaning towards brown. Additionally, minor but noticeable digital sharpening artifacts create haloing anomalies.

On a positive note, film grain is retained, suggesting minimal digital noise reduction (DNR) was applied. However, sharpness varies even within the same scene, potentially due to focus issues during the original production. The print itself shows signs of age with typical wear and tear such as flecks, specks, and scratches, though nothing excessively distracting. Despite these flaws, the Blu-ray transfer is a marked improvement over previous DVD releases. A fresh scan with additional restoration would undoubtedly elevate the quality further, but as it stands, this release remains serviceable and even quite watchable in motion.

The audio presentation of "The Hound of the Baskervilles" on Blu-Ray impresses with its DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track. The midrange and lower-end frequencies exude a full-bodied quality, enhancing James Bernard's atmospheric score. Dialogue remains pristine, delivered with clarity and precision, ensuring an immersive experience. The haunting howls and various effects are conveyed with strong impact, devoid of any distortion or dropouts.

The English DTS-HD MA 1.0 mono track further complements the film's mood. Despite the limitations of a single channel, it delivers dialogue crisply and clearly, setting a high standard for audio fidelity. The sound effects, though restrained, feel natural and well-spaced within the mix. Bernard's score, contributing to the film's eerie ambiance, remains well-balanced without overshadowing other audio elements. Minor age-related imperfections such as occasional pops are negligible and do not detract from the overall quality.

Overall, the audio tracks do a commendable job of supporting the film's narrative through clear dialogue, effective sound effects, and a beautifully eerie score that seamlessly weaves into the storytelling fabric.

The Blu-ray release of "The Hound of the Baskervilles" shines with an impressive selection of insightful and engaging extras. The dual audio commentaries by esteemed film historians David Del Valle, Steven Peros, Paul Scrabo, Lee Pfeiffer, and Hank Reineke delve deeply into the film's production and legacy, offering invaluable information for enthusiasts. The isolated music and effects track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 offers a technical appreciation of the film's soundscape. Margaret Robinson's interview provides an intriguing look at the challenges of creating the hound mask, complemented by archival footage from Christopher Lee’s Actor's Notebook, where he reflects on his time with Sherlock Holmes. The inclusion of audio supplements where Christopher Lee reads excerpts from the novel elevates the experience further. Rounding out the extras are trailers that capture the film's original promotion.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Insightful tracks by film historians discussing various aspects of the film.
• Isolated Music and Effects Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Margaret Robinson Talks About The Hound of the Baskervilles: Interview with the hound mask maker.
• Actor's Notebook: Christopher Lee: Archival piece with Lee discussing Sherlock Holmes.
• Hound of the Baskervilles Excerpts Read by Christopher Lee: Audio segments with illustrations.
• Mr. Sherlock Holmes: Christopher Lee reading an excerpt.
• The Hound of the Baskervilles: Another reading by Christopher Lee.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: The film's original promotional material.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Special anniversary trailer from MGM.

The Hound of the Baskervilles, adapted in 1959 by Hammer Films, is a remarkable and atmospheric take on Arthur Conan Doyle's famed Sherlock Holmes story. Starring Peter Cushing as Sherlock Holmes, Andre Morell as Dr. Watson, and Christopher Lee as Sir Henry Baskerville, this iteration stands distinct due to its rich color palette, a first for this story, and its moody, lush production design. While departing significantly from the original text, the film maintains an eerie ambiance that captures the essence of Doyle's supernatural-infused narrative. Those intimately familiar with the Holmes canon might find divergences from the source material, yet casual viewers will appreciate the nearly palpable atmosphere and tension woven throughout the film.

This version details the nefarious legacy of Hugo Baskerville (David Oxley), setting the stage for the titular curse that haunts the Baskerville lineage. Unique to Hammer's adaptation is its sidelining of Sherlock Holmes for a portion of the narrative, emphasizing Dr. Watson’s role in safeguarding Sir Henry. This choice allows Watson to shine as a competent and diligent partner rather than a bumbling sidekick, aligning closely with Doyle's original depiction. The film intertwines various characters and subplots seamlessly, including escaped convict Selden (Michael Mulcaster), the enigmatic Stapleton family (played by Marla Landi and Ewen Solon), and the suspicious Barrymore household (John Le Mesurier and Helen Goss), each with dark secrets contributing to the unfolding mystery.

Peter Cushing's portrayal is a nuanced departure from more neurotic interpretations of Holmes, presenting a composed yet intensely analytical detective. Andre Morell's Watson offers a grounded counterbalance with his astute and capable demeanor. The interplay between Cushing, Morell, and Lee adds depth and dynamism to their characters' interactions, creating a believable camaraderie essential to engaging storytelling. The climax, though somewhat campy by contemporary standards, does not detract from Hammer's effective homage to one of literature's most enduring tales. This adaptation's blend of gothic horror elements with classic detective intrigue ensures its lasting appeal.

Twilight Time's Blu-ray release of "The Hound of the Baskervilles" offers a compelling mix of nostalgia and technical merit for fans of the classic 1959 adaptation. The film remains a gripping reworking of Arthur Conan Doyle's enduring tale, and the presence of legendary actors Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee adds considerable gravitas. The video presentation displays some age-related inconsistencies, making it critical for potential buyers to review screenshots before purchasing. Despite these imperfections, the overall image quality is commendable—the restoration is respectable, though not flawless.

The audio performance is strong, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the atmospheric score and crisp dialogue. Additionally, this release comes packed with a rich variety of extras that are sure to engage enthusiasts, from behind-the-scenes insights to archival footage. For those with Region B players, the British Arrow release might be worth exploring due to its alternate supplemental content, potentially more appealing to some audiences.

In conclusion, while I have a penchant for the 1939 version and enjoy several modern reboots, this 1959 film excels in creating a compelling mood and atmosphere. Despite some minor flaws in the video quality, the fantastic performances by Cushing and Lee, coupled with excellent supplemental features, make this Blu-ray release a worthwhile addition to any collection. Recommended.