Two Evil Eyes Blu-ray Review

Blue Underground's latest Blu-ray release of "Two Evil Eyes" showcases a magnificent 4K restoration sourced directly from the uncut 35mm camera negative. Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer is exceptionally detailed, boasting rich grain reproduction and vibrant color grading. This release significantly outshines the label's previous Blu-ray versions in terms of color accuracy, contrast, and brightness. The video presentation delivers stunning delineation, depth, and clarity, seamlessly rendering fine textures on clothing, facial features, rain effects, and costumes.

The restoration quality is immediately evident; the film achieves top-notch visual fidelity with crisp imagery and enhanced saturation. Romero’s segment features razor-sharp clarity and excellent picture quality, marking some of the finest horror cinematography of its time. Argento’s contribution, "The Black Cat," leans towards a moodier atmosphere with deeper black levels, occasionally displaying a softer aesthetic more reminiscent of 1970s filmmaking. Despite slight encoding optimizations needed in darker sequences, the overall presentation remains remarkably solid and film-like.

The clean AVC encode ensures a pristine visual experience without any disruptive artifacts or scanner noise, leaving behind a nigh flawless image. This detailed and immersive transfer undeniably elevates "Two Evil Eyes" to new heights of home video presentation. The only minor regret is that such an immaculate 4K restoration was not released in UHD format. Nonetheless, Blu Underground's Blu-ray delivers a superior viewing experience for both horror aficionados and cinephiles alike.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release for "Two Evil Eyes" includes three standard tracks: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, and French Dolby Digital 1.0. Optional subtitles are available in English SDH, Spanish, and French. The 7.1 track notably opens up the sound field, enhancing the clarity, depth, and stability of the audio experience. However, there are significant issues with the mixing levels, as the dialogue volume is unusually low compared to the overpowering score and sound effects. This disparity can make certain scenes difficult to follow.

On the other hand, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track offers a more balanced and organic experience. The stereo track manages to maintain clarity and robust dialogue levels without the overwhelming dynamic range issues present in the 7.1 mix. Although it does not have the extended spatial effects of the surround sound, it provides a consistent and natural listening experience. Despite the differences, both tracks are commendably clean and free of hiss, crackle, distortions, and dropouts.

Overall, the 2.0 track emerges as the superior option for a cohesive audio experience, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and distinct amidst the surrounding ambiance. Meanwhile, the 7.1 track’s immersive sound field may appeal to those prioritizing atmospheric effects over clarity. Users seeking an immersive horror experience will appreciate the few lively moments in the rear channels with the 7.1 mix, but those looking for a more reliable audio presentation should opt for the 2.0 stereo mix.

The Blu-ray extras for "Two Evil Eyes" offer an extensive and insightful look into the film's production, helmed by renowned directors Dario Argento and George Romero. Noteworthy inclusions are the authoritative audio commentary from Troy Howarth and various brand-new interviews with key cast and crew, shedding light on distinctive production elements and creative decision-making. The archival footage provides a detailed behind-the-scenes exploration, notably Tom Savini's special effects work. This comprehensive package is an invaluable resource for enthusiasts of genre cinema, blending historical context with in-depth contemporary analysis. The holistic approach to supplementary content elevates the disc's value, making it a must-have for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A remastered trailer in English.
• Gallery: A collection of vintage promotional materials.
• Audio Commentary: In-depth commentary by Troy Howarth.
• Two Masters' Eyes: Archival interviews with key personnel.
• Savini's EFX: Insights into Tom Savini's special effects.
• At Home with Tom Savini: Personal tour of Tom Savini's home.
• Adrienne Barbeau: Archival interview.
• Before I Wake: Interview with star Ramy Zada.
• Behind the Wall: Interview with star Madeleine Potter.
• One Maestro and Two Masters: Interview with composer Pino Donaggio.
• Rewriting Poe: Interview with co-writer Franco Ferrini.
• The Cat Who Wouldn't Die: Interview with assistant director Luigi Cozzi.
• Two Evil Brothers: New video interview about graphic scenes.
• Working with George: Interview with costume designer Barbara Anderson.

Two Evil Eyes (1990) on Blu-ray, presented by Blue Underground, offers a rich treasure trove for horror aficionados. The feature comes with an array of supplemental materials including vintage promotional content, new commentary from Troy Howarth, and exclusive interviews with notable contributors such as Pino Donaggio, Luigi Cozzi, and Franco Ferrini. Additionally, it includes a 20-page booklet featuring an essay by Michael Gingold. This release is available in Region-A with optional English SDH, Spanish, and French subtitles.

Two legends of horror, George Romero and Dario Argento, helm the two segments of this anthology, each based on short stories by Edgar Allan Poe. Originally conceived as a four-part series with Wes Craven and John Carpenter, the final product boasts a more restrained yet impactful duology. Romero's "The Facts in the Case of Mr. Valdemar" follows Adrienne Barbeau's character as she conspires with a doctor to swindle her dying husband out of his fortune via hypnosis. However, complications arise when the dead husband persistently communicates through his death state, resulting in a deeply unsettling atmosphere supported by Pino Donaggio's evocative score. With its intricate plot and potent suspense, Romero's segment delivers the superior experience, both narratively and stylistically.

Argento’s adaptation of “The Black Cat” showcases Harvey Keitel as a crime reporter spiraling into madness after dismembering his girlfriend’s pet cat. Although laden with unique visuals and special effects courtesy of Tom Savini, the segment flounders due to weaker writing and an excess of disparate references. The narrative lacks the clear direction found in Romero's piece, yet Argento manages to create moments of genuine horror through Keitel's intense performance and vivid imagery. Despite these inconsistencies, both segments collectively embody the essence of Poe’s macabre literature, creating a cohesive yet distinct horror experience that has found appreciation through subsequent home video releases.

Blue Underground's latest release, "Two Evil Eyes," underscores the company's reputation for high-quality restorations. This new 4K remaster significantly enhances the film's visual and auditory experience, presenting it in dramatically improved detail and clarity compared to previous versions. Renowned for their meticulous care in presentation, Blue Underground once again elevates the standards for genre film restorations, although this release slightly falls short of the benchmark set by their previous work on "Maniac" and "Zombie." Nevertheless, the remastered audio and visual quality contribute to a thoroughly engaging viewing experience, making this release essential for any collector or aficionado of horror cinema.

The package is bolstered by an impressive array of exclusive new and archival bonus features, cementing its appeal to dedicated fans. Highlights include comprehensive special features such as an entire CD dedicated to Pino Donaggio's evocative soundtrack, enriching the overall package and providing a deeper appreciation of the film's atmospheric score. Special attention should be paid to the elaborate galleries of promotional and production materials curated by Gregory Chick, whose work consistently sets a high standard within the industry. These meticulously compiled galleries provide valuable insights into the film's legacy and broader cultural impact.

Before I offer my final comments on Two Evil Eyes and its brand new 4K makeover, I would like to mention something else, which is not unrelated. For as long as I remember, Blue Underground's releases have always had fantastic, very elaborate galleries with promotional and production materials from around the world. The man that has been compiling them is Gregory Chick. These galleries are one of my favorite bonus features on any release, and no one does them better than Gregory.

The upcoming release of Two Evil Eyes is another stunner from Blue Underground featuring a solid new 4K remaster of the film plus a great selection of exclusive new and archival bonus features. The label has also included Pino Donaggio's entire soundtrack on a separate CD. If you are a fan of the film, you just can't afford to miss the release. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.