Carnival of Souls Blu-ray Review

Herk Harvey's "Carnival of Souls," presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer on Blu-ray, courtesy of Criterion, showcases a restoration that breathes new life into the early 60s horror classic. The film underwent a meticulous 4K restoration process starting from its 35mm original camera negative, facilitated by a Scanity film scanner. This arduous undertaking involved the removal of thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps using MTI Film’s DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix for smaller imperfections like dirt, jitter, and flicker. The dedication to preserving the film’s aesthetic is further evidenced by the restoration of the original monaural soundtrack from the 35mm original soundtrack negative, enhancing the audio quality significantly by removing various forms of aural interference.

The technical efforts have culminated in a viewing experience that is nothing short of revelatory. The film now exudes an organic appearance akin to Jack Clayton's "The Innocents," another early '60s work that benefited from similar restoration care. The improvements are not merely cosmetic; they entail a radical enhancement in detail, clarity, and notably, fluidity that gives the film an entirely new layer of immersion. Contrast levels are pristine, with deep blacks and crisp whites adding depth and dimensionality to the already mysterious and haunting atmosphere of the Saltair Amusement Park. Moreover, the presentation sustains a fine layer of grain throughout, preserving the filmic texture while offering a crystal-clear window into nuanced architectural details and the intricate designs of costumes, rendering the narrative’s surreal elements even more tangible.

However, it is worth noting a minor flaw: a visible vertical line around the 48-minute mark, which, while slightly distracting, does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment and appreciation of this meticulously restored classic. The effort invested in this project has ensured that "Carnival of Souls" not only maintains its eerie charm but also delivers an unparalleled high-definition experience that honors its source material while enhancing it for contemporary audiences and B-cinema enthusiasts alike.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Carnival of Souls" features an English LPCM 1.0 track, which, despite its monaural limitations, showcases a significant enhancement in the realm of auditory experience. The meticulous work using the original 35mm camera negatives has preserved the film's original soundscape with an impressive acoustical presence and fidelity. While contained entirely within the center channel, resulting in a somewhat narrow sound field, the audio benefits from a clean, stable dialogue delivery and a depth of sound that faithfully conveys the haunting musical nuances essential for maintaining the film’s unique and eerie atmosphere.

On the technical front, the Criterion engineers have ensured that even though the soundtrack operates without the benefits of modern surround sound or LFE enhancements, the audio presentation does not suffer. The dialogues are impressively clear and maintain excellent clarity and intonation throughout, making them easy to follow despite some ADR work that may feel awkwardly integrated at times. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided, ensuring accessibility for all viewers.

Moreover, the deliberate choice to minimize background activity serves to mirror the protagonist’s psyche effectively, creating a surreal and spooky ambiance that is crucial to the narrative. The few scenes that exhibit action, especially within the pavilion, are marked by clean, discrete effects with a dynamic mid-range. Gene Moore’s eerily haunting pipe organ music stands out, benefiting from the lossless audio track's ability to handle subtleties in music and sound effects, thereby enhancing the overall viewing experience without necessitating a heavy bass presence. This careful balance of audio elements contributes profoundly to the film's atmospheric tension and immersive quality.

The extra presentation of the "Carnival of Souls" Blu-ray by Criterion is a comprehensive treasure trove that enriches the viewing experience with a blend of archival materials and newly produced content that dives deep into the film's history, production, and enduring legacy. It features everything from original trailers to deleted scenes, presenting them in the best available quality, considering some sources are analog. Notable include detailed explorations of the film's unique atmosphere through a selected-scene commentary by director Herk Harvey and screenwriter John Clifford, providing insightful production anecdotes. The inclusion of documentaries such as "The Movie That Wouldn't Die!" and "Saltair: Return to the Salt Queen" offers a retrospective look at both the film's making and its haunting location. Newer contributions like Dana Gould's "Final Destination" featurette and David Cairns' "Regards from Nowhere" video essay provide contemporary views on this cult classic's significance. Moreover, the compilation of Centron Corporation shorts gives a glimpse into Harvey and Clifford's career outside of their feature film work, all enhanced by Criterion's commitment to preservation and education.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer for Carnival of Souls.
• Deleted Scenes: Three cut scenes not reintegrated into the film but presented in high definition.
• Outtakes: A collection of scenes set to Gene Moore's original organ score.
• Final Destination: Dana Gould's featurette on his horror film fascination and Carnival of Souls.
• The Movie That Wouldn't Die!: Archival documentary on the film's creation and legacy.
• Regards from Nowhere: Video essay by David Cairns on the film's unique identity.
• Saltair: Return to the Salt Queen: Documentary on the history of the spooky pavilion seen in the film.
• The Centron Corporation: Segments and documentaries from Harvey and Clifford's work at Centron.
• The Centron Corporation: Essay: A history of Centron Corporation read by Dana Gould.
• Commentary: Selected-scene audio commentary with Harvey and Clifford.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay by Kier-La Janisse.

Herk Harvey's seminal 1962 horror masterpiece, "Carnival of Souls," has been meticulously restored and presented on Blu-ray by the Criterion Collection, highlighting its influential stature within the genre. The film, renowned for its unique narrative and atmospheric tension, follows Mary Henry (Candace Hilligoss), a lone survivor of a tragic accident, as she moves to Utah to start anew. However, her escape to tranquility is short-lived as she finds herself drawn to an eerie abandoned carnival, setting the stage for a fascinating exploration of the supernatural and the unknown. This release is enriched with a variety of supplementary materials that deepen the viewer's understanding of both the film and its production, including director Herk Harvey and screenwriter John Clifford's archival commentary, presenting invaluable insights into its making.

Technically, "Carnival of Souls" emerges as a testament to innovative low-budget filmmaking, where its limitations become assets in crafting a distinctively eerie atmosphere. The use of location – most notably the desolate Saltair Pavilion – alongside Maurice Prather's haunting cinematography and Gene Moore's chilling organ score, coalesce into a uniquely unsettling experience. Despite its shoestring budget, the film's inventive use of sound design and visual trickery precedes many of the technical innovations seen in modern horror cinema. This Blu-ray edition offers the film in its theatrical version, alongside missing scenes restored from the best available sources, ensuring fans and newcomers alike experience the movie in unprecedented quality.

While "Carnival of Souls" may bear the marks of its time in terms of production values, its enduring appeal lies in its ability to weave a compelling narrative that flips conventional storytelling on its head. The blend of stark B-movie charm with deeply psychological themes carves a niche that remains influential in the horror genre, drawing parallels with works by Jean Cocteau and Alain Resnais for its surreal and dreamlike qualities. Candace Hilligoss delivers a nuanced performance as Mary, whose descent into terror encapsulates the film's core intrigue. Though some elements may now elicit unintentional humor due to dated ADR work and non-professional acting, these aspects inadvertently enhance the film's ghostly ambiance. Criterion's release not only celebrates "Carnival of Souls" as a cult classic but elevates it as a pivotal piece of cinema deserving of its critical reevaluation and appreciation within the annals of horror filmmaking.

Carnival of Souls," a film that transcends its era with a compellingly eerie narrative and surreal atmosphere, has undeniably cemented its cult status among genre enthusiasts. The story follows a young woman grappling with ghostly apparitions and an otherworldly pull towards an abandoned pavilion after a near-fatal accident. This low-budget marvel, rooted in its macabre and nightmarish elements, showcases the remarkable potential of industrial filmmakers when creativity meets determination. The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release elevates this classic with a meticulously restored 4K presentation, offering visuals that are not only impressively crisp but also enhance the film's haunting aesthetic. The audio quality is equally commendable, bringing newfound clarity and depth to the film's moody score and chilling soundscapes.

The supplemental features provided in this release are nothing short of exceptional. Criterion has curated a comprehensive collection of both archival and newly produced materials that delve into the film's fascinating backstory, its enduring influence on the horror genre, and the intricacies of its restoration process. These extras not only enrich the viewing experience but also serve as an educational tool for cinephiles and aspiring filmmakers alike. The inclusion of these features demonstrates Criterion’s commitment to not just preserving cinema but also celebrating its history and cultural significance.

In conclusion, the Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release of "Carnival of Souls" is a definitive edition that offers both spectacular technical quality and a wealth of informative extras. It stands as an essential addition to the libraries of cult cinema collectors and a testament to the timelessness of innovative filmmaking. This release not only pays homage to the film’s legacy but also ensures that it will continue to captivate and terrify audiences for generations to come. Highly recommended for those who appreciate the artistry of classic cinema and the enduring appeal of its darker, more surreal facets.