Audrey Rose Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Audrey Rose" by Arrow Video demonstrates a significant improvement over previous releases, particularly the Twilight Time disc. The film is presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, sourced from a new 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, subsequently processed into a 2K restoration. This meticulous restoration process substantially enhances the video quality, delivering a noticeable upgrade in saturation and fine detail levels. However, occasional rough patches in the grain field remain evident, though they are more tightly managed compared to earlier editions. Thankfully, this version avoids the artificial brightening seen in prior releases, rendering a more natural appearance without masking the grain.

Arrow Films' restoration safeguards authenticity, preserving the integrity of film grain and color palette while minimizing imperfections such as scratches, nicks, and tears. The return of the original United Artists/Transamerica logo at the film's commencement marks a noteworthy inclusion for collectors and enthusiasts alike. While some minor age-related wear persists, this iteration stands as the definitive home video representation of "Audrey Rose," surpassing all former video presentations. Subtle fluctuations in shadow definition are present, attributed to increased darkness in low-light scenes, yet these do not detract significantly from the overall visual experience. Arrow Video's release assures an exceptional viewing experience and truly revives this film for contemporary audiences.

The Blu Ray audio presentation of "Audrey Rose" is delivered through a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack, providing a commendable auditory experience given the limitations of the original recording. Dialogue is well-defined, albeit with average room penetration, and maintains a natural sound without artificial enhancement. While the dynamics may feel slightly dated compared to contemporary soundtracks, they offer fair solidity and impact—a notable achievement considering the age of the recording. The mobilely score by Michael Small resonates with a full-bodied, evocative presence that enhances the atmospheric tension of the film.

In addition to the DTS-HD MA track, the Blu Ray offers an LPCM Mono track. This is close in quality to the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono from the Twilight Time release, ensuring that aficionados of classic cinema audio are well-served. The presentation excels with clear dialogue and sound effects, complemented by Small’s hauntingly beautiful and moody score, all delivered with minimal distortion or noise artifacts such as flutter, crackling, popping, and hissing. English subtitles are optionally available for those who desire them.

Overall, the Blu Ray release presents the film’s original mono soundtrack in a manner that arguably represents the best possible home video iteration. The technical aspects are handled with precision, elevating the viewing experience beyond prior home video editions without compromising the integrity of the original audio. This release stands as a significant enhancement for fans seeking a refined auditory experience that remains true to the film’s classic origins.

The Blu-ray release of Audrey Rose features a comprehensive set of extras that provide in-depth insights into the film's thematic elements and production history. The commentary by film critic Jon Towlson offers a detailed exploration of the movie's production, its connection to reincarnation themes, and comparisons with similar films. Adam Cardone's interview in "Faith and Fraud" delivers a unique perspective on reincarnation, aligning his insights with the film's narrative. "Then and Now" revisits New York City locations from the movie, while "I've Been Here Before" by Lee Gambin provides a scholarly examination of reincarnation in cinema. Additional interviews with Marsha Mason, Daniel Schweiger, and Frank De Felitta further enhance understanding of the film's cultural and artistic background. The collection also includes a theatrical trailer, an image gallery, and exclusive content for first pressings.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Jon Towlson: Detailed analysis of production and reincarnation themes.
• Faith and Fraud: Magician Adam Cardone discusses reincarnation.
• Then and Now: Tour of NYC filming locations.
• I’ve Been Here Before: Visual essay on reincarnation in cinema by Lee Gambin.
• Investigator: The Paranormal World of Frank De Felitta: Interview with the author and scriptwriter.
• The Role of a Mother: Marsha Mason's perspective on her role and reincarnation.
• Hypnotist: Interview with Daniel Schweiger on composer Michael Small's score.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Image Gallery: Collection of promotional stills.
• Reversible Sleeve: Includes original and new artwork by Christopher Shy.
• FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Booklet with essays by critics Kimberly Lindbergs and Johnny Mains.

"Audrey Rose," directed by Robert Wise, is a supernatural thriller that delves into the nuanced theme of reincarnation, diverging from the familiar tropes seen in contemporaneous films like "The Exorcist" and "The Omen." The film revolves around the Templeton family, whose tranquil life in New York City is upended by their daughter Ivy's haunting nightmares and the unsettling presence of Elliott Hoover, played by Anthony Hopkins. Hoover's assertion that Ivy is the reincarnation of his deceased daughter introduces a psychological and spectral tension that steadily unfolds. The film successfully cultivates an atmosphere imbued with suspense and mystery, intensified by Wise's expert direction and evocative production design from Harry Horner.

The Blu-Ray release from Arrow stands out thanks to its new 2K restoration sourced from a 4K scan of the original camera negative. This technical achievement significantly enhances the visual experience, offering a marked improvement over previous releases, ensuring sharper, more vibrant imagery. The disc also introduces several new supplements, potentially enticing both those who missed prior releases and those seeking a superior technical presentation. These added features not only enrich the viewing experience but also add to the narrative depth of this unique cinematic exploration of reincarnation.

Performance-wise, "Audrey Rose" benefits from strong contributions by Marsha Mason and Anthony Hopkins. Mason captivates as Janice Templeton, whose gradual belief in reincarnation is convincingly portrayed, while Hopkins delivers a subtly powerful performance that would prelude his later success in the horror genre. Conversely, John Beck’s portrayal struggles to maintain parity with the standout performances, occasionally disrupting the film's otherwise cohesive delivery. Despite its methodical pacing and nearly two-hour runtime, "Audrey Rose" remains a thoughtfully crafted piece worthy of reevaluation, interlinking atmospheric cinematography with a profound storytelling approach.

The Blu-ray release of "Audrey Rose" by Arrow Video revitalizes Robert Wise's intriguing yet polarizing 1970s horror film. While the movie garnered a mixed reception upon its original release, Arrow Video provides an enhanced experience that could attract both old fans and new viewers. The video presentation is notably improved, offering a robust HD transfer that preserves the classic aesthetic by restoring the original UA logo. Fans of Robert Wise, especially those keen on exploring varied paths in the horror genre, will find this Blu-ray edition a worthwhile addition to their collection.

In terms of supplemental content, Arrow Video has included a commendable mix of new and legacy features, which enrich the viewing experience and offer deeper insights into the film's context and creation. However, it is important to note that not all previous extras from earlier releases, such as those from Twilight Time and Imprint, are included. This new release is a compelling option for enthusiasts who may have missed earlier editions but should be assessed carefully by those who already own them for the sake of unavailable special features.

In conclusion, the "Audrey Rose" Blu-ray from Arrow Video stands out as a definitive home video presentation of this bold Robert Wise film. It offers noteworthy technical upgrades in visual quality and an appealing array of bonus features. Whether you're revisiting this piece of 1970s horror cinema or discovering it for the first time, this release is highly recommended for its commitment to preserving and enhancing the film's original charm and intrigue. Consider adding it to your collection if you wish to explore Robert Wise's diverse mastery in filmmaking.