The Terror Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Terror" by Film Masters offers a significant upgrade over prior releases, such as the previous Cinema Classics edition. Utilizing an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, this edition delivers a commendable improvement in visual clarity and detail without incorporating aggressive noise reduction techniques. The grain resolution is notably enhanced, bringing out details that past public domain iterations struggled to capture, especially in close-up shots where facial textures remain intact and distinct.

Despite the enhancement, some technical imperfections are present, particularly with medium to long shots that retain a certain softness due to the limitations of the source materials. Dissolve edits reveal unavoidable transitions but are handled better than before. Colors are well regulated; saturation remains balanced without any bleeding or overpowering hues. Skin tones are more stable, though they occasionally clip to white under bright lighting conditions. The black-and-white photography leverages a robust grain structure that complements the cinematic experience without introducing considerable damage or artifacts.

Overall, this is a mature and respectful restoration of an early '60s public domain classic. While it may not redefine visual standards for the era, it conclusively resolves many of the visual issues found in earlier editions, thereby improving the enjoyment and authenticity of the viewing experience. The package also includes a bonus disc featuring "Little Shop of Horrors" with similarly impressive attention to detail. This release is a testament to the capacity for digital restoration to revitalize historic cinematic works, offering enthusiasts a more authentic and visually pleasurable version of "The Terror."

The audio presentation of "The Terror" on Blu-ray comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that highlights Ronald Stein's impactful score. The audio is enhanced by environmental effects such as crashing waves, providing a full-bodied sound experience, although there are moments where the audio could feel somewhat boxy. Despite this, dialogue clarity is consistently maintained across the board, ensuring a coherent listening experience for viewers. Optional English subtitles are also available to support comprehension of the spoken material.

While "The Terror's" audio holds up well, it does exhibit a notably analog character, especially apparent in some areas of the soundtrack. The high frequencies, particularly within horn sections, are stable and well-captured, though they occasionally exhibit slight waning at their peaks. The low-end frequencies, however, show a bit of wobbliness. Dialogue fidelity presents an authentic, aged quality that may seem puffy or scratchy at times but remains well-balanced with the accompanying sounds and music.

"The Terror" Blu-ray extras offer an impressive depth of content, enhancing the cinematic experience with insightful commentary and visual essays. The commentary by C. Courtney Joyner and Dr. Steve Haberman provides an engaging discourse on the film's themes, while the visual essay by Howard S. Berger and Kevin Marr delves into Roger Corman's unique stylistic approach. The inclusion of a re-cut trailer adds a refreshing perspective to the film's marketing dynamics. On the second disc, insight into the making of "Little Shop of Horrors" is bolstered by a commentary featuring Justin Humphreys and Jonathan Haze, alongside an exploration of the Corman Brothers' careers through a focused documentary. The booklet included serves as an extension of the content, offering further scholarly examination by Joyner on notable figures like Karloff and Poe.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by C. Courtney Joyner and Dr. Steve Haberman: In-depth discussion on "The Terror."
• Ghosts in the Machine: Visual essay exploring Roger Corman's style.
• 2023 Re-cut Trailer for The Terror: Updated promotional trailer.
• Commentary by Justin Humphreys and Jonathan Haze: Insights into "Little Shop of Horrors."
• Hollywood Intruders: The Filmgroup Story: Part Two: Documentary on the Corman Brothers' careers.
• 2023 Re-cut Trailer for The Little Shop of Horrors: Updated promotional trailer.
• Insert Booklet: Essay by Joyner on Karloff and Poe.

Film Masters has revisited "The Terror," offering a notable improvement over previous lackluster Blu-ray editions. This version showcases surprisingly good video quality and provides an engaging look into Roger Corman’s intriguing, albeit chaotic, production. Earlier releases, such as HD Cinema Classics' underwhelming edition, failed to capture the cinematic potential of Corman’s vision. The narrative structure remains convoluted, centering around Boris Karloff wandering a castle set with Jack Nicholson in tow, attempting to unravel a web of supernatural confusion involving ghosts, witches, and inexplicable mysteries tied to a 20-year-old murder.

"The Terror" presents a challenging viewing experience, primarily due to its incoherent plot and ad hoc narrative stitching. On-set chaos is reflected in the finished product, with overdubbed lines filling narrative gaps in an attempt to make sense of the story. The film toys with elements like ghosts, zombies, and crypts but lacks a coherent thread to bind them effectively into a comprehensive whole. Jack Nicholson’s role as a lost soldier interacts with Karloff’s enigmatic character, leading viewers through an inexplicably haunted storyline that fails to coalesce.

Despite its convolutions, "The Terror" holds historical interest, contributing early footage to Francis Ford Coppola’s burgeoning career. It’s a footnote of cinephilic curiosity, offering glimpses into the collaborative frenzy typical of Roger Corman's productions. While not a pivotal piece in Nicholson or Coppola’s careers, the film provides insight into low-budget horror filmmaking approaches during the era. The value of the new Blu-ray lies in its ability to present this cinematic oddity with clarity not previously afforded to it, enhanced by supplemental materials that offer deeper understanding of its complex production history.

The Blu-ray release of "The Terror" demonstrates a notable enhancement over previous high-definition versions. The visual quality showcases significant improvements, with more refined details and colors compared to past incarnations. The transfer exhibits commendable sharpness and depth, enabling audiences to appreciate the atmospheric cinematography. It's a marked upgrade that caters well to collectors who value the historical and aesthetic aspects of classic films. Audio fidelity is likewise enhanced, delivering clearer dialogue and a more immersive soundstage that complements the film's moody ambiance.

However, despite these technical enhancements, the narrative itself remains a subject of critique. "The Terror," while featuring an iconic cast, carries a story that some may find slow and plodding. The plot struggles with coherence at times, which might detract from the overall viewing experience for those expecting a tightly woven horror thriller. Nonetheless, the film serves as an intriguing window into the performances of its era, showcasing the talents of legendary actors whose presence often compensates for the narrative's shortcomings.

In conclusion, this release stands as a valuable addition for enthusiasts of classic cinema. Despite narrative limitations, the improved image and sound quality make it an appealing offering. While there's room for further enhancement, Film Masters has decidedly uplifted the presentation compared to older editions. The inclusion of engaging supplemental material further enriches the package, providing enthusiasts with insightful context and additional entertainment. Recommended for those interested in both cinematic history and film restoration innovations.