Seizure Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation of "Seizure" transitions this neglected Oliver Stone title from VHS to HD, offering a substantial, albeit imperfect, upgrade. The transfer showcases a blend of passable elements, highlighted by occasional speckling and minimal damage points. Moving through the visual complexities of chaotic cinematography, it occasionally grapples with focus issues. The color palette is robust, featuring heavy reds and lush greenery, effectively setting the film's tone. Skin tones, however, fluctuate with dominant scene hues, presenting an inconsistent yet intriguing visual characteristic.

Black levels are a particular weakness, often displaying solidification issues that affect delineation and shadow detail. The contrast similarly struggles, lacking consistent stability, which can detract from the overall viewing experience. Despite these challenges, the presentation captures facial expressions and costume details quite effectively, reflecting the period and budget constraints of the film's production. This Blu-ray release may not be flawless, but it undoubtedly offers a meaningful enhancement over previous formats for both casual viewers and dedicated fans of Oliver Stone's early work.

The 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track presents a consistent audible hiss that, while omnipresent, does not overshadow the dialogue exchanges crucial to the viewer's understanding of the plot. The audio mix successfully retains character performances, conveying panic and light-hearted banter with sufficient clarity, but exhibits an occasional echoed sound during more intense scenes. The score complements the onscreen action effectively, heightening the intended menace and urgency without becoming intrusive.

Atmospheric effects are handled competently within the 2.0 mix parameters. Distinct sounds such as squishes and slashes are clearly identifiable, adding to the horror ambiance, yet exterior scenes are captured with a natural quality that avoids overemphasis. Overall, the audio mix ensures an immersive experience, delivering an appropriate balance between dialogue, scoring, and environmental sounds.

The Blu-ray release of "Seizure" offers a comprehensive selection of extras that enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. The interview with Mary Woronov is delightfully frank and covers her vivid memories of working on "Seizure," including interactions with the cast and crew. Richard Cox's interview, while more focused on his role in "Cruising," provides an interesting perspective on his career trajectory. The theatrical trailer encapsulates the film's essence, giving a brief yet effective teaser of what to expect.

Extras included in this disc:

Interview with Mary Woronov: A candid reflection on her career and experiences on "Seizure." Interview with Richard Cox: Insight into his filmography, primarily discussing "Cruising." Theatrical Trailer: A brief promotional preview of the film.

Before Oliver Stone was a household name, he ventured into the cinematic world with 1974's "Seizure," a strange and compelling entry into the horror genre rooted in nightmare imagery and the recesses of the subconscious. As his directorial debut, "Seizure" certainly showcases Stone's nascent talent and willingness to embrace bizarre plots and shocking visuals. The film follows an illustrator, Edmund (Jonathan Frid), and his guests who are terrorized by three mysterious figures: the hulking Jackal (Henry Judd Baker), the devious Spider (Herve Villechaize), and the sinister Queen of Evil (Martine Beswick). Villechaize's performance as a knife-wielding ghoul is particularly noteworthy for its unique blend of menace and eccentricity.

Despite its ambitious premise, "Seizure" grapples with several rookie missteps that weaken its overall impact. The movie's low-budget constraints and frigid Canadian settings add an extra layer of challenge for Stone, resulting in uneven performances and a generally lackluster visual presentation. The narrative, intended to traverse the thin line between reality and nightmare, often comes off as fatigued and muddled, struggling to maintain suspense or coherence. The resultant atmosphere is one of persistent flatness rather than bone-chilling horror.

In conclusion, "Seizure" is emblematic of Oliver Stone's early experimentation with provocative themes and unconventional visuals. While the film fails to execute its vision with the finesse that Stone would later master, it remains an intriguing piece of his filmography. Notable for its unique characters and chilling premise, it offers a glimpse into the formative stages of a director who would go on to become a contentious and influential figure in American cinema.

Scorpion Releasing’s Blu-ray presentation of "Seizure" offers new accessibility to Oliver Stone’s debut, previously hard to find for enthusiasts. The transfer, derived from original vault elements, captures the film’s inherent visual and audio qualities. Although the cinematography doesn't shine, aligning to the film's raw, unrefined nature, the presentation remains technically competent. The real highlight of this release is the supplementary content, notably engaging interviews with cast members Mary Woronov and Richard Cox. Woronov, in particular, brings an infectious energy and fascinating anecdotes, enriching the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of the film regardless of its inherent flaws.

However, "Seizure" itself presents a mixed bag. The narrative suffers from a lack of creative propulsion, leading to moments that feel stagnant and poorly executed. Despite these issues, it has its moments, particularly through Joseph Sirola's standout performance as Uncle Charlie, injecting much-needed vitality into the proceedings. Stone's direction showcases early signs of his evolving style but lacks the finesse and sophistication he would later acquire. For lovers of cinematic history, it's an intriguing look at a celebrated director’s nascent work, serving more as a curiosity than a timeless classic.

In conclusion, while "Seizure" may not represent Oliver Stone's finest hour, its availability on Blu-ray is a significant move for archival completionists and Stone aficionados. With a solid if unspectacular transfer and truly enriching extras, this release offers enough value to warrant a place on the shelf of genre enthusiasts and those interested in the evolution of a seminal filmmaker. Enjoy it for what it is – an early exploration by a director on the cusp of greatness.