The Uninvited Blu-ray Review

Lewis Allen's "The Uninvited" comes to Blu-ray in a collector's edition that meticulously highlights its aesthetic essence. Presented in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer showcases Criterion's dedication to preserving cinematic history. The high-definition release emerges from a 2K scan of a nitrate-based 35mm safety duplicate negative, ensuring fidelity to the original film's artistry. Advanced restoration techniques, including MTI's DRS, Pixel Farm's PFClean, and Digital Vision's Phoenix, have been utilized to eradicate thousands of visible imperfections while managing dirt, grain, jitter, and flicker.

Impressively, the presentation offers deep and luxurious black levels, enhancing the picture's depth and dimensionality—a true testament to Charles Lang's cinematography. While a few minor vertical lines appear early in the film, the overall clarity and detail are commendable, especially in naturally lit outdoor scenes. The contrast remains stable without unwanted fluctuations or artificial corrections, making dark scenes as rich as they are compellingly detailed.

The Blu-ray presentation successfully maintains a tight visual cohesion throughout, from start to finish, ensuring that the balance between blacks, grays, and whites remains impeccable. Intentional soft-focus scenes and mild effects of rear-projection are faithfully preserved, capturing the original cinematic intent. Crucially, there are no compression issues noted, affirming Criterion’s commitment to quality. Overall, this presentation of "The Uninvited" is both technically proficient and visually striking, dazzling fans of classic supernatural horror with a beautifully restored version that stays true to its atmospheric roots.

The audio presentation of "The Uninvited" on Blu-ray features an English LPCM 1.0 track that maintains exceptional clarity and sufficient depth, essential for a mono format. This track, remastered from a 35mm optical print, exhibits superb dialogue reproduction with clear intonations, making it easy for the audience to follow the storyline without distractions. Despite the track's limited dynamic intensity and range, the production effectively captures the film’s ambient elements such as ghostly whispers, reinforcing a sense of presence within the narrative.

Although the mix retains its original uncompressed PCM mono form, some listeners might note a subtle flatness or lack of background activity, particularly during sequences where haunting sounds are centralized rather than spatially dynamic. However, no technical issues like pops, cracks, or audio distortions are reported, underscoring the technical integrity of this remastering effort. Moreover, the inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles enhances accessibility and ensures nothing is missed even for those with hearing impairments.

Overall, the audio presentation successfully preserves the film's classic sound design, delivering a stable and satisfying auditory experience. The uniform positioning of spectral elements contributes to a vintage aesthetic, reminiscent of the era's cinematic sound style while preserving the emotional nuances embedded in the performances. This Criterion release marks a respectful ode to its historical roots, keeping both enthusiasts and purists engaged throughout.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Uninvited" provide a comprehensive exploration of the film's history and impact. Highlights include a compelling visual essay by Michael Almereyda, "Giving Up the Ghost," which delves into the movie's production nuances and the enduring legacy of its stars, complemented by an interview with cultural anthropologist Erin Yerby. The inclusion of two historical radio adaptations brings a unique auditory experience, featuring key voices such as Ray Milland, while the original trailer offers a glimpse into the film's initial presentation to audiences. Accompanying these features is a detailed 26-page booklet, offering essays and interviews that give additional context and depth to the film’s cultural significance. Each extra is presented in full HD, ensuring high-quality viewing and listening experiences for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "The Uninvited".
• Radio Adaptations: Two classic audio adaptations from 1944 and 1949.
• Giving Up the Ghost: Visual essay on the film's production and legacy.
• Booklet: 26-page booklet with essays and interviews.

Lewis Allen's "The Uninvited" (1944) is a landmark in supernatural cinema, earning its place in film history for treating ghostly hauntings with gravity and maturity. Based on Dorothy Macardle's novel, the film fosters an atmosphere that blends conventional thriller elements with Gothic chills. While the premise—a house with a mysterious past bought at an irresistible price—may seem familiar, its execution stands out. The film pioneers the serious portrayal of the paranormal, diverging from the comedic angle typical of its era. Charles Lang's remarkable cinematography captures breathtaking seascapes and uses shadow and light with noir-like precision, amplifying the film's eerie allure without resorting to overt scare tactics.

The narrative focuses on siblings Rick and Pamela Fitzgerald, portrayed by Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey, who acquire a sea-battered yet charming house from Commander Beech, played by Donald Crisp. Milland, known for his suave screen presence, infuses his character with both humor and tension, crafting a relatable skeptic in a world of the uncanny. Hussey complements him well, although her portrayal occasionally wavers. Gail Russell's Stella Meredith introduces an emotional resonance as her character becomes entwined with the house's spectral mysteries. Despite some inconsistent performances, the actors succeed in generating an engaging contrast between whimsy and foreboding.

"The Uninvited" excels through its musical score and sound design, enhancing the spectral environment and tension. Even though it might seem antiquated compared to modern horror standards, the film’s influence is undeniable, setting precedents in how Hollywood approaches supernatural narratives. Its strength lies in immersive storytelling, atmospheric depth, and subtle evocations of dread rather than visible frights, establishing both Allen’s directorial prowess and Lang's visual mastery. This Criterion Collection release solidifies its status as a must-watch classic for genre aficionados seeking an elegantly creepy experience.

"The Uninvited," directed by Lewis Allen and based on Dorothy Macardle's novel "Uneasy Freehold," stands as a pioneering Hollywood film for its earnest depiction of the supernatural. Featuring performances by Ray Milland, Gail Russell, and Ruth Hussey, the film is lauded for its atmospheric and gothic sensibilities, effectively capturing tension and suspense through the adept vision of Allen and cinematographer Charles Lang. This Criterion Blu-ray release presents a high-definition video transfer that enhances the film’s eerie visual aesthetic, accompanied by excellent lossless audio that augments the viewing experience.

While the film itself possesses noticeable flaws, its captivating atmosphere compensates, providing an engaging late-night watch that draws audiences into its ghostly narrative. The technical presentation by Criterion is notably strong, allowing viewers to appreciate the nuanced interplay of light and shadow that underpin the film’s haunting ambiance. However, the additional supplements are somewhat limited but remain enjoyable and informative. A highlight is filmmaker Michael Almereyda’s visual essay, which provides an insightful exploration into the film’s themes and production.

In conclusion, "The Uninvited" earns its place as a recommended addition for collectors and enthusiasts of classic horror cinema. Its historical significance in treating supernatural themes with seriousness, coupled with Criterion's exemplary technical presentation, makes it a must-see for those who appreciate tales drenched in mystery and suspense. Despite its minor shortcomings, this release is a commendable homage to a film that continues to intrigue and captivate audiences with its spectral allure.