The Devil's Cross Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Devil's Cross" by Severin Films brings a fascinating yet mixed visual experience to audiences with its AVC encoded 1080p transfer, maintaining the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The film, scanned in 4K from the original camera negative, marks its first English-friendly release complete with subtitles, offering a unique visual narrative that may be slightly soft at times. This softness appears partly intentional, potentially serving as an artistic decision to enhance the film's themes, though it occasionally detracts from the overall clarity. The dewy aesthetic often permeates the viewing experience, but detail emerges commendably during close-ups, allowing textures to shine. The contrast between diffusely lit scenes and sharply defined sequences can be jarring yet intriguing, especially when bright or outdoor settings snap into clarity. The color palette generally remains healthy, although it sometimes leans towards muted browns, only occasionally providing vivid bursts.

While the transfer doesn't reach the zenith of high-definition benchmarks, it retains a steady quality with minimal physical damage noted on the 97-minute run encoded at high bitrates on a BD-50 disc. This format manages to uphold a film-like grain structure without aggressive filtering, contributing positively to the period's aesthetic. However, refinement issues manifest in a lack of consistent sharpness, and there are noted areas demanding tighter color saturation and improved contrast for enhanced depth. A critical scene towards the finale exhibits an unexpected amplification of grain noise, marring the experience slightly. Despite its pedestrian elements, this Blu-ray release offers an acceptable HD quality yet falls short of being an exemplary showcase transfer.

"The Devil's Cross" Blu-ray audio presentation is delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track, preserving its original Spanish soundtrack. While the track effectively maintains the essence of the film, it is narrow in range, offering a somewhat boxy midrange that might not fully utilize modern sound systems. Despite this limitation, dialogue is rendered with clarity and consistency, ensuring an authentic auditory experience for Spanish-speaking audiences. Subtitles in English are provided, enhancing accessibility for non-Spanish speakers.

The audio track showcases a typical 1970s European production quality, with Severin Films providing a competent yet limited mono sound experience. While inherently serviceable, the track is marked by minor synchronization issues, which occasionally disrupt the viewing experience but do not significantly detract from it. The score, laced with conventional melodrama, feels slightly thin and lacks depth in bass frequencies, which might leave audiophiles wanting more robust sound dynamics.

The presentation does not offer an English language dub, which means reliance on subtitles is necessary for those who do not speak Spanish. Despite some minor technical limitations inherent to the period's production constraints, this Blu-ray release delivers a nostalgic and faithful rendition of the film’s original audio characteristics. The combination of clear dialogue and optional English subtitles makes it a comprehensible and engaging auditory experience for a diverse audience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Devil’s Cross" offer a well-curated selection of insightful content that dive deep into the film's literary and historical influences, making them invaluable for fans and scholars alike. The audio commentary by Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw is a standout feature, providing expert analysis on the film’s nuances from two renowned authors. The interview "Fascinated By Bécquer," featuring Juan Jose Porto, gives a personal glimpse into the screenwriter’s creative process and his relationship with Paul Naschy. Angel Sala’s segment, "The Real Templar Knights Movie," offers an impassioned appreciation from the head of programming at the Sitges Film Festival, while Xavier Aldana Reyes delivers an academic exploration in "Fantasy and Imagination: The Legacy of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer," which intricately ties the author’s influence to the film’s themes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Kim Newman and Barry Forshaw: Expert analysis on the film.
• Fascinated By Bécquer: Interview with screenwriter Juan Jose Porto.
• The Real Templar Knights Movie: Appreciation by Angel Sala.
• Fantasy and Imagination: The Legacy of Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer: Video essay by Xavier Aldana Reyes.

"The Devil's Cross," helmed by British director John Gilling, weaves a Gothic tale set against the backdrop of the 1970s Spanish horror market. The film, part of Severin Films’ Danza Macabra: Volume Three – The Spanish Gothic Collection, struggles to move beyond its Hammer-esque influences. Based on the eerie legends penned by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, it carries the complexity but lacks the chilling execution expected from the genre. Familiar faces, such as Carmen Sevilla and Emma Cohen, populate this melodrama, which incorporates a mishmash of themes such as devil worship and the haunting specter of the Knights Templar. Gilling’s direction, while echoing his storied Hammer Studios pedigree, falters under pedestrian pacing and shallow character depth.

Writer Alfred Dawson, portrayed by Ramiro Oliveros, serves as our reluctant protagonist, finding himself embroiled in a cryptic mystery following an urgent plea from his now-deceased sister in Spain. Despite the atmospheric promise of marauding specters and ancient Gothic terror, the narrative leans heavily on melodrama and an overly convoluted plot. Missteps in character dynamics are evident, with a conspicuously underdeveloped romance and barely-there supernatural elements failing to evoke significant audience engagement. Interestingly, the touted Knights Templar appear more as a lurking threat than a tangible presence.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Cross of the Devil" showcases newly scanned original negatives, yet the film remains a sidelined entry in the horror canon. The melodrama outweighs spooky excitement, burdening viewers with a meandering plot that never quite captures its intended high-brow Gothic aspirations. Despite its potential to evolve into a memorable horror experience, the film lands more as a disconnected period piece rather than a terrifying cinematic journey. The vibrant Gothic themes deserve reevaluation, though this particular film iteration lacks the invigorating scare it aspires to deliver.

"The Devil's Cross" Blu-ray release presents a mixed experience, offering both nostalgic intrigue and technical sturdiness. Directed by the esteemed John Gilling, this Spanish occult thriller leverages the haunting lore of the Knights Templar but struggles to maintain a compelling narrative momentum. While there are glimmers of the classic Hammer atmosphere that Gilling is renowned for, these instances tend to feel ephemeral and lack sustained depth, which might disappoint fans seeking that unique ambiance.

Technically, the Blu-ray excels with strong audio-visual quality, boasting an impressive clarity that enhances the film's Gothic aesthetic. Severin's careful attention to detail is evident, as the supplements included are as noteworthy as they are comprehensive, adding significant value to the package for collectors and enthusiasts. The overall presentation upholds Severin's reputation for high-quality releases, ensuring that despite the film's narrative shortcomings, viewers are treated to a robust visual and auditory experience.

In conclusion, while "The Devil's Cross" might not completely satisfy those craving classic horror thrills, its technical aspects and supplementary materials make it a worthwhile consideration for horror aficionados and Blu-ray collectors. The release underscores the enduring craftsmanship of Severin, offering fans a chance to explore a niche piece of cinema with exceptional quality and insightful extras.