The Crimson Cult Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Crimson Cult" on Blu-ray delivers a strikingly impressive visual experience. The AVC-encoded image with a 1.67:1 aspect ratio exhibits crisp high-definition detail, especially noticeable in the opening nightmare sequence. Lavinia's green skin and elaborate costumes are excellently reproduced, enhancing the visual allure of the film. Strong hues and acceptable delineation allow easy navigation through the darker scenes, with natural skintones and superb general detail that enrich the atmosphere of this classic horror. Film grain is managed tastefully, maintaining a filmic quality without detracting from picture clarity. Minor imperfections such as scratches, speckling, flicker, and mild judder are present but do not significantly detract from the experience.

Unexpectedly impressive for a 53-year-old film, the 1.85:1 1080p transfer of "The Crimson Cult" looks remarkably pristine. The print is immaculate, with minimal signs of age such as nicks or debris, and subtle film grain retention that enhances the intricate period costuming. The film’s vibrant 60s color palette—ranging from hot pink and deep purple to neon green—is preserved accurately, delivering pleasing primaries and solid flesh tones. Black levels are robust, providing ample shadow detail and depth, although some scenes appear slightly contrasty, flattening the picture compared to other scenes. However, this is mitigated by the overall excellent color accuracy and definition. Occasional softness during optical effects sequences is likely due to inherent limitations of the original filming process rather than flaws in the transfer.

The audio presentation of "The Crimson Cult" on Blu-ray comes in with an impressive 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix that delivers a rich and immersive experience. The soundtrack starts strong with a synth score that sets the tone, and extends its effectiveness to party sequences featuring lively rock and roll music. Instrumentation is satisfactory, ensuring that musical elements are distinct yet cohesive. Dialogue is consistently clear, managing to maintain necessary dramatic heft and genre mood. The atmospherics are well-rendered, capturing creaky interiors and outdoor scenes with acceptable precision, although there is a mild hiss that dilutes silences slightly.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track focuses on delivering crystal-clear dialogue throughout the film, a critical factor given the front-and-center positioning of spoken exchanges. Even during the altered and tweaked audio segments in the witchcraft scenes, dialogue remains intelligible and crisp. The audio levels are well-balanced, primarily occupying the midranges but enhanced by subtle low tones that engage without risking distortion. This careful mix establishes a sense of dread essential for the horror genre. Moreover, the audio track is refreshingly free from age-related anomalies such as hiss or pops, resulting in a polished and well-rounded auditory experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "The Crimson Cult" provide a comprehensive and engaging look into the film and its contributing talents, enhancing the viewing experience. Key interviews and commentary delve into the film’s historical significance, production nuances, and underscore contributions. The highlight is an extended conversation with Christopher Lee, providing deep insights into his illustrious career. Additionally, the commentary with Barbara Steele and David Del Valle offers rich context to the film's production history. Interviews with composer Kendall Schmidt offer a fascinating glimpse into the re-scoring process, though featuring minimal direct discussion about the film itself. The inclusion of both U.S. and U.K. theatrical trailers offers a nostalgic look at the film’s marketing strategies.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film Historian David Del Valle and Actress Barbara Steele discuss Steele's career and relationships with co-stars.
• In Conversation with Christopher Lee: The iconic actor reflects on his prolific career, war, and marriage.
• Interview with Composer Kendall Schmidt: Discusses his career evolution from trailer scoring to re-scoring films.
• Original U.S. Trailer: Displays American marketing techniques for the film.
• Original U.K. Trailer: Exhibits British marketing strategies for the film.

"The Crimson Cult" (1968) is a film that carves out a unique identity through its psychedelic atmosphere and provocative visuals, despite its rather conventional storyline. The movie's dreamlike encounters and kaleidoscopic imagery are worth noting, creating a striking use of color that amplifies its eerie tone. The cast alone is a major draw for horror fans, featuring Christopher Lee and the legendary Boris Karloff in one of his final screen roles. However, while the film's effort doesn't fully captivate, its artistry and personality offer enough intrigue to warrant a viewing.

The film positions itself as an unconventional detective story steeped in witchcraft lore. With Barbara Steele as the visually stunning green-painted cult figure, the plot navigates ritual sacrifices and seductive behaviors. Mark Eden portrays Robert Manning, an antiques dealer drawn into a sinister mystery while searching for his missing brother. The narrative unfolds in the creepy mansion of Greymarsh, where the clues point to a long-standing witchcraft cult overseen by characters played by Christopher Lee and Boris Karloff. Despite some exploitative elements, the screenplay maintains interest through its exploration of the subconscious and hidden rooms.

Director Vernon Sewell crafts a deliberate pacing that keeps the audience guessing, effectively utilizing a cast that includes Michael Gough in a memorable supporting role. The film offers a blend of mystery and mod camp humor, aligning closely with Agatha Christie-style revelation mechanics rather than relying heavily on gore. It heeds to audience expectations of the era's Satanic cult films while balancing the narrative with a distinctive charm brought by its exceptional cast. While not top-tier in horror greatness, "The Crimson Cult" remains engaging and entertaining, particularly spotlighting Christopher Lee's non-Dracula performance, which is a treat for aficionados.

"The Crimson Cult" Blu-ray, directed by Vernon Sewell, presents a visually striking but mildly unsettling horror experience. Sewell adeptly uses vivid colors and macabre events to maintain engagement, even when the script does not fully capitalize on the nightmarish potential of its plot. The movie is anchored by a stellar cast, including three horror icons, who inject subtle yet effective notes of eeriness into their performances, compensating for the occasionally lackluster script.

This Blu-ray release from Kino impresses with its video and audio quality, which is truly top-notch. The transfer brings out the film's vivid palette, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the Blu-ray comes loaded with a robust selection of informative and meaningful extras that provide valuable context and insights into the film’s production and legacy, making it an essential addition for horror enthusiasts.

In conclusion, while "The Crimson Cult" may not be the most spine-chilling horror film of all time, it delivers enough suspense and engaging visuals to make it an enjoyable watch. The high-quality presentation and comprehensive extras on this Blu-ray release make it highly recommendable for fans of the genre.