Misery Blu-ray Review

The "Misery" Collector's Edition Blu-ray from Shout! Factory, encoded in MPEG-4 AVC, benefits from a meticulous 4K remastering of the original film elements. Compared to the previous MGM releases, the new transfer exhibits remarkable improvements in grain structure, clarity, and detail fidelity. Facial details and textures such as clothing and household items appear more defined. One notable enhancement is the rendering of snowflakes, which show finer details when thrown by Scott Caan, enhancing overall visual realism. However, some issues persist, including periodic white speckles and occasional banding in the blacks.

Color timing differences are clearly noticeable; the Shout! transfer presents a cooler palette with a pale blue tint for skies and overall darker imagery compared to MGM's warmer tones and elevated brightness. The film's inherent earth tones are well-preserved but are accompanied by richer, deeper blacks and more vibrant primary colors like reds and blues. Furthermore, the aspect ratio remains faithful at 1.85:1 across both transfers. Background detailing, achieved through excellent contrast levels and precise white balancing, provides a palpable sense of the Wilkes house's psychological ambiance.

Overall, this new Shout! Factory presentation offers an appreciable upgrade with improved sharpness, gradational integrity, and visual detail that should satisfy both new viewers and long-standing fans of this Stephen King classic. While not without faults, notably minor speckling and banding, the transfer's result illustrates superior handling of the original elements, making it a worthwhile consideration for collectors.

Scream Factory’s Collector’s Edition of "Misery" delivers an impressive auditory experience with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround and 2.0 Stereo tracks available. The 5.1 track provides a noticeable enhancement, although it maintains a front-heavy focus typical for dialogue-driven dramas. Key scenes, such as the car crash and helicopter searches, utilize the surrounds effectively, albeit sporadically, adding immersion when necessary. The low-frequency effects (LFE) are used sparingly but manage to add substantial depth during intense moments, particularly in the film’s score, complementing the tense atmosphere surrounding Paul’s desperate efforts.

The audio production underlines the pristine quality that one would expect from a movie recorded in a THX Sound System Theatre and re-recorded at Skywalker Sound South. The DTS-HD Master Audio tracks deliver a remarkable clarity, supported by dynamic range and precise sound direction. Whether opting for the 5.1 remix (2866 kbps, 24-bit) with its richer surround effects or the original 2.0 stereo (1619 kbps, 24-bit), viewers are treated to meticulously balanced audio with clear, crisp dialogues anchored in the center channel. Dialog remains sharp and intelligible throughout, while ambient noises and off-screen actions are deftly managed to enhance the viewing experience without overwhelming the narrative flow.

Furthermore, the English SDH subtitles further support the audio tracks by providing a largely accurate transcription of the dialogue, albeit with minor omissions in longer sentences. This attention to detail ensures an inclusive viewing experience for all audiences. Ultimately, Scream Factory's dedication to audio fidelity ensures that "Misery" retains its chilling impact with precision audio delivery that respects and enhances its dramatic core.

The Blu-ray release of "Misery" is a treasure trove of insightful extras that provide a comprehensive look into the production and thematic elements of the film. With interviews, featurettes, and commentaries, fans and film enthusiasts are given rich, behind-the-scenes content that delves deeply into various aspects of the movie-making process. The newly shot interviews with director Rob Reiner and special makeup effects artist Greg Nicotero are highlights, offering fresh perspectives and intricate details about the film's production challenges and accomplishments. However, it's notable that some features from prior DVD releases, such as the extensive photo gallery and printed production notes, are absent. The collection of featurettes covers a range from psychological analyses to practical advice for dealing with stalkers, making these extras not just informative but also educational.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Interview With Director Rob Reiner: Reiner shares a broad overview of the film's development.
• NEW Interview With Special Makeup Effects Artist Greg Nicotero: Detailed insights into the makeup and visual effects.
• Audio Commentary With Rob Reiner: Variable commentary with gaps, focusing on memories from the set.
• Audio Commentary With Screenwriter William Goldman: Less frequent commentary focusing on scriptwriting.
• Misery Loves Company Featurette: Cast and crew interviews on the book adaptation and production.
• Marc Shaiman's Musical Misery Tour Featurette: Exploration of the film's musical score.
• Diagnosing Annie Wilkes Featurette: Psychological profile of the main character.
• Advice For The Stalked Featurette: Guidance for stalking victims.
• Profile Of A Stalker Featurette: Behavioral patterns of stalkers, with reenactments.
• Celebrity Stalkers Featurette: Focus on celebrity stalkers.
• Anti-Stalking Laws Featurette: Brief on anti-stalking legislation.
• Theatrical Trailers: Final and teaser trailers in varying quality.

Rob Reiner's 1990 adaptation of Stephen King's "Misery" continues to stand as one of the finest translations of the author's work to the silver screen. Diverging from his typical comedic direction, Reiner masterfully crafts a deeply unsettling psychological thriller, powerfully anchored by Kathy Bates' Oscar-winning portrayal of the unhinged nurse, Annie Wilkes. The film meticulously adapts King's taut narrative, retaining a steady, unnerving pace that gradually unveils the layers of Wilkes' psychosis. While James Caan delivers a commendable performance as the confined author Paul Sheldon, it is Bates' ability to effortless oscillate between nurturing care and horrifying lunacy that elevates the film's terror. Her portrayal strikes an unsettling chord, convincingly capturing the essence of a dangerously obsessed fan, eliciting both sympathy and repulsion from the audience.

The infamous "hobbling" scene remains etched in the minds of audiences, showcasing Reiner's adeptness at balancing graphic violence with psychological horror. Initially intended to involve a more gruesome act of mutilation, the scene was revised to retain audience engagement without crossing into gratuitous territory. This decision underscores one of the film's strengths: its ability to evoke horror through suggestion and implication rather than overt gore. Complementing Bates’ chilling performance are strong supporting roles like Richard Farnsworth’s Sheriff Buster, who injects a necessary layer of external tension as he inches closer to uncovering Sheldon's plight.

The atmospheric build-up, combined with precise camera work that subtly shifts angles to reflect Sheldon's growing suspicions, underpins the narrative’s escalating dread. The authenticity of the setting—a secluded cabin amidst a snow-laden landscape—serves as both sanctuary and prison, amplifying the claustrophobic tension. Reiner’s direction ensures that even as Bates’ character unravels in full view, there remains an ominous unpredictability to her actions, keeping viewers on edge until the very end. "Misery," therefore, remains a standout in Reiner's filmography and an enduring testament to the power of expertly crafted psychological horror.

Rob Reiner's "Misery" is an exceptional adaptation of Stephen King's novel, featuring powerhouse performances by Kathy Bates and James Caan. Bates, in her Oscar-winning role as Annie Wilkes, captivates with a chilling portrayal that balances charm and psychosis. Caan, as the beleaguered novelist Paul Sheldon, provides a compelling counterpart, enhancing the film's tension and emotional depth. This character-driven suspense thriller benefits greatly from Barry Sonnenfeld's masterful cinematography and Marc Shaiman's evocative score, creating a meticulously crafted atmosphere of dread and anxiety.

The Blu-ray release by Scream Factory is a must-have for horror enthusiasts. The new transfer boasts significant improvements in color temperature, offering a near-reference picture quality. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 and 2.0 audio tracks are impeccably clear, ensuring an immersive auditory experience. Though the new interviews are a commendable addition to the supplementary materials, it's somewhat disappointing that Kathy Bates and James Caan were not included in these segments. However, the hour’s worth of new content is still quite insightful for fans.

In conclusion, while "Misery" thrives on its deeply unsettling narrative and brilliant performances, Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release elevates it further with excellent visual and audio fidelity. The 90s may not have been the zenith of horror cinema, but "Misery" stands out as an exemplary psychological thriller that eschews gore for genuine, hair-raising suspense. This collector’s edition is highly recommended, especially for those who have yet to own it—demonstrating that Scream Factory’s dedication to high-quality releases remains unwavering. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to this classic, this edition is an essential addition to your collection.