Scalpel Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray presentation of "Scalpel" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, achieved using a 2K scan of a 35mm color reversal internegative (CRI). The restoration, performed by R3store Studios, London, involved extensive digital cleaning to remove numerous instances of dirt, scratches, and other film wear issues. This meticulous work ensures the best possible image quality given the absence of the original camera negative. The transfer includes two distinct color-graded versions, both derived from the same restored materials.

The first version, supervised and approved by the Director of Photography Edward Lachman, aims to preserve the film's original Southern Gothic aesthetic. Dominated by strong warm tones and an intentional emphasis on yellows and greens, this version captures the visually unique atmosphere intended by Lachman. However, this grading choice somewhat compromises detail levels in darker scenes, which can be challenging to discern. Conversely, the Arrow grade offers a more traditional color balance that maintains higher detail levels across various lighting conditions. The grain structure is handled well throughout, presenting a natural appearance with no noticeable compression artifacts.

This release also retains the original mono soundtrack, remastered at Deluxe Audio Services. Though some instances of loose synchronization persist due to post-dubbing during the film's production, the overall audio presentation is clean and faithful to the original soundscape. Arrow Video’s approach in offering both the artistic Lachman grading and the more conventional Arrow grade provides viewers with a comprehensive and comparative visual experience, making this Blu-ray edition a compelling choice for cinephiles and collectors alike.

The audio presentation of "Scalpel" on Blu-ray boasts an LPCM mono track that effectively supports the film's dialogue-centric nature. Robert Cobert's score, an essential component of the film's atmosphere, resonates with commendable fidelity, offering a robust and clear audial experience. The dialogue remains intact and easily discernible throughout, which is crucial for a film where spoken interactions drive the narrative. While the track doesn't offer substantial depth, it is free of any notable distortions or dropouts, ensuring a seamless listening experience.

However, due to the film's age and original audio design, the LPCM mono track delivers a flat auditory profile without expansive lower frequencies or immersive soundscapes found in more modern multi-channel formats like DTS or Dolby Atmos. This simplicity aligns with the period and style of "Scalpel," and purists may appreciate the track's authenticity. Overall, while the audio lacks the dynamic range and spatial distribution of contemporary soundtracks, it faithfully reproduces the original sound elements with clarity and consistency, making it a reliable choice for enjoying this thriller's unsettling atmosphere.

The Blu-ray edition of "Scalpel" offers an impressive array of extras tailored for cinema enthusiasts and professionals alike. The disc includes two versions of the film: the original with director of photography Edward Lachman's unique color grading and a newly re-graded version by Arrow, catering to different viewer preferences. Notably, the extras are rich in expert commentary and behind-the-scenes insights. John Grissmer, the director, provides a concise introduction setting the stage for the film. In "The Cutting Edge," he delves into both "Scalpel" and his broader career, offering a 14-minute engaging discussion. Janet Chapman’s interview, "Dead Ringer," covers the dual role challenge, while "Southern Gothic" features Edward Lachman discussing his stylistic choices. Supplementing these are an image gallery, a trailer, and an insightful audio commentary by Richard Harland Smith. Additionally, Arrow includes a thoughtfully curated booklet.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Director: A brief welcome by John Grissmer.
• The Cutting Edge: Interview with John Grissmer discussing his career and the film.
• Dead Ringer: Janet Chapman describes her experience playing two roles.
• Southern Gothic: Edward Lachman on the film's stylistic choices.
• Image Gallery: Slideshow of stills from the movie.
• Trailer: Original promotional trailer for the film.
• Audio Commentary: In-depth analysis with Richard Harland Smith.

"Scalpel", directed by John Grissmer, is a 1977 psychological horror film that weaves a tale of absurdity and gothic underpinnings. The narrative follows crazed plastic surgeon Phillip Reynolds (Robert Lansing), who, driven by greed, transforms a disfigured woman, Jane Doe (Judith Chapman), to impersonate his long-lost daughter Heather in order to inherit a family fortune. This macabre premise is infused with Southern Gothic ambiance, beautifully captured by Edward Lachman's honey-colored cinematography, which adds a stylistic allure, enhancing the film's unique tone. Despite its horror label, "Scalpel" is better described as a psychological character study with deep-rooted horror elements.

However, the film's numerous plot holes and contrivances undermine its potential impact. Reynolds' stumble upon Jane Doe at the perfect moment stretches believability, and the absurdity of reshaping Jane into Heather while under the public eye at his own hospital adds to the incredulity. These inconsistencies detract from an otherwise engrossing story that explores themes of identity, deception, and moral decay. The screenplay's penchant for melodrama is palpable, making the film feel like a drawn-out soap opera occasionally dipping into horror.

Despite its faults, "Scalpel" stands out for its unsettling subtext and darkly compelling performances by Lansing and Chapman. The film ventures into deeply disturbing territory, particularly in scenes where Reynolds' bizarre machinations overshadow the narrative's weaker aspects. The climax might stretch its twist too far, rendering parts of the plot unbelievable, yet the movie maintains an unusual ambience that distinguishes it from conventional horror tropes. Such an inventive yet flawed narrative stands testament to Grissmer's capability to evoke a squalid charm in an otherwise ludicrous storyline, supported by Lachman's visually arresting choices.

Scalpel" is a compelling oddity, straddling the line between Southern Gothic melodrama and a macabre meditation on identity and familial bonds. The narrative, centered around a disquieting quasi-incestuous relationship, is a captivating blend of the bizarre and unsettling. While the film’s creaky horror elements may not necessarily elevate it to classic status, they do serve a purpose in accentuating its peculiarly offbeat atmosphere. The technical compliance with such genre elements might appear dated, but the film’s innate strangeness renders this irrelevant.

Arrow Video’s Blu Ray release undeniably rescues "Scalpel" from the annals of obscurity, particularly within the US, where the film hasn’t seen the light of day since its VHS days. This transfer is superb, showcasing excellent visual fidelity that breathes new life into the movie’s distinctively eerie aesthetics. The audio is clean, ensuring every nuanced sound detail is preserved. The collection of supplementary materials is robust and provides significant context, enriching the viewing experience for longtime fans and newcomers alike.

In conclusion, "Scalpel's horror tendencies are a bit on the creaky side, but the film itself is suffused with such a bizarre sensibility, especially with regard to the quasi-incestuous relationship that develops between Reynolds and Jane, that those very horror elements almost become less important. This is one of those releases where the actual feature has debatable worth, but where the presentation and supplements may offer some unexpected allure. Technical merits are generally strong and the supplemental package very enjoyable for those considering a purchase.