Venom Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the Blu-ray release of "Venom" features a new 2K scan of its negative, offering a highly detailed 1080p transfer. Fine film grain is intact, which elevates the visual texture and preserves the filmic quality. The cluttered set design, intricate facial features, and the film's titular snake are sharply rendered. Shadows play a critical role due to the film's predominantly dark setting, but black levels are robust and free from crushing issues. The makeup effects, particularly during snake strikes, are vividly colorful with effective uses of purples and blacks, contributing to a strong visual impact.

The color palette tends to be on the muted side, largely attributing to the film's atmospheric context within a dark house, but primaries are selectively vibrant. While there are occasional instances of light filtering that affect depth and some scenes may appear softer, overall clarity and fluidity remain commendable. Skin tones are stable and natural, detailing facial features well in close-ups. The overall image stability is excellent with no significant debris, damage marks, or compression artifacts, ensuring an unobstructed viewing experience.

While the transfer does exhibit some minor inconsistencies in shadow definition in darker scenes, the visual specification overall is satisfactory for a Blu-ray release. Uniform colors and solid black levels enhance the viewing depth. Venom's Blu-ray presentation maintains cinematic movement with minimal blur, offering a balanced visual experience that respects the original material while utilizing modern scanning technology to its advantage.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Venom" offers three distinct audio options: English DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), English Dolby Digital 5.1 EX, and English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit), accompanied by optional English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles. The DTS-HD MA 7.1 track stands out with its spacious and pronounced qualities, effectively placing dialogue front and center. Despite occasional distance in the sound effects and relatively incidental directionality, this track provides an engaging auditory experience with Michael Kamen’s score rounding it out nicely. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 track, on the other hand, delivers a more authentic and urgent soundscape with balanced dialogue and effects, making it a preferred choice for some.

While the DTS-HD MA 7.1 track certainly has its merits, including good use of Low Frequency Effects (LFE) during chaotic moments, the overall dynamic intensity is noted as modest. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 track excels in balance and clarity, ensuring dialogue is clean and stable without any digital distortions, pops, or cracks. The Dolby Digital 5.1 EX mix, unfortunately, falls short, with softer dialogue and a tinny quality to the sound effects that detracts from the immersive experience.

In summary, while the choice of audio tracks ultimately boils down to personal preference, both the DTS-HD MA 7.1 and 2.0 tracks provide solid options with their own strengths in delivering an immersive auditory experience for "Venom" on Blu-ray. The Dolby Digital 5.1 EX is not recommended due to its weaker overall presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Venom" provide an engaging and comprehensive dive into the film's background and marketing efforts. Director Piers Haggard offers an insightful commentary track, detailing production challenges and his experience working with live Black Mamba snakes, and managing actor egos, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look. The disc includes multiple trailers and TV spots, enhancing understanding of the film's promotional strategy. Furthermore, the inclusion of a reversible cover art and a collectible booklet featuring Michael Gingold’s essay on the film's history adds noteworthy value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Piers Haggard provides detailed insights into the production.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Teaser Trailer: Initial teaser for the film.
• TV Spots: Multiple promotional TV spots.
• Poster & Still Gallery: Collection of promotional materials and artwork.
• Reversible Cover: Featuring original poster art.
• Booklet: An 18-page illustrated booklet with an essay by Michael Gingold.

"Venom," directed by Piers Haggard and released in 1981, delivers a taut and adventurous amalgamation of crime thriller and horror genres. The plot revolves around a botched kidnapping scheme where the criminals, including Jacques Müller (Klaus Kinski), Louise (Susan George), and driver Dave (Oliver Reed), hold a wealthy young boy hostage in London. Their meticulously planned operation spirals into chaos when a deadly black mamba snake is mistakenly introduced into the environment—an exotic pet mix-up that turns lethal. As the boy's grandfather, played vibrantly by Sterling Hayden, becomes involved, the police surround the house, ratcheting up the tension.

The film’s effective fusion of genres stands out distinctly. It alternates between crime drama, with its gripping hostage situations reminiscent of classic heist movies, and nature horror, as the deadly snake hunts its prey. The cinematography from Gilbert Taylor (known for "Star Wars") leverages eerie interior visuals, sometimes mimicking the snake's movement to elevate suspense. The intense score by Michael Kamen (composer for "Die Hard") punctuates the universally tense atmosphere. Performances by Kinski and Reed are highly commendable, though their off-screen clashes arguably amplified their on-screen tension.

Though "Venom" feels occasionally quaint for modern audiences, especially in its dated British thriller elements from the late '70s and early '80s, it remains an engaging and suspenseful experience. The premise of being trapped with one of nature's deadliest snakes exploits our primal fears effectively. While moments featuring the snake's attacks markedly ramp up the tension, the interpersonal dynamics among the kidnappers provide ample drama and conflict. Overall, “Venom” is a delightful mix of thrills and chills, offering an entertaining ride through its high-stakes narrative.

Blue Underground's Blu-ray release of "Venom" delivers a remarkable revival of a cult classic, drawing viewers into its uniquely twisted narrative. The film, which incorporates a heist gone wrong with a deadly serpent and a collection of eclectic characters, showcases a substantial cast. Despite challenges behind the scenes, including a switch in directors and the use of a live snake, the film exudes an undeniable charm that fans of vintage horror and neo-gothic thrillers will appreciate. The remastering in 2K brings forth a significant improvement in the visual quality, though there remains room for enhancement in high-definition.

The audio-visual presentation stands out as a highlight of this Blu-ray release, promising top-notch quality that significantly enriches the viewing experience. Although the extras are minimal, the audio commentary by director Piers Haggard is particularly insightful and adds valuable context to the film’s production challenges and creative decisions. This commentary is an essential listen for anyone interested in the intricacies and trials of filmmaking, especially those fond of curiosity pieces that blend horror and thriller elements uniquely.

In conclusion, this film can be seriously scary at times. It was intended to be a crime thriller, but it is actually very effective as a contemporary neo-gothic thriller. It was apparently remastered in 2K, but I think that it can definitely look better in high-definition. Blue Underground's Blu-ray release also features the old and very good audio commentary with director Piers Haggard. RECOMMENDED.