Ten Little Indians Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, "Ten Little Indians" arrives on Blu-ray via Kino Lorber, drawing from a new 2K master. The 1080p transfer showcases fantastic depth, wonderful clarity, and sharpness, accompanied by very solid fluidity. The grading of the master is exemplary, offering plenty of brilliant primaries and supporting nuances without any problematic digital adjustments. Tiny flecks and minor imperfections in a few darker scenes are the only blemishes, making this a praiseworthy presentation that vastly improves upon previous laserdisc transfers.

Image stability on this release is exceptional with rich colors and impressively inky black levels, even though there is some variance in grain levels and sharpness between scenes. These minor issues do not detract significantly from the overall visual quality. The film has been divided into 8 chapters for ease of navigation. Overall, while it may have a few tiny flaws, this Blu-ray presentation of "Ten Little Indians" is as good as it could have been, scoring a commendable 4.75/5.00 for its video presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Ten Little Indians" features a single audio track: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 16-bit). Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided. The audio presentation has been executed with precision, and there are no detectable technical issues or anomalies. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo sound mix delivers exceptionally clean, sharp, and balanced audio. Despite the film's modest budget, the range of nuanced dynamics presented is notably solid, offering an unexpectedly sophisticated auditory experience.

The Ultra-Stereo mix, as described in the liner notes, provides an impressively wide soundstage. Dialogue is precisely centered, ensuring clarity and coherence, while George Clinton's musical score and various sound effects are effectively dispersed across the stereo field. The mix maintains an excellent fidelity with no signs of age-related degradation such as hiss, crackle, pops, or flutter. Overall, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track enhances the film's ambiance without any distracting auditory flaws.

The Extras for the Blu Ray of "Ten Little Indians" offer a robust selection of supplemental features that enhance the viewing experience. The meticulously remastered trailers showcase the film's enduring appeal and add a nostalgic touch. Meanwhile, the curated selection of additional trailers from Kino provides a broader context within the genre, offering viewers intriguing previews of related films. The technical quality of these extras is commendable, maintaining a high standard of visual and auditory fidelity. Their inclusion elevates the overall value of this Blu Ray edition, making it a must-have for fans and collectors alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A remastered trailer for Ten Little Indians.
• Theatrical Trailer:
• Kino Trailers: Witness for the Prosecution, Endless Night, Ordeal by Innocence, Heart of Midnight, River of Death, The Black Windmill, Murder by Decree.

Alan Birkinshaw's 1989 adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians," available on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, has drawn mixed to negative evaluations from critics. Notably, this version diverges significantly from its predecessors by shifting the setting to an African safari—a change that arguably detracts from the film's suspense and atmospheric tension. The plot involves ten tourists who, after their servants abandon them and destroy their only escape route, find themselves targeted by an elusive killer. This exotic reimagining was produced by Harry Alan Towers, known for his penchant for such narrative elements, which he employed heavily throughout his career.

Despite a glossy new 2K master, the film continues to elicit criticisms centered around its weak screenplay and uneven performances. Donald Pleasence stands out as Judge Wargrave, offering a compelling portrayal, but other actors including Brenda Vaccaro, Herbert Lom, and Frank Stallone deliver underwhelming performances. Particularly problematic is the film's piecemeal approach to character backstories, resulting in a lack of emotional investment and suspense that is critical to Christie's narrative. Additionally, the decision to downplay the romance subplot and awkwardly introduce a lesbian angle does little to enhance the story.

The directorial choices also come under scrutiny. While Birkinshaw manages to create some eerie atmospheres and effective jump scares, he often mishandles key scenes that are crucial to the buildup of suspense. This includes poorly staged murder sequences and ineffective explorations of the group's dynamics—critical elements that other adaptations like George Pollock’s classic version executed more efficiently. Despite some moments of intrigue and unexpected narrative twists, this adaptation struggles with pacing and fails to deliver the compelling tension and character depth that make Christie's work so beloved.

The 1989 adaptation of "Ten Little Indians," produced by the Cannon Group and funded by Harry Alan Towers, offers a distinctive take on Agatha Christie's classic novel. While it may not reach the heights of other cinematic versions, it carries the unique imprint characteristic of Towers' productions, thus setting an expectation that it fulfills adequately. Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release showcases this version with a new 2K master, ensuring the best possible visual fidelity for this particular iteration of the narrative.

This Blu-ray presentation captures the film's few novel wrinkles, bringing them into sharp focus, thanks to Kino Lorber's attention to detail in the transfer process. However, it should be noted that the release is somewhat sparse in additional content, presenting only a remastered vintage trailer as its lone bonus feature. This minimalism might disappoint those looking for in-depth special features or behind-the-scenes insights.

Overall, Ten Little Indians is a product of its era and production background, which shows in both its strengths and its limitations. Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray, while not filled with extensive extras, provides a visually impressive way to experience this unique take on Christie's story. Recommended for fans who appreciate the idiosyncrasies of the 1989 adaptation and cinephiles interested in varied interpretations of classic tales.