Ghost Story Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Ghost Story" by Scream Factory offers a solid 1080p transfer encoded with AVC MPEG-4 in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Despite the film's age, the source elements are in commendable condition, with occasional minor anomalies such as dirt, scratches, and white flecks minimally detracting from the overall quality. The palette, predominantly autumnal and wintry, displays natural fleshtones and vibrant gruesome hues, particularly in rotting corpses. Close-up details appear very good to excellent, although midrange shots exhibit some softness. The shadow detail in dimly lit scenes is decent though not exceptional, and the presence of optical effects introduces an expected increase in grain and softness. The natural grain structure contributes to a cinematic aesthetic, ensuring no resolution issues throughout.

Color reproduction leans towards earth tones and secondary hues with occasional bursts of brighter primaries. Snow scenes are particularly well-rendered, contributing to the naturalistic look of the film. Skin tones are consistent and look healthy, with medium and close-up shots highlighting facial details like wrinkles and stubble effectively. Despite a few instances of softness inherent in the cinematography, the transfer maintains a clean and sharp presentation without appearing over-processed. Black levels are mostly accurate but can appear faded in some scenes, leading to murkiness in shadows that occasionally obscure finer details. However, there is generally a strong sense of depth with objects and people appearing well-separated from their backgrounds.

In summary, this Blu-ray release marks a significant improvement over its DVD counterpart, offering a pleasing high-definition upgrade while staying true to the film's original cinematic roots. The attractive layer of grain and absence of distracting noise or artifacts enhance the viewing experience, delivering a visually engaging presentation that respects the source material's integrity.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track presented in "Ghost Story" offers a strikingly clear and well-fidelity experience. Dialogue is rendered crisply, maintaining clarity throughout. Philippe Sarde's evocative score, while occasionally a bit bright, is generally outstanding, contributing significantly to the film’s atmospheric impact. The dynamic range is impressive for a mono mix and accommodates the film’s dramatic shifts effectively.

The audio detail extends to environmental sounds, with chirping crickets and the rumbling of classic cars adding realistic, engaging layers to the mix. The dialogue stands out with excellent reproduction and is blended well with other audio elements without competition for prominence. This presentation includes well-managed layering, providing depth to vocal tracks and effects without straying too far into the high frequencies, thereby preventing any harshness in the extreme ranges.

Moreover, the audio track ensures a solid low-end response that adds appreciable weight to the overall soundstage, despite the constraints of a mono format. Film artifacts such as occasional dirt and flecks are present but do not detract from the experience. Subtitles are available in English for accessibility, and the overall presentation is robust, further cementing this as a high-quality audio performance that respects and enhances the film’s original sound design.

The Blu Ray of "Ghost Story" offers a comprehensive and engaging suite of extras, appealing to both fans and cinephiles. The highlight is the thorough audio commentary by Director John C. Irvin, filled with fascinating anecdotes and insightful production details. Peter Straub's "Ghost Story Genesis" provides a rich context, blending readings from his novel with reflections on its film adaptation. The "Ghost Story Development" segment delves into the adaptation process through well-crafted interviews with the cast and crew, while "Alice Krige: Being Alma and Eva" offers an intimate look at her dual roles. The technical prowess behind the film is showcased in "Albert Whitlock Visual Effects with Bill Taylor," praising Whitlock's influence in visual effects.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director John C. Irvin discusses production anecdotes.
• Ghost Story Genesis: Author Peter Straub reads passages and discusses the book-to-film adaptation.
• Ghost Story Development: Interviews with the cast and crew on adapting the novel.
• Alice Krige: Being Alma and Eva: Interview with Alice Krige on her dual roles.
• Albert Whitlock Visual Effects with Bill Taylor: Focus on Albert Whitlock's visual effects.
• Theatrical Trailer
• TV Spot
• Radio Spots
• Photo Gallery

"Ghost Story," adapted from Peter Straub's novel, offers an intriguing blend of supernatural horror and old-fashioned storytelling that can captivate fans of classic horror cinema. The plot revolves around four elderly men—members of the Chowder Society—who gather weekly to share ghost stories, only to find that a dark secret from their past has resurfaced, intertwining with their present nightmares. The narrative structure employs dual flashbacks, laying out the eerie history that culminates in present-day horror. Although these lengthy flashbacks might disrupt the pacing, they provide crucial depth and context.

The film's atmosphere is steeped in a melancholic tone, underscored by strong performances from iconic actors Fred Astaire, John Houseman, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and Melvyn Douglas. Their portrayal injects earnestness into the dialogue, enriching the spectral mood that the movie meticulously builds. A key highlight is Alice Krige's haunting performance as Alma/Eva; her chilling presence and mysterious past fuel much of the narrative's tension. Despite some dated special effects, particularly in rear projection, the film excels in makeup and gore, enhancing its 1980s horror charm.

While "Ghost Story" may not tap into modern horror sensibilities laden with jump scares and visceral gore, it invokes a more subdued terror, embracing a reflective meditation on mortality and guilt. Directed by John Irvin, known for his work on "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," the film effectively channels an ambiance reminiscent of classic Hollywood horror, making it a valuable watch for those appreciating slow-building suspense and rich atmospheric dread. Despite simplifying Straub's dense novel, screenwriter Lawrence D. Cohen maintains the core themes, ensuring the film remains a gothic and gripping tale of supernatural retribution.

Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release of "Ghost Story," directed by John Irvin and based on Peter Straub's novel, debuting in high definition, is an engaging addition to any horror aficionado’s collection. The film, featuring a stellar cast of Golden Age legends, oscillates between a psychological character study and a traditional horror movie. Its plot, centered around four lifelong friends with a dark secret, offers a satisfyingly creepy narrative that leans heavily on eerie atmosphere instead of graphic gore, harkening back to classic Hollywood horror.

The technical merits of this Blu-ray release are noteworthy. The picture quality is significantly improved compared to previous DVD releases, delivering a sharp and clear visual presentation. The audio quality also benefits from this high-definition upgrade, providing a more immersive experience that complements the film's moody ambiance. Scream Factory has meticulously curated a comprehensive suite of supplements which are both informative and engaging. These bonus features include rich, lengthy interviews that provide valuable insights into the film’s production and its enduring legacy.

In conclusion, while "Ghost Story's" narrative may feel overly condensed from its source material and some flashbacks seem to detour from the main plot, the film succeeds in creating a moody, compelling atmosphere. The new high-definition transfer by Scream Factory significantly enhances the viewing experience, making it more accessible and enjoyable. Combined with an excellent collection of supplements, this release is highly recommended for both horror enthusiasts and fans of classic cinema.