Baron Blood Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Baron Blood," presented in a 1.74:1 aspect ratio, benefits significantly from its 1080p AVC MPEG-4 encoded transfer. The image quality shows a notable upgrade from previous DVD incarnations, with a bright and colorful presentation that is particularly impressive. Detail is sharp, revealing the intricate textures of skin, clothing, and architectural elements such as ancient masonry and wooden paneling. While soft focus shots sometimes affect overall crispness, edge definition remains strong. Vivid colors and natural flesh tones add to the visual appeal, though contrast and brightness are the weak links, occasionally flattening the frame with deep grays rather than true blacks. However, shadow detail is still discernible.

This high-definition transfer faithfully preserves much of the film's natural grain structure, avoiding problematic post-production degraining or sharpening corrections. The occasional presences of dots, tramlines, and minor digital noise do not detract from the overall organic feel of the presentation. During some transitional scenes, there is minimal color instability, but the general color reproduction remains pleasing. The digital clean-up removed substantial debris and damage marks effectively, though some static grain persists in the opening credits.

Both the export and AIP versions maintain a consistent image quality, with no excessive degraining or sharpening corrections evident and color saturation remaining uniform. While this release might not be an exhaustive restoration, it provides a stable and organic look that enhances image depth and clarity. Arrow Video’s effort ensures that "Baron Blood" can be appreciated in high definition, despite its age, making it a solid offering for classic horror enthusiasts.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release for "Baron Blood" is largely characterized by its English LPCM 2.0 mono tracks available for both the Export and AIP Versions, as well as an Italian LPCM 2.0 track for the Italian version, "Gli orrori del castello di Norimberga." The standout feature across all tracks is the minimal dynamic intensity and moderate clarity, consistent with the historical and technical limitations under which the film was produced. Notably, the Export Version and AIP Version come with optional English SDH subtitles, while the Italian version provides optional English subtitles. The soundtrack differences—such as Stelvio Cipriani's score being replaced by Les Baxter's in the AIP Version—induce slight variations in balance yet maintain a comparably stable and clear dialogue experience.

Despite the comprehensive cleanup process that has minimized background hiss and eliminated pops and crackles, there remains an evident lack of high fidelity. This limitation dampens the overall listening experience, rendering everything with a slightly muffled tone. Nonetheless, dialogue clarity is adequately preserved, with Sommer’s piercing screams retaining their bite. Effectively functional, the audio track communicates essential details appropriately but lacks bass depth and significant LF effects. While the score stands out as the most pronounced element, offering substantial gusto, the limited sound effects maintain enough sharpness to fulfill their role. However, a richer top-end response would have further enlivened the experience.

Overall, the soundtrack -- whether experienced via the Export Version or its AIP counterpart -- delivers an acceptable if not remarkable auditory journey. The stability of dialogue, combined with distinct musical scores that define respective versions, ensures a reasonable yet unremarkable auditory engagement aligned with the film's vintage charm.

The Blu-ray extras for "Baron Blood" provide a comprehensive, in-depth exploration of the film, along with valuable insights into Italian horror cinema. The standout feature is the Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas, which delves into every facet of the production, from influences and casting to art direction and on-set anecdotes. Alan Jones's Introduction and Ruggero Deodato's interview add further context and appreciation for Mario Bava's work and his impact on the genre. With multiple versions of the film, original trailers, and a detailed collector’s booklet, this Blu-ray release is a treasure trove for fans and scholars alike. The reversible sleeve with original and new artwork is a nice aesthetic touch.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track by Mario Bava expert Tim Lucas.
• Introduction by Alan Jones: Brief overview by the critic.
• Ruggero Deodato Interview: Director discusses Bava's influence.
• Delirium Italian-style: Deodato talks Italian horror genre.
• Bava at Work: Behind-the-scenes photo gallery.
• English Trailer: Original promotional material.
• Italian Trailer: Original Italian trailer with subtitles.
• Radio Spots: Vintage radio advertisements.
• Reversible Sleeve: New and original commissioned artwork.
• Collector’s Booklet: In-depth essay with illustrations.
• Three Versions of the Film: Italian, export, and AIP versions.

Mario Bava’s "Baron Blood" combines supernatural horror with youthful exuberance and is notable for its atmospheric use of light, shadow, color, and mist. The film unfolds the story of a torturous Baron brought to life by his only living relative through a witch's incantation, leading to a series of murders. While the storyline and cast performances are decent, they are somewhat tarnished by dubbing issues and a surprising lack of gore and nudity typical for the genre and period. What truly stands out is Bava's masterful direction, devoid of any pretension, creating a compelling yet straightforward narrative.

The Blu-ray presentation by Arrow Video is commendable, offering three versions of the film, including the English-language export, the AIP version with a different soundtrack by Les Baxter, and the original Italian release, all presented with optional English subtitles. The video quality is clean and detailed, suitable for a film of this vintage and budget, although it lacks significant visual punch. The 2.0 mono LPCM audio track is clear but somewhat thick, missing the high-end treble. Despite these mild shortcomings, the inclusion of plentiful extras like an extensive audio commentary by Bava expert Tim Lucas, interviews with Ruggero Deodato, introductions by critic Alan Jones, and a detailed collector’s booklet elevate this release.

Particularly appealing are the striking performances by actors such as Antonio Cantafora and Elke Sommer, whose characters’ interactions and subsequent ventures into resurrecting the Baron generate some of the film’s most atmospheric scenes. The Gothic horror elements are balanced with contemporary nuances aimed at younger audiences, embodied by Elke Sommer’s presence. Although the second act falters slightly in terms of narrative cohesion and performance consistency, the exquisite Austrian castle setting delivers a rich, eerie backdrop essential to the film’s allure.

The Blu-ray release of "Baron Blood" presents an exceptional restoration of Mario Bava's classic film, capturing the gothic essence and eerie ambiance with stunning clarity. The transfer is meticulously done, showcasing crisp visuals with enriched color palettes that breathe new life into the atmospheric 70s' horror. The audio quality is equally superior, delivering a well-balanced soundscape that heightens the tension and enhances the viewing experience. Arrow Video has undoubtedly shown their dedication to preserving cinematic history with this release.

The packaging of the Blu-ray reflects the high standards associated with Arrow Video. The booklet included within provides fascinating insights and in-depth analyses that complement the film viewing, making it a valuable addition for collectors and fans alike. Additionally, the assortment of special features, including interviews, commentaries, and behind-the-scenes footage, offers a comprehensive exploration of Bava’s directorial prowess and the production intricacies of "Baron Blood". These well-curated extras exemplify Arrow Video’s commitment to delivering a holistic and enriching viewing experience.

It is easy to tell when a company cares. Like the Blu-ray release of Mario Bava's Black Sunday, this new release of the Italian director's Baron Blood is a labor of love. A simple look at the booklet that is included with it tells the whole story. I really cannot wait to see all the great releases Arrow Video have already announced because there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that they will be special. Buy with confidence, folks. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.