Horrors of Malformed Men Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray presentation of "Horrors of Malformed Men" boasts an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a CinemaScope 2.35:1 aspect ratio, leveraging a robust 2K scan from the original elements. The transfer showcases meticulous color grading via DaVinci Resolve and restoration efforts using MTI Correct and PF Clean. Surprisingly for a film of its era, this release retains an organic visual quality with a finely resolved grain field, though some instances of picture and audio damage persist, reflecting the best condition of surviving materials.

The color palette is impressively vibrant, especially in scenes such as the exterior circus shots, where blues and other primaries are vividly saturated without oversaturation. Black and white scenes, primarily flashbacks, maintain solid black levels and contrast. However, occasional transitions into black and white within color sequences and certain scenes exhibiting an unnatural yellow-green tint lend a peculiar aesthetic choice, altering flesh tones unpredictably. Additionally, cliffside sequences show increased grain and fuzziness, indicative of possibly duplicated elements mimicking a 16mm feel.

Detailing in the film is notable, with textures and makeup effects rendered sharply and authentically. The sharpness throughout is commendable, bringing out the intricacies in both practical effects and natural environments. Despite the robust restoration, inconsistencies in black levels introduce compression artifacts, particularly in shadowy areas. This could marginally distract viewers yet doesn’t significantly detract from an otherwise splendid visual presentation. Arrow Video’s dedication to preserving and enhancing "Horrors of Malformed Men" ensures an engaging visual experience for both new audiences and long-standing fans of classic Japanese cinema.

The audio presentation of "Horrors of Malformed Men" is delivered through an LPCM Mono track in the original Japanese, which emulates the sound quality evocative of its era. While basic elements like dialogue and voiceover are articulated clearly without significant issues, there are signs of age-related wear and tear that present as slight but noticeable distortion during louder effects. For instance, crowd noises in the opening asylum sequence and the roar of waves in some island scenes exhibit some amplitude-related distortion, predominantly in higher frequencies.

The uncompressed 1.0 PCM mono track, although restored from original elements, carries a rough, pitchy character that may feel garbled and underwater, particularly apparent in the opening music sequences. Furthermore, dialogue imbues an aged quality more pronounced than other films from a similar era, with pinched dynamics that restrict the intended impact of shocking scenes. Despite these limitations, the animal sounds utilized during Hijikata's introduction are exceedingly effective, conveying an immersive, animalistic atmosphere. Overall, while the audio track reveals fidelity to its vintage roots and presents inherent technical challenges, it remains a passable restoration and likely represents the optimal auditory presentation achievable for this film.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Horrors of Malformed Men" includes a compelling array of extras, balancing historical context and production insight. Two expert audio commentaries spearhead the collection: one by Tom Mes, providing a relaxed and impressionistic overview, and another by Mark Schilling, offering an informative conversation that delves into director Teruo Ishii's career. An insightful interview with co-writer Masahiro Kakefuda sheds light on the film's production and his extensive career in Japanese genre cinema. Also included are two documentaries from a previous Synapse release featuring Shinya Tsukamoto and Minoru Kawasaki dissecting Ishii’s work and influences. Additional materials comprise an image gallery, the original theatrical trailer, and a booklet containing three enlightening essays. Together, these extras richly enhance the viewing experience by providing extensive background and context.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Tom Mes: Relaxed, impressionistic commentary on Japanese cinema.
• Audio Commentary by Mark Schilling: Informative discussion on Ishii’s career.
• Masahiro Kakefuda: Malformed Movies: New interview with the screenwriter.
• Malformed Memories: Discussions on Ishii’s career by Shinya Tsukamoto and Minoru Kawasaki.
• Ishii in Italia: Footage from an Italian film festival featuring Ishii and Schilling.
• Original Trailer: Theatrical trailer.
• Image Gallery: Collection of stills from the production.

"Horrors of Malformed Men" is a bizarre and entrancing cinematic experience that delves deep into themes of deformity, identity, and madness, wrapped in a surrealist, dreamlike narrative. Directed by Teruo Ishii and based on the works of Edogawa Rampo, the film tells the tale of Hirosuke Hitomi (Teruo Yoshida), an amnesiac medical student who begins his journey in a nightmarish mental asylum. His quest to uncover his past draws parallels with classic films such as "The Island of Dr. Moreau," replete with grotesque manipulations of the human form, sexual illnesses, and elements of erotic grotesque.

The film stands out for its unsettling and almost nightmarish ambiance, enhanced by the bizarre yet captivating performances, particularly by Tatsumi Hijikata, who portrays the island's patriarch with haunting physicality rooted in Butoh dance tradition. The cinematography often oscillates between moments of lush, vibrant visuals and darker, claustrophobic scenarios. However, the narrative sometimes suffers from lapses in logic and convoluted exposition sequences that might detach from the overall immersion.

Furthermore, the film's contentious subject matter and explicit imagery likely contribute to its infamous standing and initial ban in Japan. This includes scenes of pervasive female nudity and disturbing portrayals of mental health — elements that align with the ero-guro niche. Despite these flaws, "Horrors of Malformed Men" remains a culturally fascinating piece that defies easy categorization. The film succeeds in maintaining an intriguing atmosphere with unforgettable dream sequences and provocative thematic explorations, making it a must-watch for those interested in avant-garde horror and Japanese genre cinema.

Arrow Films once again delivers a worthwhile endeavor with its Blu Ray release of "Horrors of Malformed Men," an enigmatic and visually extraordinary film by Teruo Ishii. This formerly unreleased gem in Japan presents a captivating piece of cinema that navigates the boundaries between horror and avant-garde art house. The film exudes a dreamlike quality, making it an intriguing yet somewhat perplexing viewing experience, especially during its culminating sequence filled with explanatory elements that may leave some viewers with lingering questions.

The Blu Ray's technical presentation is solid overall, providing a visually stunning transfer that highlights Ishii’s unique stylistic approach. While some technical imperfections might be noted, they do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. Complimenting the feature, Arrow has curated an impressive set of supplements that enrich the contextual understanding of this complex film. Though it may cater to niche tastes, particularly those of cult collectors and fans of unconventional genre blends, this release stands as an essential acquisition for enthusiasts of world cinema and the offbeat narrative style.

In conclusion, despite an almost funny succession of explanatory elements that are rolled out in the film's closing act, there may be some viewers who are still left with rather sizable questions about what exactly has been going on in the film. As Mes details in his commentary, there is definitely a dreamlike quality to Horrors of Malformed Men, and as such it's kind of a weird Art House take on horror, rather than an outright horror film. Arrow continues to mine world cinema for some unexpected offerings, and this should certainly appeal to cult collectors who enjoy unusual genre offerings, even if I'd be hard pressed to say exactly what genre this particular film is. Technical merits are generally solid, with some exceptions as noted above, and as usual Arrow has assembled some nice supplements. Recommended.