The Dark Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Dark" by the MVD Rewind Collection is assessed for its technical prowess in a newly remastered AVC encoded 1080p transfer, with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Derived seemingly from the same master as the Code Red edition, notable differences in color timing can be observed. The MVD version exhibits slightly altered hues when compared to its Code Red counterpart, especially evident in flesh tones and reds. Detail levels remain commendable throughout most of the film, yet sporadic dark moments and visual effects scenes may hinder resolution, revealing minor anomalies such as warped frames. Nonetheless, natural grain resolution enhances the film's authenticity.

In spite of its budget origins, MVD provides a masterful transfer for "The Dark," displaying a near-perfect print save for some minor blemishes. The image is stable with consistently excellent grain fidelity, contributing to an impression of sharpness that belies its late '70s vintage. Although fine facial details are not overly pronounced, the high-resolution source ensures that textures are well-rendered across the board. However, the color spectrum remains somewhat lackluster, exhibiting a muted and arid quality with insufficient vibrancy in primary colors. This subdued palette results in an uninspiring depiction of the city's nightscape, where lighting fails to invigorate the surroundings fully.

In terms of black level performance, there are evident shortcomings in reproducing true depth. Shadows tend to range from washed-out browns to deep gray rather than achieving rich blacks, crucial for a film abundant with nocturnal scenes. Fortunately, these lighter shadow areas remain free from noise artifacts, attesting to a solid encoding process. While contrast fails to dazzle across the board, it fares reasonably well relative to other elements within the transfer, highlighting the technical balance achieved by this Blu-ray release.

The audio presentation of "The Dark" on Blu-ray offers a nuanced experience through its LPCM 2.0 track. This format effectively highlights Roger Kellaway's score, blending astringent tones with Berio-influenced whispers to enhance the film's eerie atmosphere. Dialogue is largely clear and accessible, with optional English subtitles providing additional support for clarity. The combination of music and eerie sound elements establishes a distinct spooky flavor that aligns well with the film's intent.

However, budget constraints are noticeably present in the dialogue's presentation. The PCM stereo track presents some challenges, particularly in the upper registers where sounds can become strained and produce a grating, "nails on chalkboard" effect. While the dialogue remains discernible, it lacks the polish one might expect from a higher-end production. Conversely, the musical elements manage to shine despite these constraints, delivering an impressive soundscape that compensates somewhat for the lack of low-end support. Although the overall impact may feel flat or minimal, the track maintains a clean and focused auditory experience.

In summary, while "The Dark" navigates limitations in its audio design, its LPCM 2.0 track ultimately provides a serviceable yet intriguing listening experience. The presentation allows the film's chilling score to flourish amidst some dialogue roughness, offering viewers an engaging, albeit stark, aural accompaniment to the visual narrative.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Dark" offer an immersive dive into the film's creation, richly enhancing the viewing experience. The audio commentary, featuring producer Igor Kantor and director John Bud Cardos, provides valuable insights into the production process. The isolated score track, available in Dolby Digital 2.0, allows fans to appreciate Roger Kellaway's compelling composition in its pure form. Kellaway's 25-minute interview delves deeply into his musical influences, adding a thoughtful layer to his contributions. Meanwhile, Cardos shares nostalgic anecdotes in his engaging 13-minute interview. The package is rounded out with an array of promotional content, including high-definition and standard definition trailers and TV and radio spots for "The Dark" and other MVD releases. Additional collectibles such as a fold-out mini-poster and reversible art ensure this release appeals to collectors and horror aficionados alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion with producer Igor Kantor and director John Bud Cardos.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 for focused listening.
• Interview with Roger Kellaway: In-depth conversation with the composer about his influences and work.
• Interview with John 'Bud' Cardos: Reflective discussion about his involvement with the film.
• Trailers: Includes different versions of trailers and spots for "The Dark" and other titles from the MVD Rewind Collection.

"The Dark" is a fascinating cinematic anomaly, notorious for its tumultuous production history that transitioned from a horror narrative about a rampaging burned boy to a zombie tale, and finally into an alien saga. The abrupt firing of original director Tobe Hooper and the subsequent narrative shifts reflect the unsettled trajectory of its creation. This film curates an eclectic ensemble cast, including William Devane, Cathy Lee Crosby, and Richard Jaeckel, which adds an intriguing layer of allure for its oddity. Devane, sporting an unexpected hippie persona, alongside Crosby as a progressive journalist, injects character depth atypical of the era’s b-movie norms, imbuing the film with nuanced cultural dialogues and a sense of meta-commentary on media practices.

Technically, "The Dark" presents as ponderous and mostly devoid of thrill or tension. Few cinematic moments exude traditional horror excitement, with much of its runtime dedicated to meandering through detective procedures and journalistic endeavors. The film does, however, manage to capture the zeitgeist of a city in decay—its rundown alleyways swathed in shadow narrate a tale of societal unease. Notably, Richard Jaeckel’s encounters with inner city youth deliver compelling interactions that reveal underlying cultural tensions, highlighting the film’s sporadic dips into meaningful discourse.

Despite its missteps and hasty last-minute plot alterations spurred by the contemporary success of "Alien," "The Dark" achieves a certain unsettling ambiance. It straddles genre boundaries awkwardly with its baffling psychics and an extraterrestrial villain wielding improbable laser eyes. Viewed at times as deserving targets of satire from platforms like Mystery Science Theater, this unconventional film merits attention for its earnest attempts at substance where contemporaries often faltered. In balancing absurdity with periods of genuine social introspection, "The Dark" emerges as a cult curiosity worth exploring for both its cinematic audacity and glimpses of thoughtful reflexivity.

"The Dark" on Blu-ray delivers an intriguing blend of horror and sci-fi that reflects both its late 1970s origin and the unconventional approach taken during its production. While the narrative at times struggles with coherence due to changes made mid-production, this unpredictability adds an odd charm that might resonate with genre enthusiasts. The film's stellar ensemble cast, including William Devane, Cathy Lee Crosby, and Richard Jaeckel, ensures a memorable experience despite the narrative hiccups.

From a technical perspective, "The Dark" offers a solid Blu-ray release. The video transfer preserves the film's vintage aesthetic, capturing both its grain structure and color palettes with commendable fidelity. While the audio presentation is not groundbreaking, it competently supports the film's atmospheric score and dialogue clarity. Supplementary materials add notable value, providing insightful context into the film's convoluted production history and reception.

In conclusion, "The Dark" exemplifies a quintessential cult classic—unpredictable yet oddly compelling. The release showcases an intersection of nostalgia and technical quality that should appeal to both completists and new viewers. MVD's potential partnership with Code Red could provide access to films previously out of reach for many fans, making this release a pivotal inclusion for collectors. While its story might not satisfy every horror aficionado due to its inherent silliness, its unique script and solid technical execution support its standing as a worthwhile addition to the genre’s catalog.