The Entity Blu-ray Review

Eureka Entertainment’s Blu-ray release of "The Entity" offers a mixed bag in terms of video quality. Presented in the original 2.35:1 theatrical aspect ratio and encoded in MPEG-4 AVC 1080p, the transfer is derived from the same master used by Anchor Bay’s 2012 release, rather than a newly sourced 4K or 2K master which fans had long hoped for. While the overall appearance benefits from a higher bitrate, elevating it slightly above its predecessor, the presentation still leaves room for improvement. The textures and details are commendable in some scenes, with notable clarity during the darker sequences, including the final act's 'electric lightshow.'

Despite these strengths, several issues persist. Elevated contrast results in occasional harsh grain and a digital edge during certain segments, pointing to an older master’s inherent limitations. Light and moderate crush affect detail stability in darker scenes, reducing depth and fluidity inconsistencies. However, the color scheme retains a good range, if not as richly saturated as a new master might allow. Image stability is generally solid with minimal debris or damage but visible tiny flecks.

In conclusion, while Eureka's offering is an upgrade in terms of encoding and bitrate from previous editions, "The Entity" could have benefitted greatly from higher quality remastering for a more refined visual experience. This Blu-ray release, Region-B locked, holds intrinsic value for fans of the film but remains technically imperfect.

The Blu-ray release of "The Entity" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which while competent, delivers a mixed experience. Dialogue is consistently clear and well-prioritized across the front channels, maintaining intelligibility throughout the film. The score is pivotal in elevating tension during key sequences, effectively utilizing the surround channels to immerse the audience in the intense and dramatic moments, particularly during the assault scenes. Unfortunately, the audio track seldom leaves a lasting impression beyond these specific sequences.

A notable limitation of the audio track is its lack of depth and dynamism. While clarity is commendable, especially for dialogue reproduction, the sound effects come across as somewhat restrained and do not fully exploit the potential of a 5.1 surround sound setup. Despite this, the overall engagement is sustained due to the score's effectiveness and the surround activity during dramatic scenes. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for accessibility, displayed split between the image frame and the black bar below.

Given the historical context of its theatrical release, which reportedly included an original 6-track audio format, it is evident that this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track could benefit from a remaster to enhance depth and dynamic range. An inclusion of a 2.0 stereo track could also offer an interesting alternative reminiscent of its original soundscapes. Overall, while the current audio presentation is solid, it leaves room for improvement to achieve a more impactful aural experience.

The Blu Ray release of "The Entity" features a limited selection of extras that may not fully satisfy viewers seeking comprehensive special features but still offers a slight enhancement over the US release. This edition includes a static menu and a theatrical trailer, providing a glimpse into the film's original promotional materials. The absence of an extensive array of extras is disappointing, yet the inclusion of even minimal content marks an improvement over previous editions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for The Entity. In English, not subtitled.

Sidney J. Furie's 1982 cult classic, "The Entity," remains a gripping psychosexual horror that continues to unsettle audiences decades after its release. This film expertly navigates the fine line between paranormal activity and psychological distress through Barbara Hershey's compelling portrayal of Carla Moran, a single mother tormented by an invisible and malevolent force. Hershey's character is the crux of the film, embodying the tangible terror of supernatural assault while interacting with Ron Silver's science-driven psychoanalyst, Dr. Phil Sneiderman. Their dynamic deftly maintains ambiguity around the reality of Carla's experiences, enriching the narrative beyond standard horror conventions.

Furie's direction, coupled with Stephen Burum's adept cinematography, leverages De Palma-esque dioptic shots and incisive camera angles to heighten visceral tension. The film's sound design, particularly the relentless thumping during attacks, amplifies the nightmarish atmosphere, making these moments harrowingly immersive. However, it's Hershey and Silver's powerful performances that anchor the film, with Hershey’s raw portrayal of fear and Silver’s skeptic resolve providing a compelling tension that drives the story forward.

What sets "The Entity" apart is its ability to blend illogical supernatural elements with grounded psychological interpretation, creating an unsettling ambiguity. This is further accentuated by Furie’s meticulous staging and De Felitta's script, which utilizes sound and visual elements to create a gripping sense of terror. Despite some predictability in its conclusion, "The Entity" remains an exceptional piece of horror cinema enriched by its unique handling of controversial subjects and its psychological depth, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts seeking more than just conventional frights.

Sidney J. Furie's The Entity stands out from typical horror films with its ingenious premise and psychological depth. This chiller, which engages viewers' minds through plausible what-if scenarios and an atmospheric narrative, is based on true events, adding an extra layer of intrigue. The film's ability to maintain suspense and horror makes it a must-watch for genre fans.

Eureka's Region B-locked UK Blu-ray release presents 'The Entity' with video quality that appears to match previous North American versions, offering no significant upgrade in this aspect. The audio quality is solid but not exceptional, providing a satisfactory but not immersive audio experience. Additionally, the release is somewhat sparse in special features, limited to just a trailer, leaving fans desiring more comprehensive content and extras.

A clever approach to the premise elevates The Entity above usual horror fare. Eureka's Region B-locked UK release of The Entity doesn't appear to upgrade the video much, and the audio is solid at best. There are also no extras aside from a trailer, but since there isn't much of a better release out there, it would appear that fans will have to settle for this.