Audrey Rose Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Imprint Blu-ray release of "Audrey Rose" delivers a 1080p transfer sourced from an existing MGM master, closely mirroring the Twilight Time's 2014 version. Despite the age of the original scan, Imprint's iteration offers a slight improvement with less artificial brightening compared to its predecessor. This adjustment helps reduce excessive noise and enhance black levels slightly, though it doesn't significantly alter the overall viewing experience.

Substantial issues persist, including a lack of fine detail, generally mushy image quality, and weak color saturation. These flaws highlight the dated nature of the original master used for both releases. Imprint's approach, focusing on minor refinement rather than a comprehensive restoration, suggests the label prioritizes packaging and extras over video fidelity improvements.

In summary, while the Imprint Blu-ray marginally outshines the Twilight Time release in certain areas, the overall picture quality remains underwhelming by current standards. The transfer's limited enhancements only underscore the need for a more exhaustive restoration to do justice to the film's visual potential.

The Blu-ray release of "Audrey Rose" from Imprint continues to offer a refined auditory experience through its LPCM 2.0 audio track, which mirrors the DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mix present in Twilight Time’s 2014 edition. The audio fidelity and volume levels are noted to be consistent with earlier releases, ensuring a stable listening experience for those familiar with the previous version. Additionally, an alternate Isolated Score track in LPCM 2.0 format is included, prominently featuring Michael Small's musical compositions, offering a rich layer to the auditory landscape.

Despite the technical equivalency between the LPCM 2.0 and DTS-HD 2.0 tracks, the audio presentation remains understated, with minimal emphasis on dynamic sound effects or comprehensive ambient soundscapes. It provides a comprehensive listening journey that, while full, lacks vibrancy and sonic variation. This might appeal more to purists who appreciate a faithful reproduction of the original soundtrack rather than enhanced acoustic dynamics.

For accessibility, the Blu-ray includes optional English (SDH) subtitles available for the film and relevant bonus features. This ensures that the presentation is inclusive and caters to a wider audience beyond just auditory considerations.

Imprint's Blu-Ray release of "Audrey Rose" provides an impressive array of extras, serving as a noteworthy enhancement over the previous out-of-print versions. The standout feature is the deeply informative audio commentary by film historian Samm Deighan, offering critical insights into the film's genre blending, Anthony Hopkins' theatrical influence, and production intricacies under the guidance of Robert Wise. The supplementary interviews, such as Frank De Felitta discussing his paranormal fascinations and Martha Mason reflecting on her role, infuse a robust behind-the-scenes perspective. Moreover, Kim Newman's exploration of the film's spiritual themes and Lee Gambin's visual essay on reincarnation enrich the viewer's understanding of "Audrey Rose" within its thematic context. Daniel Sweiger’s discussion on Michael Small’s score complements an isolated score track, providing a holistic view of the film’s auditory landscape. Overall, these extras significantly elevate the value of this Blu-Ray release.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track by Samm Deighan focusing on genre, production, and more.
• Investigator: The Paranormal World of Frank De Felitta: Interview discussing paranormal themes and career.
• Kim Newman on Audrey Rose: Analysis of religious and cultural themes.
• The Role of a Mother - An Interview with Martha Mason: Reflection on experiences and cast.
• I've Been Here Before - Reincarnation on Film by Lee Gambin: Visual essay on supernatural themes.
• Hypnotist - Inside the Score for Audrey Rose: Discussion on Michael Small’s musical score.
• Isolated Score Track: Film’s score presented separately.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.

Robert Wise's "Audrey Rose," now reissued on Blu-ray by Imprint, is an attempt to revive a 1977 supernatural thriller that originally underwhelmed audiences. This release features a slightly improved transfer and a suite of bonus features that hint at redemption for unapologetic fans of the film. Despite the initial comparison to "The Exorcist," this adaptation of Frank De Felitta’s novel strains to maintain horror conventions, ultimately veering into legal drama territory. Anthony Hopkins delivers a commendable performance; however, the film's fluctuating tone and underdeveloped characters dilute his character’s impact. The narrative struggles with cohesion, maintaining an element of intrigue in its first half before dissipating as it transitions clumsily into courtroom melodrama.

"Audrey Rose" mirrors its era's fascination with horror but falls short of the gripping suspense exemplified in peers like "Rosemary's Baby." The film, under Robert Wise's direction, presented an opportunity to capitalize on its eerie premise but stumbled due to pacing and execution issues. The initial act harnesses suspense effectively; however, the shift towards dramatic exposition fails to uphold the tension. Box office figures reflected this dissonance, with earnings failing to recuperate production costs.

Visually, the Blu-ray from Imprint packages "Audrey Rose" attractively with alternate artwork showcasing chilling scenes. While the disc's enhancements aim to capture interest, viewers may find that the film's technical qualities outshine an otherwise lackluster narrative. Whereas Hopkins' and Mason's performances provide moments of gravitas, they cannot wholly compensate for the film’s incongruent storytelling arc. This release remains a curious artifact of 1970s horror cinema for its stylistic aspiration rather than achievements in thrilling storytelling, inviting a reevaluation more for its historical value than its entertainment prowess.

The Blu-ray release of "Audrey Rose," directed by the legendary Robert Wise, offers a mix of impressive and underwhelming aspects, much like the film itself. Featuring an occasionally haunting atmosphere and a strong performance by Anthony Hopkins, the movie successfully captivates audiences with its premise and tension-building scenes, especially in the first half. However, the narrative’s shift into a slower-paced drama dampens this energy, leaving some viewers puzzled by its uneven execution. Despite these flaws, "Audrey Rose" has cultivated a cult following that will appreciate Imprint's new edition.

In terms of technical quality, Imprint's Blu-ray somewhat improves upon the 2014 Twilight Time release with a modestly enhanced 1080p transfer. Although not groundbreaking, the visual presentation is complemented by a serviceable audio track that meets but doesn’t exceed expectations. The standout feature of this edition is its array of film-specific bonus content and sleek packaging. These elements bolster the overall appeal for collectors and fans alike, ensuring that this release is a worthy addition to their library.

In conclusion, while "Audrey Rose" may not consistently deliver on its initial promise of horror and suspense, its gripping first half and exceptional bonus features make it a compelling watch for cinema enthusiasts and collectors. Despite technical limitations, Imprint's Blu-ray release stands out as a valuable opportunity to own this film in a still-available format. Recommended for those intrigued by its dramatic exploration and historical significance in genre filmmaking.