The Witches Blu-ray Review

Arrow Academy's Blu-ray presentation of "The Witches" features a commendable 1080p AVC encoded transfer in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The source material, a 35mm interpositive, was meticulously scanned in 2K resolution using a Lasergraphics Director Scanner, with subsequent grading and restoration conducted at Pinewood utilizing DaVinci Resolve and PFClean software. Thousands of imperfections such as dirt, debris, and scratches were digitally corrected, and image stability was enhanced. Notably, distinct interpositive elements were used for the English language sections, with occasional minor frame repositioning required to address heavy scratches at the image's edge.

Despite some inherent limitations—such as an occasional gauzy softness in detail and a slightly anemic contrast that affects darker scenes—this restoration yields a generally satisfying visual experience. The color palette remains varied yet slightly subdued, with hues maintaining a natural appearance but lacking vibrancy. Close-up shots reveal good detail levels, while the film boasts naturally resolving grain which lends to its organic look. Restoration efforts have effectively minimized film damage, leaving no significant scratches or blemishes.

The anthology nature of "The Witches," directed by different directors, introduces variability in visual qualities. Still, Arrow Films successfully delivers a stable and serviceable presentation that honors the original film elements. The film's black levels and shadow delineation, while sometimes compromised in a couple of episodes, remain adequate within the context of 1960s Italian cinema production standards. Arrow Films' expertise is evident in this solid transfer that provides a genuine film-like appearance with visible improvement from previous versions.

The audio presentation of "The Witches" on the Blu Ray employs a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix, embodying a characteristic sound that often accompanies post-looped Italian films. The overall audio quality is slightly detached and somewhat boxy, with a midrange that feels compressed. Despite these limitations, the dialogue remains clear and intelligible, never masked significantly during playback. Notably, there are no major issues with dropouts or interruptions, preserving the integrity of the sound throughout.

Both the original Italian and the English dub soundtracks are presented in solid 1.0 DTS-HD MA quality. The Italian monaural mix exudes a punchy and authentic sound, which complements its familiar score, albeit with some minor hiss when pushed to its limits. The English dub also maintains a similar fidelity, providing a decent auditory experience for those who prefer it. Optional English subtitles for Italian dialogue and English SDH subtitles are provided in a clear white font, ensuring accessibility for all viewers.

In conclusion, while the audio mastery of "The Witches" on Blu Ray may exhibit some artificiality and compression typical of its genre, the DTS-HD MA Mono mix delivers a reliable and intelligible soundtrack. Its preservation of the original elements and clear subtitle options contribute to an overall satisfying auditory experience for the audience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Witches" offer a well-rounded package, catering to both aficionado and new viewers of Italian cinema. The primary attraction is the inclusion of the English-language dub, notable for Clint Eastwood's own vocal performance in Vittorio De Sica's segment, "An Evening Like the Others". The impeccable A/V quality matches that of the main feature, providing a seamless viewing experience. Equally noteworthy is the audio commentary by film critic Tim Lucas, which, although somewhat formulaic, offers extensive insights into the cast and crew, enhancing viewer appreciation. First pressings feature a reversible sleeve with original and newly commissioned artwork by Graham Humphreys, and a collector’s booklet with essays from Pasquale Iannone and Kat Ellinger, adding significant value to the release.

Extras included in this disc:

• English Dub Cut of The Witches: Slightly shorter version with Clint Eastwood’s own voice.
• Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas: In-depth insights into the Italian film scene.
• Illustrated Collector's Booklet: Essays by Pasquale Iannone and Kat Ellinger.
• Reversible Sleeve: Original and new artwork by Graham Humphreys.

"The Witches," a 1967 anthology film, is a fascinating yet uneven showcase of Silvana Mangano's talents, assembled by the legendary producer Dino de Laurentiis. The film consists of five unrelated episodes, each directed by a notable Italian director, including Luchino Visconti, Vittorio de Sica, and Pier Paolo Pasolini. Each segment offers Mangano in various enigmatic roles, from a celebrated actress to a suburban housewife, but the concept of 'witches' is explored more metaphorically than literally.

Luchino Visconti's installment, "The Witch Burned Alive," opens the film with a compelling exploration of stardom's burdens. It follows a famous actress confronting the superficiality of her glamorous life in a somewhat surreal and extended gathering at a mountain resort. This episode sets a high bar with its intellectual examination of fame but lacks emotional depth. Mauro Bolognini's "Civic Duty" and Franco Rossi's "The Sicilian Belle" serve as brief comedic interludes that range from the bizarre to darkly humorous, providing moments of levity amidst the more weighty narratives.

The standout segments are Pasolini's "The Earth as Seen from the Moon" and de Sica's "An Evening Like the Others." Pasolini's surreal tale features legendary comedian Totò in an absurd quest for a new wife, blending slapstick humor with darker undertones. De Sica's contribution sees Clint Eastwood cast as Mangano's uninspiring husband in a darkly comedic portrayal of marital malaise. Despite Eastwood’s odd casting, his presence adds a layer of commercial intrigue to the film.

Overall, "The Witches" is an eclectic mix of genres and styles, held together by Mangano’s versatile performances. While the anthology's quality varies between segments, it remains a noteworthy collection, particularly for fans of retro Italian cinema and the involved directors’ broader oeuvres.

"The Witches" is a 1960s Italian anthology film that, while slightly chaotic, offers a unique viewing experience showcasing the talents of Silvana Mangano. As a medium for demonstrating Mangano's versatility and range, the film succeeds adequately. However, the anthology format results in a disjointed narrative structure, with stories that vary widely in style and coherence. The inclusion of notable directors and even a minor performance by Clint Eastwood provides some interest, yet the overall anthology might appear too eclectic and erratic for non-Italian audiences.

Visually, Arrow's Blu-ray release ensures that the film looks appreciably better than previous versions, with solid picture quality and a clear audio track. The technical execution is commendable, enhancing the viewing experience with crisp visuals and well-balanced sound, though it may not stand out as a reference-quality disc. Notably, the release includes an engaging commentary and supplementary material that cinephiles will find enriching, particularly those interested in Italian cinema or the directors involved.

In summary, "The Witches" is a mixed bag, borrowing its strengths from the talent involved but failing to deliver a cohesive or memorable anthology narrative. As a showcase for Mangano, the film accomplishes its objective but may not resonate deeply with a broader audience. Nevertheless, Arrow Video has provided a well-packaged release that will appeal to fans of classic cinema by offering insightful extras and solid technical delivery.