Ten Little Indians Blu-ray Review

Scorpion Releasing presents "Ten Little Indians" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.67:1 aspect ratio, contrary to liner notes indicating 1.78:1. The transfer evidently underwent minimal restoration, resulting in frequent and noticeable damage, including flecks, specks, and scratches. The opening credits appear particularly ragged and are more so in comparison to the included Italian credits sequence. The film’s coloration tends toward the brown spectrum, which affects reds, turning them into oranges, and gives flesh tones a somewhat muddy appearance. Day-for-night sequences exhibit a hazy quality with limited detail, although brighter scenes show improved, albeit not exceptional, detail levels.

The overall sharpness of the film is variable. While many segments exhibit very good sharpness and vibrant color reproduction, others appear dated with soft shots and a distinctly grainier texture, especially noticeable in the desert establishing shots. There are occasional signs of artificial sharpening, and some frames display slightly out-of-focus corners, more pronounced on the right side. Black levels are satisfactory but not outstanding. Additionally, viewers may notice occasional black or white scratches on the print. While certainly watchable, the video quality falls short of optimal standards. The film is divided into 15 chapters for convenience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix for "Ten Little Indians" unfortunately leaves much to be desired, mirroring the shortcomings of its visual presentation. Pervasive hiss and a persistent series of pops and crackles mar the audio experience, impacting the overall clarity and listening quality. The heavy accents of several performers, coupled with the absence of subtitles, present additional challenges, making some dialogue difficult to decipher. Though most of the audio is understandable, its fidelity is compromised by noticeable age-related wear and tear, which detracts from the overall enjoyment.

Furthermore, dialogue recording suffers from poor miking and occasional mumbling by the actors, leading to moments where spoken lines are barely audible. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track's deficiencies also extend to its musical elements, with Carlo Rustichelli's atonal background score threading in at odd intervals, only sporadically aligning effectively with the film's tone. While atmospheric effects such as wind, crashing thunder, and various "bumps in the night" are adequately rendered, they do little to elevate a sound mix affected by age-related imperfections.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "Ten Little Indians" offer a rich compilation of content that enhances the viewing experience for enthusiasts. The Audio Commentary by Nathaniel Thompson and Howard S. Berger is particularly engaging and informative, despite some audio fidelity issues. The commentators are deeply knowledgeable and provide detailed insights on various adaptations, the production, and key figures like Towers and Collinson. Additionally, the Italian Credits feature striking visual quality, offering an alternative perspective on the film's introduction and conclusion. The package also includes an eclectic mix of Play Trailers, featuring both the main trailers and some promotional spots. Notably, this disc also supplies Promo Trailers for several other films.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion by Nathaniel Thompson and Howard S. Berger.
• Italian Credits: High-quality opening and closing credit sequences.
• Theatrical Trailers: Main trailer and spot ad.
• Promo Trailers: Previews for other films such as City on Fire, Barbarosa, etc.

Harry Alan Towers' 1974 adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic novel "Ten Little Indians" attempts to add a unique flavor by setting the story in a luxurious Iranian hotel. This iteration, notable for being the first color version, parallels the previously filmed narrative from Tower's own 1965 production with some modifications, primarily in location and minor plot elements. Despite these changes, the familiarity of Christie's original plot inevitably results in few surprises for the audience well-versed with the tale. Fernando Arribas' cinematography intelligently utilizes the hotel setting, crafting artful depth and simultaneous character interactions within the frames. However, despite the visual finesse, performances fluctuate with Oliver Reed's and Elke Sommer's chemistry not quite capturing the necessary tension, though Richard Attenborough's portrayal of Judge Arthur Cannon stands out exceptionally.

While Tower's adaptation draws heavily from the mood of 1974’s "Murder on the Orient Express", merging stylistic elements for a similar international appeal, it does present a more sinister ambiance compared to previous renditions. The scene involving murky shadows in the hotel basement culminates in a distinctively stark and suspenseful stabbing murder, a highlight that surpasses the corresponding scenes of Tower's earlier work. Despite its aims to incite shuddery terror with low angle shots and strategic musical cues, where it falters is in the delivery of dynamic character eccentricities and logical consistency of some murder sequences, slightly diluting the thrill.

This film maintains a quintessentially stylish veneer with its exotic setting and intriguing architectural framings but fails to overcome the predictability inherent in retold narratives. While an undeniable charm is evoked through the performance of ensemble cast members like Gert Fröbe and Herbert Lom, and a memorable moment wherein Charles Aznavour performs "The Old Fashioned Way", some roles feel underdeveloped, reflecting perhaps a certain fatigue in repetitive engagements with the source material.

The Blu-ray release of "Ten Little Indians" offers an intriguing yet mixed package for both Agatha Christie enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Adapting one of Christie's most famous stories, this version stands out with its exotic Iranian location, adding a fresh perspective to the classic narrative. Notably, the cast delivers commendable performances that elevate the film, even if it falls short when compared to earlier adaptations. However, the disc’s technical shortcomings, including inconsistent picture quality and subpar sound, may detract from the overall viewing experience for some audiences.

Despite these drawbacks, the long-awaited high-definition availability of this particular rendition is a notable plus. The transfer, while not perfect, offers a decent improvement over previous versions that have been hard to come by. Additionally, the included commentary track is a highlight, providing insightful and entertaining context that may appeal to die-hard Christie fans. The added value here slightly offsets the technical issues, making it a worthwhile consideration for those who appreciate detailed background and production insights.

In conclusion, while I cannot wholeheartedly recommend this release due to its technical deficiencies, it still holds appeal for Christie aficionados. The unique setting and strong performances provide enough entertainment value to overlook some flaws. If you are a Christie completist and can tolerate some technical imperfections, this version of "Ten Little Indians" may still be worth your time.