The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals" by Severin Films delivers a markedly improved viewing experience when compared to its notoriously poor VHS predecessor. This 1969 cult film, previously unreleased until 1986, benefits from a new 4K scan applied to an internegative, a crucial detail highlighted by Severin's website. The transfer is encoded with a high-bitrate AVC on a BD-50, offering a reasonable level of detail and vibrant colors in specific scenes, particularly outdoor daylight sequences. However, darker scenes, which dominate the film, reveal some technical limitations such as rampant crushing and heavy grain. Despite minor recurrent damage and a generally dark and blueish color temperature, the video offers a satisfactory improvement given the film's budget and historical neglect.

The elements used for this transfer shed light on several technical attributes that aficionados will find noteworthy: the grain structure varies significantly, at times becoming exceedingly thick, which may distract some viewers. While the description suggests scanning from the original negative, it is more probable that the internegative was used, which aligns with the observed visual output. The film's darker segments showcase opaque black levels and often weak shadow delineation, contributing to instances where detail notably diminishes. Overall, while not achieving the pristine clarity of a major Hollywood production from the era, this Blu-ray offers an accomplished and appreciable rescue of Oliver Drake’s lost production for its genre, providing both charm and nostalgia for aficionados of vintage monster movies.

The audio presentation of "The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals" Blu-ray offers a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track that showcases the inherent limitations one might expect from a film of its era and budget. While the audio competently delivers an intriguing score, incorporating a diverse selection of instruments and baroque pop influences, it is not without its shortcomings. The amplitude and clarity of the track vary noticeably, sometimes resulting in an audio experience that feels thin and lacking in depth, especially at both the high and low ends.

Dialogue clarity is generally satisfactory, though there are moments where it becomes challenging to discern, affecting the overall engagement with the film. This issue, however, is mitigated by the inclusion of optional English subtitles, which aid in maintaining comprehension during these instances. The soundtrack's dynamic range is somewhat limited, which can contribute to a cramped audio output that does not fully utilize modern audio technology.

Despite its limitations, the 2.0 Mono track delivers a serviceable listening experience, reflecting its status as a rarely-seen, low-budget B-movie. While it may not provide a rich or expansive soundscape, it retains a charm and character that align well with the film’s niche appeal. For those interested in the film's thematic and musical elements, this audio track represents an acceptable rendition of a period-appropriate auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals" present a fascinating deep dive into its production background and connected works, with a peculiar yet engaging mix of historical insights and rare cinematic finds. Whether exploring the history of Vega International or understanding Oliver Drake’s directorial complexities, these features are professionally crafted to cater to enthusiasts. The inclusion of "Angelica, The Young Vixen" as a bonus film, despite its damaged state, adds a rare curiosity from the era that potentially eclipses the main feature in interest. The commentary on this bonus film provides expert analysis and context, elevating its significance. Overall, these extras are a valuable resource for film historians and aficionados alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Vega International Story: Stephen Thrower provides a history lesson on this production house.
• Cowboys, Mummies and Oliver Drake: C. Courtney Joyner explores the film’s director's career.
• Investing in the Jackal: Interview with a backer’s son reflecting on the investment tale.
• Angelica, the Young Vixen: A damaged yet interesting softcore bonus film.
• Audio Commentary for Angelica, the Young Vixen: An informative discussion moderated by Andrew Frittato.

"The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals" is a distinctive homage to the bygone b-movie era, wherein director Oliver Drake ventures into horror with his trademark budget constraints yet retains an oddly enchanting atmosphere. This film, an unreleased relic from 1969, juxtaposes Vegas glitz with hampered monstrosity, evoking the shoestring creativity reminiscent of an Ed Wood production. Anthony Eisley stars as archaeologist David Barrie, whose infatuation with a resurrected Egyptian princess—flawlessly preserved by Marliza Pons—leads to bizarre transformations and chaotic street theatrics. John Carradine’s minimal yet memorable appearance bolsters the film's nostalgic charm amidst seriously questionable make-up effects and a storyline grounded in inexplicability.

Set against the vibrancy of the Las Vegas strip, "The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals" offers an unusual spectacle as mummies and werewolf-like creatures navigate public confusion. Eisley’s portrayal sometimes falters with rigidity, although Pons manages to infuse liveliness into her role as the ancient princess adapting to modernity. The narrative permits enjoyment for those willing to embrace its camp, with its tongue-in-cheek developments such as using mistaken identity to sidestep language barriers presented humorously through divine intervention.

This lo-fi production embodies a peculiar kind of visual appeal, capturing the essence of vintage drive-in theater culture where curiosity mingles with low-quality horror presentation. Despite its cinematic flaws and rudimentary special effects, the film delivers an amusement rooted in its lack of self-seriousness. Lovingly inadequate and creatively ambitious, "The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals" carves a niche among aficionados of quirky, obsolete cinema, offering entertainment that’s charmingly mismatched with its intent to terrify.

"The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals" Blu-ray release has garnered attention for its audacious premise and nostalgic appeal. Viewers are treated to a markedly unconventional narrative featuring a mummy, a werewolf, and a resurrected Egyptian princess navigating the glitzy and chaotic landscape of Las Vegas. This film stands as an eccentric piece of cinema that may find favor with aficionados of cult classics and those appreciative of its inadvertently comedic elements. Although often veering into the realm of the incomprehensible, its quirky nature renders it a suitable candidate for light-hearted viewing, perhaps even enhanced by a playful drinking game.

The technical aspects of this Blu-ray release present a mixed bag; while improvements in video and audio quality are evident, they remain constrained by inherent limitations stemming from the source material's age and production values. Severin's dedication to enriching the viewing experience is apparent through the inclusion of engaging supplementary content, notable for providing context and insight into the film's unique production history. The standout among these features is an informative segment by Stephen Thrower, who delves into the film's underbelly with a touch of humor that might echo the irreverence shown by Mystery Science Theater 3000.

In conclusion, "The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals" resonates as an eccentric escapade, offering viewers a combination of whimsy and bewilderment. Despite its technical constraints, the film's charm lies in its audacity and peculiar mix of elements. The well-curated supplements add significant value, making this release an intriguing point of discussion for dedicated fans or those looking to explore cinema of a decidedly unconventional nature.