Two Evil Eyes Blu-ray Review

"Two Evil Eyes" brings a mixed bag in terms of video quality across its two segments, both presented in a 1080p high definition transfer. The first story, "The Facts in the Case of Mr. Valdemar," directed by Romero, exhibits a more subdued visual style, with colors that are occasionally washed-out yet sometimes pop with vibrancy, particularly in reds. There's a consistency in grain that speaks to the film's vintage, along with minimal age-related damage. Blacks are improved, offering a better shadow definition than previous releases. Despite this, the image sometimes seems softened, especially in darker areas which tend to lean towards grey, although detail shines through notably in certain grotesque elements and settings.

Argento's "The Black Cat," on the other hand, leans into a heavier grain and fluctuating contrast, paired with inconsistent coloring that somewhat detracts from the visual cohesiveness. However, this segment excels in clarity, especially regarding makeup effects and the finer details of horror, providing an almost tactile sense of dread. Black levels are pronounced, enhancing both interior scenes and the more atmospheric moments Argento is known for. The overall visual experience is a significant improvement over prior home video releases, with notable attention to detail and an absence of severe noise reduction or artificial enhancements that could mar the filmic texture.

Throughout both stories, there's a palpable effort to maintain a high definition presentation that respects the source material. While neither segment hits the pinnacle of what Blu-ray can offer, they present a commendable upgrade with solid colors, adequate detail, and minimal distractions from digital anomalies. Noise presence varies but is generally well-handled, avoiding intrusion upon the viewing experience. The transfers might not dazzle consistently across the board but they represent a faithful and improved rendition of this horror anthology for fans and newcomers alike.

The audio presentation of "Two Evil Eyes" on Blu Ray, a collaboration between famed directors Romero and Argento, leaves much to be desired, according to several critical reviews. Both the DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 and Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless soundtracks seem to offer more in terms of quantity rather than quality, featuring a surplus of channels that ultimately contribute little to the surround sound experience. Notably, the effort to create an immersive auditory environment falls short, with most sound effects and musical cues failing to leverage the full potential of the rear and side channels. The choice to include such expansive audio options seems to be more of a marketing decision by Blue Underground rather than a necessity dictated by the original audio mix.

The films themselves present a front-loaded experience that tends to be tinny, with notable instances where dialogue sounds hollow and lacks directionality, creating an unsettling echo effect, especially prominent in "The Black Cat." This inconsistency in dialogue clarity, coupled with ambient sounds such as cat hisses being perceived as overdone or even artificially inserted, detracts from what could have been a solid stereo presentation. While some minimal stereo imaging is acknowledged, like the effects of rain, doors shutting, and occasional score bleed into the rear channels, these elements do not compensate for the overall lackluster execution of the surround mix.

Moreover, the disparity between the two segments is evident. "The Facts in the Case of Mr. Valdemar" manages to achieve a decent audio output, with dialogue and effects somewhat clearly defined, albeit still suffering from a lack of sharpness and dynamic range. On the other hand, "The Black Cat" experiences further drawbacks with its unequally mixed soundstage, where music often feels subdued compared to the effects and dialogue, diminishing the atmospheric tension crucial to Argento's storytelling. The addition of a Dolby Digital EX 5.1 track does little to amend these issues, indicating a missed opportunity for Blue Underground to focus on enhancing the original stereo presentation rather than expanding into unwarranted multi-channel territories.

The Blu-ray extras for "Two Evil Eyes" provide a comprehensive peek behind the curtain of this horror anthology, expertly melding the macabre sensibilities of directors George A. Romero and Dario Argento. The highlight is "Two Masters' Eyes," a richly-produced featurette by Blue Underground, offering insightful retrospectives from Romero, both Argentos, and Tom Savini, enriched by precious on-set footage and interviews, including a candid look at Dario Argento's reflections on Edgar Allan Poe and behind-the-scenes interactions. Savini's special effects genius is showcased in detail in "Savini's EFX," while "At Home With Tom Savini" presents an intimate, though cluttered glimpse into his personal collection of movie memorabilia. The package is rounded out by a brief but sweet interview with Adrienne Barbeau on Romero, and the original theatrical trailer. Despite the lack of new material and the presentation of all features in standard-definition, this selection of extras remains an enticing proposition for fans, serving as both a testament to the film's legacy and a deep dive into its creation process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Two Masters' Eyes: Interviews with the creative team discussing the conceptualization and filming of "Two Evil Eyes."
• Savini's EFX: A detailed behind-the-scenes look at the special make-up effects crafted for the film.
• At Home with Tom Savini: A personal tour of Savini's home, showcasing his extensive collection of movie props and memorabilia.
• Adrienne Barbeau on George Romero: An interview segment with Barbeau reflecting on her experiences with director George Romero.
• Theatrical Trailer: The film's original theatrical trailer.

"Two Evil Eyes," a cinematic venture by horror stalwarts George A. Romero and Dario Argento, attempts to blend Edgar Allan Poe's gothic storytelling with the directors' unique horror sensibilities but ends with mixed results. The film, divided into two segments—"The Facts in the Case of Mr. Valdemar" by Romero and "The Black Cat" by Argento—strives to navigate the murky waters of psychological terror and moral degradation. However, it often falls short of its ambitious mark, lacking in both cohesion and the visceral punch fans might expect from such renowned filmmakers. Despite these shortcomings, the film remains an intriguing watch, largely for its thematic exploration of human vice and the supernatural.

Romero's segment, while teeming with potential, is criticized for its somewhat dated production values and over-the-top character portrayals, which, although entertaining, detract from the film's overall impact. The narrative, rooted in themes of greed and betrayal, seems to offer a commentary on societal ills but struggles to maintain the eerie atmosphere essential to effective horror storytelling. On the other side, Argento's "The Black Cat" presents a more visually striking experience with a tighter script and commendable performances, notably from Harvey Keitel. Yet, it too suffers from an overly ambitious attempt to modernize Poe's tale, resulting in a convoluted plot that leaves viewers perplexed by its erratic pacing and bewildering conclusion.

Technically, the Blu-ray presentation of "Two Evil Eyes" does offer some redemption with high-quality visuals and sound that enhance the viewing experience, though it notably lacks in immersive audio options. Highlights of this release include behind-the-scenes insights and interviews that shed light on Argento's creative process, as well as Tom Savini's exceptional effects work, which stands out as a testament to his craftsmanship. Despite its flaws, "Two Evil Eyes" serves as a testament to the directors' efforts to pay homage to Poe’s legacy, offering enough substance for fans of the genre and the directors' broader oeuvre to consider it worth their time, albeit with managed expectations.

"Two Evil Eyes," a Blu-ray release from Blue Underground, presents a unique double-feature experience from horror maestros George A. Romero and Dario Argento. Romero's "The Facts in the Case of Mr. Valdemar" delivers a more direct narrative, combining minimal scares with rich social commentary, while Argento's "The Black Cat" delves into the essence of horror, exploring the disintegration of humanity through a tale of paranoia and confrontation. This disc, aimed at the connoisseur of horror, boasts strong video quality and adequate lossless audio, though it may not surpass expectations set by modern standards. The inclusion of a healthy suite of supplemental materials further enriches this offering, making it a noteworthy addition for fans of the genre or the directors.

Despite its merits, "Two Evil Eyes" falls somewhat short of the high watermark set by both directors in their prime. The video transfer, while solid, does not fully escape criticism, and the audio tracks, although passable, might not meet the audiophile's expectation for clarity and depth. Nonetheless, the concept of pairing these two shorter films enhances the package's appeal, presenting an interesting study contrast for aficionados of Romero and Argento's work.

In conclusion, while "Two Evil Eyes" may not represent the pinnacle of either director's career, it stands as an engaging piece within their oeuvres. The Blu-ray edition by Blue Underground admirably compiles the films with appreciable video quality and a satisfying collection of extras, suggesting it as a valuable addition for dedicated horror collectors. However, given some limitations in audiovisual execution, those with a casual interest may prefer to explore it as a rental rather than a purchase, particularly during the Halloween season when its themes resonate most vibrantly.