Black Sabbath Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Mario Bava's "Black Sabbath" is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoding. The transfer offers pleasing depth and clarity, maintaining an organic appearance with retained film grain and no recent digital corrections. There are some tiny specks, minor contrast fluctuations, and occasional light color fluttering, which can be expected given the age of the film. Overall image stability is commendable, despite a few instances of shaky transitions.

Colors throughout the Blu-ray have a bold 60s psychedelic vibrancy while being soft and subdued where necessary. The intricate costuming and set design benefit greatly from the strong detail levels and excellent clarity the high-definition transfer offers. Though a few scenes appear soft, and there is some image jitter during the climax of "The Drop of Water," these issues are infrequent. The black levels are richly dark with only slight crush, lending a fantastic sense of depth and an appropriately eerie atmosphere to the film. This edition provides a satisfying visual experience for fans, despite room for improvement. Note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, requiring a compatible player for access.

The Blu-ray release of "Black Sabbath" features a robust English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack. This track boasts impressive depth and clarity, with Les Baxter's jazzy score effortlessly breathing throughout the film. Dialogue is consistently stable and easy to follow, although the occasional light background hiss does emerge. Despite this, there are no significant audio dropouts or digital distortions.

The soundtrack complements the film’s pacing and enhances the ambient and atmospheric space of each short, allowing for a rich auditory experience. While the audio imaging may occasionally feel a bit flat due to the filming techniques, the mix remains strong and engaging. Notably, there are no age-related anomalies, ensuring that the soundtrack maintains a crisp, clean, and natural quality throughout. Though subtitles are notably absent, this does not detract significantly from the listening experience.

The Extras section of the "Black Sabbath" Blu Ray offers an array of engaging and informative content, ensuring fans and enthusiasts receive deep insights into the film's production and Mario Bava's directorial nuances. Tim Lucas' audio commentary stands out with its extensive behind-the-scenes information, making it an enjoyable and educational companion to the main feature. The inclusion of original theatrical trailers, though straightforward, adds a nostalgic touch for viewers, preserving the films' promotional history in high definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film historian Tim Lucas discusses "Black Sabbath" production details, differences between versions, and Bava's directing style.
• Black Sabbath Trailer: The original English-language trailer presented in HD.
• The Crimson Cult Trailer: Original trailer suggesting "The Crimson Cult" as a complementary feature to "Black Sabbath," also in HD.

Mario Bava's "Black Sabbath" (1963) is a landmark in the horror anthology genre, and Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release does justice to its atmospheric legacy. This Blu-ray offers both the English and Italian versions, each with distinct introductions by Boris Karloff and different story sequences. The English cut runs slightly shorter and is a bit less graphic. The film is divided into three tales: "The Telephone," "The Drop of Water," and "The Wurdalak," each showcasing Bava's flair for unsettling storytelling, vivid use of color, and elegant cinematography. The disc's supplemental features include an original trailer and an insightful audio commentary by film historian Tim Lucas, although the absence of optional subtitles may be a downside for some viewers.

"The Telephone" is the most elegant and least transparent of the segments, often hailed for inspiring the giallo sub-genre with its subversive undertones and superb use of color. Michele Mercier stars as Rosy, a call girl tormented by mysterious, obscene phone calls from a supposedly dead man. Her palpable fear is compounded when her complex relationship with another woman, who could be her lover, comes into play. "The Drop of Water" ramps up the intensity with its psychedelic colors and Gothic atmosphere. The story revolves around a nurse (Jacqueline Pierreux) who is tormented by the ghost of a clairvoyant after stealing a ring from her corpse. Its unnerving visuals and steadily escalating dread resonate deeply.

"The Wurdalak" is perhaps the most hauntingly memorable, featuring Boris Karloff in an unforgettable role as Gorca, a family patriarch who returns from hunting a bandit, possibly transformed into a wurdalak—a vampire that preys on loved ones. While its narrative may be the most predictable, its atmospheric tension is paramount, with Ubaldo Terzano’s cinematography delivering masterful shadow and light interplay. Each tale benefits from their various scores—Roberto Nicolosi’s Gothic-jazzy themes in the Italian version, and Les Baxter’s traditional orchestral score in the English one—enhancing the distinct mood of each segment.

Review Summary: Blu-ray Release of Mario Bava's "Black Sabbath"

Mario Bava's "Black Sabbath" offers a timeless slice of horror that continues to captivate audiences, regardless of the version being viewed. Known for its influential cinematography and intense atmosphere, this classic is available on Blu-ray through Kino Lorber, presenting both the Italian and AIP cuts. The audiovisual presentation is commendable, with superior image clarity and audio fidelity, ensuring that Bava's visionary storytelling is experienced as intended. While it’s unfortunate that both versions aren't consolidated into a single release, their availability alone is a substantial bonus for enthusiasts.

When deciding between the Italian version and the AIP cut, the choice largely hinges on personal preference. The Italian cut is often viewed as the more complete and compelling version, providing a richer narrative experience. Region B releases, such as the Arrow Video release, may offer a slightly enhanced presentation but may not be accessible to all viewers. Kino Lorber’s editions remain a strong alternative, especially for those without region-free playback capability.

In conclusion, the presentation of both versions on Blu-ray is a welcome addition to any horror collection. Despite minor grievances regarding the separate releases, the film’s quality and its historical cinematic significance make it an essential acquisition for Mario Bava fans. This release is highly recommended for anyone looking to appreciate a pivotal work within the horror genre. Fans should be satisfied with this Blu-ray release's quality and availability.