Willard Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Willard" from Scream Factory is a triumph, thanks to a meticulous 4K scan of the original camera negative. The result is an exceptionally clear and detailed visual presentation in 1080p resolution with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Colors are rich and inviting, with period-appropriate oranges, yellows, and boosted primaries lending vibrancy to the film’s aesthetic. The visual quality extends to the intricate detailing in set pieces, clothing textures, and character features, revealing minute details such as the polishing finishes on shoes and the glistening newness of Willard’s car. Grain is maintained tastefully, adding an authentic cinematic texture without detracting from overall clarity.

In terms of depth and contrast, the film benefits significantly from the smooth movements and excellent background clarity. The three-dimensionality of characters against their environments is palpable, enhanced by consistent delineation that captures evening encounters and darker scenes with precision. The blacks are particularly impressive, showing nuanced shades without crushing or losing detail. Skin tones are consistent and natural, capturing the subtleties of facial features with impressive fidelity across various lighting conditions. Artifacts are minimal, confined mostly to occasional film grain and rare imperfections from the source material.

Overall, this Blu-ray presentation is a stellar example of film restoration and encoding. With solid AVC encoding on a BD-50 disc, the viewing experience is enriched by the high level of care in managing the source elements. “Willard” now stands as a testament to meticulous restoration work, offering an unparalleled visual experience that brings new life to the film's original cinematography while preserving its historical authenticity.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of Willard offers a commendable 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix, derived from a new 4K scan of the original camera negative, which preserves the movie's original mono sound with impressive fidelity. Alex North’s monumental score forms the backbone of the soundscape, offering both a commanding presence and finely defined instrumentation that supports the film's dramatic requirements effectively. Dialogue is prominently clear and free from distortive extremes, even during scenes with heightened tension and panic.

The overall dynamics of the audio are surprisingly crisp and spacious for a film from this era. Despite being an early 70s mono track, it manages to maintain an excellent balance between music, sound effects, and dialogue. The mix is more oriented towards the high-end spectrum, providing clarity without a need for deep bass support. Sound effects such as rat screeches and movements are particularly well rendered, contributing positively to the atmosphere. A very mild hum is present in some scenes but it remains subtle and generally undistracting.

In addition to the primary audio presentation, the Blu-ray includes several engaging features such as a new audio commentary and interview with actor Bruce Davison. While the audio may lack modern surround sound elements like Dolby Atmos, it faithfully represents the original sound design with significant detail and clarity, free from common analog hiss or distortion. Overall, this DTS-HD MA mono track serves to enhance the auditory experience of Willard, matching the visual quality of the new 4K scan.

The Blu-Ray extras of "Willard" provide an insightful and engaging experience for fans of the 1971 film. The standout feature is the new 4K scan of the original camera negative, which offers a pristine and detailed visual presentation that revitalizes this classic. The Mono audio track, although limited by its 2.0 channels, is impressively clear and free from discrepancies, rendering both dialogue and sound effects effectively. Actor Bruce Davison's participation in the audio commentary and his interview provide substantial behind-the-scenes insights, including humorous anecdotes and reflections on his career. The inclusion of original promotional materials such as trailers, TV, and radio spots, along with a comprehensive still gallery, enhances the nostalgic value of this offering. A must-have for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage horror cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW 4K scan: Restoration of the original camera negative.
• NEW audio commentary: With actor Bruce Davison.
• NEW interview: With Bruce Davison discussing the production and more.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original HD trailer.
• TV Spot: Original SD television advertisement.
• Radio Spots: High-definition audio advertisements.
• Still Gallery: Promotional and publicity scans including newspaper ads and poster art.

The 1971 adaptation of "Willard," directed by Daniel Mann, presents viewers with a unique blend of horror and character study. Bruce Davison, who owns the title role, delivers a compelling performance as Willard Stiles, a timid young man perpetually subjugated by his cruel boss, Al Martin (Ernest Borgnine), and overbearing mother, Henrietta (Elsa Lanchester). The core storyline revolves around Willard's bond with a group of rats, led by Ben. This connection empowers him to exact revenge on those who've wronged him. While the film has unsettling moments of rat-driven revenge, it never quite reaches the peak of horror, balancing its narrative with a somewhat whimsical tone, further amplified by Alex North’s orchestral score.

Davison’s portrayal brings a complex mix of awkwardness and latent strength to the character, making Willard both sympathetic and tragically flawed. Ernest Borgnine’s performance as the over-the-top adversary adds tension and dark humor, whilst Sondra Locke provides a tender counterbalance as Willard's romantic interest. Notably, Elsa Lanchester infuses color and depth into her role as Willard's mother, adding to the complex family dynamic. Despite the film's inherent peculiarity, its exploration of an emasculated man’s transformation through a connection with vermin keeps it engaging.

The tonal dichotomy of "Willard" can be attributed partly to the film’s atypical 70s horror elements intertwined with light-hearted music and character-driven storytelling. Though not devoid of eerie sequences, especially involving the orchestrated rat attacks, it is the character-driven plot and Davison's nuanced portrayal that stand out. Overall, "Willard" is a fascinating piece—more an exploration of a troubled mind than a conventional horror story. It remains an intriguing artifact of its era, reflecting the quirky yet introspective nature of 70s genre cinema.

Rating: Not Rated by the MPAA

"Willard" (1971) presents an intriguing mix of horror and character study, underscored by Bruce Davison's portrayal of the socially awkward protagonist, Willard. Although the film's tone has softened over the decades, displaying a near-Disney-like family-friendly score juxtaposed with its darker themes, it still retains a unique charm that resonates with viewers. The nostalgic visuals and period-specific aesthetics enhance the experience, despite feeling more akin to 1960s cinema than 1970s style. Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release, featuring a beautifully restored 4K transfer from the original negative and an excellent DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono audio track, does justice to this cult classic, ensuring it looks and sounds better than ever.

The film subtly transitions from a quirky character study in its first half to a more intense nightmare scenario in the latter parts. Director Daniel Mann effectively taps into visceral fears with the rodent attack sequences, which, although primitive by today’s standards, still manage to unsettle. The character development remains central, with Willard's quest for self-reclamation and control over his life adding depth to the narrative. The Blu-ray edition includes valuable extras that cater to both existing fans and newcomers interested in this peculiar tale.

In conclusion, the "Willard" Blu-ray serves as a meticulously curated collector’s item. With its high-quality video and audio enhancements and a complement of bonus content, Scream Factory's release is a commendable package. Despite its dated elements, "Willard" captivates with its eccentric blend of horror and human drama. For enthusiasts and curious first-timers alike, this edition is a must-have.