Midnight Blu-ray Review

Severin Films has delivered an impressive video presentation of "Midnight" on Blu-ray, utilizing a 1080p AVC encoded transfer in a 1.67:1 aspect ratio, derived from a 4K scan of the rumored uncut version's negative. The clarity and detail are commendable for a film of its niche status, although slight variances in these elements are noticeable, likely due to location shooting challenges. The enhanced depth and vibrancy in the image surpass previous DVD releases, notably Lionsgate's, offering a significant upgrade in visual quality.

The reframing of the film from its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio to 1.66:1 enhances the viewing experience, allowing more depth and color. Black levels are particularly robust, accentuating scenes with characters against dark backgrounds. Despite some minor fluctuations in detail during outdoor scenes—possibly attributable to older or duplicated film elements—the overall presentation remains striking. The medium grain is handled adeptly and works in concert with strong contrast levels, maintaining a natural look true to its 35 mm origins.

While there is evidence of age-related flaws such as speckling, scratches, and slight instability, these aspects remain minimal and unobtrusive, preserving the film's authentic feel. Overall, Severin Films’ release offers a more meticulous and engaging visual experience that respectfully showcases "Midnight," highlighting its cinematography and enhancing its cult legacy.

The audio presentation of the "Midnight" Blu-ray offers DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 tracks, delivering a competent yet understated aural experience. The surround track adeptly enhances the atmospheric score from Mike Mazzei, particularly noticeable in the outdoor scenes, providing a subtle but appreciable layer of immersion. While not saturated with dramatic audio effects, the 5.1 surround mix effectively expands the soundstage without overwhelming the listener. For many, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track may prove sufficient, ensuring flexibility for various listener preferences.

Dialogue is consistently clear and undamaged across both tracks, maintaining high intelligibility crucial to following the narrative seamlessly. The 5.1 track does push elements to the surrounding speakers more emphatically compared to its 2.0 counterpart, although the dynamic difference is minimal between them. Both tracks deliver sound effects adequately, reinforcing the overall fidelity without resorting to unnecessary embellishments. Optional English subtitles are available, ensuring accessibility for diverse audience needs.

Overall, this audio offering does justice to the film's soundtrack, balancing clarity with immersive detail without depending on excessive enhancement. It provides solid performance across 5.1 and 2.0 configurations, catering to both surround sound enthusiasts and those preferring straightforward stereo setups.

The Blu Ray extras for "Midnight" constitute a compelling behind-the-scenes look into this cult horror classic, offering an array of interesting insights and historical context. At the forefront is the Isolated Score Selections featuring composer Mike Mazzei, where he delves into his film scoring techniques and career highlights in Pittsburgh. Significant contributions also come from filmmaker John A. Russo in the feature Making Midnight, detailing production challenges with anecdotes about his post-Night of the Living Dead era. Producer Sam Sherman lends his perspective in Producing Midnight, discussing actor collaborations and film distribution strategies. Actor John Amplas and makeup effects artist Tom Savini provide engaging personal experiences in their respective interviews, enriching the viewer's appreciation for the film’s legacy. Additional features include an Alternate Title Card, a Trailer, and a vivid Radio Spot, all curated by Red Shirt Pictures.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score Selections: Audio interview with composer Mike Mazzei.
• Making Midnight: An interview with director John A. Russo on the film’s production.
• Producing Midnight: Sam Sherman recalls the movie's production dynamics.
• The Midnight Killer: John Amplas discusses his role and experiences.
• Small Favors: Tom Savini talks about his work on the film's effects.
• Alternate Title Card for Backwoods Massacre: A brief look at an alternate title.
• Trailer: Original promotional trailer offering a glimpse into the film’s allure.
• Radio Spot: An evocative advertisement highlighting key artwork.

"Midnight," an adaptation by John Russo, co-writer of the iconic "Night of the Living Dead," comes with a layered history that might intrigue cult film enthusiasts, notably for its connections to the storied horror landscape of the late 20th century. Adapted from Russo's own novel, the 1982 film weaves a narrative ripe with horror conventions, reflecting his lifelong engagement in cinematic and literary expressions. The movie charts the unsettling journey of Nancy Johnson, played by Melanie Verlin, abducted by a Satanic cult after fleeing her abusive stepfather. This introduction sets a stage of complex subtexts, evoking ambiguous moral stances particularly as Bert, her stepfather, emerges as a potential rescuer despite his transgressions.

The film presents an array of subplots that ripple through its storytelling, slightly muddling its coherence. It opens with a chilling scene involving a bear trap—a motif seemingly purloined from "Psycho"—distilling a rural horror ambiance akin to "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre." The depiction of young women in impractical, easily escapable cages perhaps lessens the intended horror impact, unintentionally shifting attention to Bert as the most disturbing character. This is underscored by outlandish supporting roles that add a dash of irony and dark humor.

Technicians from Russo's shared cinematic universe with Romero, such as John Amplas and Tom Savini, lend their expertise to this low-budget endeavor. Released initially in 1982 and re-emerged as "The Backwoods Massacre" in 1985, "Midnight" failed to make a theatrical splash, instead securing its legacy on home video. It remains a niche staple within the exploitation genre, propped up by its minimalistic yet fervent execution and ties to one of horror cinema's great luminaries, George A. Romero.

The Blu-ray release of "Midnight" by Severin Films presents an intriguing exploration of Pittsburgh's horror filmmaking scene from the late 20th century, embodying the spirit of George Romero's contemporaries. The film, despite its shortcomings in providing genuine scares, offers unique thematic elements and a storyline that veers into the absurd, which might appeal to niche audiences familiar with its creators' legacies. The character development, particularly of Bert, adds a dimension of unsettling unpredictability that overshadows traditional horror elements.

Technically, the Blu-ray achieves commendable quality, bringing out the film's nuances without compromising its vintage charm. Severin has ensured that the visual and audio clarity is preserved, allowing viewers to experience the film in its intended aesthetic. The inclusion of extras by Red Shirt Pictures enriches the viewing experience, providing context and depth for enthusiasts keen on exploring behind-the-scenes insights. These supplements serve as valuable materials for those with a particular interest in the era’s low-budget horror productions.

Ultimately, "Midnight" struggles to deliver high-stakes fear but succeeds in offering a quirky snapshot of its filmmaking era, suitable primarily for collectors and dedicated fans of regional horror cinema. While the film may not be universally appealing, the solid technical presentation and carefully curated bonus content make this Blu-ray edition a worthy purchase for those intrigued by the historical context of Pittsburgh's horror film movement.