Mortuary Blu-ray Review

The MVD Rewind Collection presents "Mortuary" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. The most impressive aspect of this presentation is its vivid palette, particularly the expressive use of red tones, as showcased in scenes like Christie's nighttime sequences featuring her striking blood-red lipstick. Despite these highlights, the transfer exhibits variances in color suffusion and density, independent of filming conditions. Brightly lit moments deliver the best detail levels, yet clarity and fine details are inconsistent. The grain appears generally organic, though there are rough patches, notably in the optically printed opening credits and various nighttime scenes where pixellation becomes noticeable.

This release uses the same film scan previously employed by Scorpion Releasing but benefits from a strong AVC encode. Though peppered with minor specks, the film elements remain in decent condition. The contrast is perky, and colors are appealing, though the overall image harvest remains underwhelming. "Mortuary" reflects its b-movie origins with exposure issues and occasionally crushed black levels. Exteriors display nice clarity and bright colors, but interior scenes suffer from reduced definition, particularly in darker settings. Facial close-ups expose the movie's rudimentary make-up effects, and while depth and dimensionality are fairly dull due to the aged film scan, the presentation is overall faithful and organic.

In summary, this Blu-ray release employs an aged film scan that offers solid but occasionally soft definition, diminished in darker scenes. Although not a perfect experience for videophiles, it is likely the best "Mortuary" will look on Blu-ray unless a new 4K scan is made available. The unrestored elements are generally serviceable, with a few rough spots inherent to the source material.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray of "Mortuary" primarily features an LPCM 2.0 Mono track that adequately supports the film's somewhat subdued sound design. John Cacavas' score, almost serene at times, serves as an effective counterpoint to the film's more exaggerated scenes and is rendered distortion-free. Dialogue is consistently clear and comprehensible without any significant issues, and optional English subtitles are available.

Despite the adequacy of the LPCM 2.0 Mono track, Mortuary’s audio has its limitations, reflecting a somewhat dated quality. Dialogue is mastered softly, requiring viewers to significantly increase the volume to achieve an optimal listening experience. While Cacavas' score and the basic thrill sounds are reasonably well-executed, they can occasionally appear thin and boxy, which is symptomatic of the limited sound design typical in older films of this genre. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided, presented in a yellow font for greater accessibility.

The Blu-ray release of "Mortuary" from the MVD Rewind Collection features a solid compilation of extras, albeit not substantially different from previous editions. The "Interview with Composer John Cacavas," moderated by Nathaniel Thompson, offers an intriguing look into his work on the film, despite Cacavas’s limited recollection of specific details. The inclusion of various trailers provides additional nostalgic value with clips from related horror titles. A collectible folded mini-poster is also included, boasting the classic cover art. While owners of the earlier Scorpion Releasing edition won’t find much new, the retro slip cover and these curated extras enhance the overall package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Composer John Cacavas: An insightful discussion with the composer on his various projects.
• Mortuary Trailer: A new, re-edited trailer by Multicom.
• The House On Sorority Row Trailer: Trailer for another horror classic.
• Dahmer Trailer: Trailer for the biopic horror film.
• Mikey Trailer: Preview of the psychological thriller.
• One Dark Night Trailer: Sneak peek at the horror drama.
• Mortuary (2005) Trailer: Trailer for Tobe Hooper’s remake.

"Mortuary" (1983) is a decidedly old-school horror film that presents rather straightforward storytelling, contrasting the more elaborate twists seen in modern horror. The film opens with the murder of a character who is left to drown, setting a clear basis for Christie's (Mary Beth McDonough) suspicions about her father’s death. Despite being dismissed by her own mother, Eve (Lynda Day George), Christie’s insistence on foul play drives the narrative. Her boyfriend Greg (David Wysocki) sympathizes and investigates strange occurrences at the local mortuary, run by the enigmatic Hank Andrews (Christopher George). The film teases supernatural elements like seances but ultimately grounds itself in more predictable horror tropes.

The introduction of Hank's odd son Paul (Bill Paxton) brings a significant shift in tone to the film. Paul's unsettling behavior and his juvenile infatuation with Christie add an eerie element to the plot, though the narrative’s disjointed nature muddles its impact. Paxton's performance is a peculiar highlight, showcasing the early days of an actor who would later gain fame for his charm and versatility. Despite some engaging aspects, including Mary McDonough's vigorous performance transitioning from her wholesome TV image, the film suffers from uneven pacing and lackluster suspense. Its slasher elements mimic ‘Halloween’ without achieving the same effectiveness.

"Mortuary" lacks consistent craftsmanship, resulting in a film that oscillates between a tepid slasher and a meandering psycho-thriller. Poor special effects and predictable twists undermine the potential for genuine chills. Nevertheless, the film has its moments, particularly in its final act which ventures into grand guignol territory. Although it doesn't fully succeed as either a slasher or a supernatural thriller, "Mortuary" retains a certain low-budget charm, propped up by its cast and a finale that manages to tie up its chaotic threads in a strangely satisfying manner. It stands as a curious relic of 80s horror cinema, influenced heavily but not executed with the finesse of its inspirations.

The Blu-ray release of "Mortuary" offers an appreciable visual and auditory experience, albeit with some reservations. Video quality showcases moments of clarity but occasionally grapples with issues such as minor grain and color inconsistencies. Despite these hurdles, the audio mix stands out, providing a balanced and immersive sound experience throughout the film. The overall technical presentation delivers a satisfactory upgrade for fans of the genre, ensuring that the atmospheric tone of this slasher movie is preserved.

The movie itself is somewhat of a mixed bag. Headlined by Bill Paxton in his film debut, alongside notable television actresses Mary McDonough and Lynda Day George, "Mortuary" leans heavily into its campy slasher roots. While the plot tends to be formulaic and predictable, it’s the performances and quirky charm that offer some redeeming qualities. A particularly engaging feature is the interview with composer John Cacavas, which provides insightful production anecdotes and may appeal to dedicated followers of the film.

Ultimately, "Mortuary" presents as a nostalgic piece, enriched by moments like Paxton’s whimsical cemetery scene, making it worth exploring for horror enthusiasts and cinephiles. Although the movie doesn’t break new ground in terms of narrative or scare tactics, its kitschy appeal and competent Blu-ray treatment ensure it holds a place within the broader slasher canon. Hence, while not essential viewing for all, it’s an interesting addition to any horror collection.

I have to say that for me personally the sight of Bill Paxton skipping merrily through a cemetery was worth the price of admission here, though "Mortuary" is pretty rote and predictable otherwise. It's kind of interesting to see such willful misdirection which turns out not to be any magical cinematic sleight of hand, but more like nothing to see here, move on. Video encounters occasional hurdles, but audio is fine and the Cacavas interview kind of charming, for those who are interested in making a purchase.