House of the Long Shadows Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "House of the Long Shadows" delivers a generally strong yet sometimes inconsistent visual experience encoded in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4. The film utilizes a 1.84:1 aspect ratio, immersing viewers in dark corners and candlelit scenes. While the source material is in excellent condition, displaying minimal speckling and minor scratches, the age of the film is evident from a distinctive yellowish tint. Despite these age-related hues, the image maintains a respectable level of definition, with clear and distinct delineation in the manor's intricate decorations and costuming.

Blacks, however, are less robust than desired, occasionally solidifying and causing a loss in cinematic intensity. This results in shadows that sometimes appear murky and cloudy, lacking the depth that could enhance the film's eerie atmosphere. Colors are somewhat subdued, relying on a limited palette. Nonetheless, some interior elements and character costumes pop with more vivid hues, and skintones, particularly of the aged stars, retain a natural yet ghostly appearance. Film grain is present but remains unobtrusive, contributing to a filmic texture without overwhelming the image quality.

Overall, the Blu-ray transfer delivers a fair balance of positives and negatives. Whites are clean and contrast remains average, creating a somewhat flat presentation in several sequences. The film does suffer from occasional softness and increased grain, impacting overall visual consistency. Despite these shortcomings, the high-definition transfer manages to capture the atmospheric essence of the film's gothic setting, making it an acceptable yet not exceptional visual experience for fans of this cult favorite.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix on the Blu-ray of "House of the Long Shadows" presents a somewhat uneven auditory experience, characterized by moments of clarity interspersed with periods of diminished quality. Early segments of the film benefit from a crisp sound profile and a dynamic dramatic range. However, around the 42-minute mark, a slight drop in audio clarity sets in, muting the mix's potential power slightly. While dialogue remains largely intelligible despite this issue, it often feels dulled. The score and sound effects provide decent support but lack the definition needed to fully engage the listener. Atmospheric elements like storm noises and the creaks of the manor are well-evoked, adding to the film’s eerie setting.

In line with the visual quality, the 2.0 DTS-HD soundtrack delivers a competent yet unspectacular auditory experience. Dialogue is primarily clean and clear but can occasionally become too quiet, resulting in a detachment from the on-screen action. The mono track's imaging is limited and narrow, failing to capitalize on its discrete background effects and heavy wood-string score to broaden the soundstage effectively. Despite a mostly clean mid-range, there is a noticeable lack of distinct frequency detailing, making much of the film's action feel unengaging. Additionally, the absence of bass further detracts from an already underwhelming presentation.

Body: Overall, while the audio mix for "House of the Long Shadows" succeeds in some areas—such as maintaining dialogue intelligibility and evoking suitable atmospherics—it falls short in delivering a fully engaging sound experience. The deficiencies in clarity, dynamic range, and bass presence are unfortunate but consistent with an otherwise solid yet unremarkable presentation.

The Blu Ray extras for "House of the Long Shadows" provide insightful content ideal for fans and film enthusiasts. The disc features two engaging audio commentaries: Director Pete Walker shares his experiences and creative decisions, while film historian David Del Valle delivers in-depth analysis on the production and its iconic cast. A high-definition interview with Walker adds a personal touch, detailing the origins of the film, his motivations, and his return to retirement post-release. Additionally, the disc includes a standard-definition theatrical trailer that captures the essence of this nostalgic horror classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary #1: Director Pete Walker shares his involvement and set memories.
• Commentary #2: Film historian David Del Valle explores production details.
• Interview: Walker discusses film origins, production experiences, and his return to retirement.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer encapsulates the film's essence.

In "House of the Long Shadows," Cannon Films' 1983 horror venture, veteran director Pete Walker crafts an homage to classic horror films, enlisting icons such as Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, and John Carradine. Despite the star power, the film struggles with a sluggish narrative and lacks the suspense one might expect from such a seasoned lineup. The film follows Kenneth Magee (Desi Arnaz Jr.), a struggling author hoping to revive his career by ousting a contemporary literary challenge in a dilapidated Welsh manor. This decaying setting is fittingly adorned with cobwebs and eerie decor, creating a nostalgic gothic atmosphere reminiscent of Hammer and AIP productions.

Magee's initial confidence quickly dissipates as he encounters mysterious characters, beginning with the peculiar caretakers Elijah and Victoria (John Carradine and Sheila Keith). Further disruptions come with more arrivals, including Mary Norton (Julie Peasgood) and siblings Lionel and Sebastian (Vincent Price and Peter Cushing), complicating his writing mission. The screenplay, courtesy of Michael Armstrong, offers an array of rich personalities and interactions, letting the legendary cast showcase their formidable presence, though at times the film mistakes dialogue-heavy scenes for suspense.

Despite its sumptuous use of genre staples—lightning strikes, hidden passageways, and lurking shadows—the pace falters and fails to consistently engage. Desi Arnaz Jr.'s portrayal of Kenneth lacks the depth needed to navigate his character's cynical arc compellingly. Yet, the interplay between horror titans Price, Lee, and Cushing stands out as a highlight, bringing a unique charm and gravitas to the otherwise underwhelming plot. "House of the Long Shadows" ultimately acts as a nostalgic vessel rather than a modern horror triumph, celebrating the icons of yesteryear while faltering in delivering consistent thrills.

Pete Walker's 'House of the Long Shadows,' inspired by Earl Derr Biggers's 1913 novel "Seven Keys to Baldpate," stands out for its unique assemblage of horror titans Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing. Walker’s direction is serviceable but doesn’t push the boundaries of the genre, maintaining a steady yet undistinguished rhythm throughout. The screenplay by Michael Armstrong brings forth an intended direction but lacks dynamism, resulting in a narrative that dawdles as it progresses towards its conclusion.

Despite these drawbacks, the charisma of its renowned cast elevates the film. With Desi Arnaz, Jr. joining the celebrated trio, their performances embody the essence of camp horror, delivering deathly stares, loaded smirks, and moments of pure shock that satiate fans' expectations. This film serves as both a nostalgic homage to B-movie tropes and a sly horror comedy that prioritizes atmosphere over gore and jump scares.

The Blu-ray release, while featuring an average audio and video presentation, does offer a noteworthy improvement over previous home video versions. Extras are somewhat sparse but valuable, including two audio commentaries—one with director Pete Walker and another with film historian David Del Valle—an interview with Walker, the film’s original theatrical trailer, and trailers for 'Madhouse' and 'The Oblong Box'. Cult collectors will find this package particularly gratifying.

While passable with horror particulars, Walker isn't a director that pushes the possibilities of the genre, resting comfortably with 'House of the Long Shadows.' The screenplay has a specific direction (its effectiveness is up to the viewer), but no real energy, dragging to a close. Still, the sight of so many stars playing to their strengths is something to see, and their charisma carries the feature a passable distance, making sure deathly stares, loaded smirks, and pure shock are cared for, giving fans exactly what they want.