Curse of the Undead Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in 1080p, Curse of the Undead's Blu-ray from Kino Lorber boasts a remarkable video presentation sourced from a new 2K master by Universal Pictures. The consistency of the film's appearance is excellent, particularly in its darker/nighttime sequences, which exhibit impressive depth and clarity. Shadow definition and density levels may leave some room for minor improvements, but overall, the visual fluidity is noteworthy. This is particularly evident on larger screens and even more so when upscaled to 4K. The presentation is free from problematic digital adjustments, and image stability remains superb throughout.

Faithfully reproducing film grain, the video quality highlights inky blacks, fine details, and well-defined grayscale. Any instances of scratches, dirt, or blemishes are minimal, ensuring a largely pristine viewing experience. This effort results in what will likely be the best visual rendition of the movie on home video, far surpassing previous formats such as VHS. The lack of distracting cuts or damaged frames further cements this release as an outstanding restoration. As a note, this is a Region-A locked disc, requiring a compatible player to access its content.

The Blu-ray release of "Curse of the Undead" features a single standard audio track in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with optional English SDH subtitles. Notably, the audio presentation delivers a crystal-clear dialog that is both stable and clean throughout the film. Employing a chamber score with psychedelic qualities, the soundtrack provides an immersive auditory experience by capturing nuanced harmonic structures with impressive clarity. Despite the mono format, the track skillfully balances dialogue, sound effects, and Irving Gertz’s eerie score, ensuring that each element is faithfully represented without any encoding anomalies or noticeable hissing, crackling, or distortion.

While the sound effects and score subtly blend into the background without overshadowing dialogue, they contribute significantly to the film's atmospheric depth. The minimal presence of audio artifacts such as dropouts further solidifies this release as a high-quality, problem-free listen. For a film making its debut on both DVD and Blu-ray, this release successfully elevates the original mono soundtrack, offering what is likely the best audio experience for "Curse of the Undead" on home video to date. The careful encoding process has preserved the integrity of the original audio while enhancing overall clarity and fidelity.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Curse of the Undead" offer a comprehensive dive into the film’s production and legacy. The highlight is the audio commentary featuring film historians Tom Weaver, Mike Kronenberg, and film music historian David Schecter. Weaver's expertise and engaging style dominate, enriched by Kronenberg’s insights and Schecter’s analysis of the score. They provide a well-rounded perspective on the film’s unique genre blend and historical context. The poster and image gallery is extensive, with 48 images showcasing on-set photos, promotional shots, and behind-the-scenes stills. Additional trailers from Kino Lorber's catalog round out the offerings, enhancing appreciation for classic horror titles.

Extras included in this disc:

• Poster & Image Gallery: A collection of production and promotional materials.
• Audio Commentary: Film historians Tom Weaver, Mike Kronenberg, and David Schecter discuss the film's production, genre elements, and reception.
• Additional Trailers: Trailers for "The Black Sleep," "Black Sabbath," "The Oblong Box," and "Zoltan: Hound of Dracula."

Edward Dein’s 1959 film, Curse of the Undead, navigates the intriguing intersection of western and horror genres, delivering a hybrid that remains a captivating curiosity. Set in a small Old West town afflicted by a mysterious disease primarily targeting young women, the story sees the advent of Drake Robey (Michael Pate), a enigmatic gunslinger with a vampiric twist. The narrative builds tension around his interaction with Dr. Carter's (John Hoyt) daughter, Dolores (Kathleen Crowley), and the subsequent opposition he faces from Preacher Dan (Eric Fleming). While the pacing is methodical, certain elements - particularly the overuse of an electric violin in Irving Gertz's otherwise atmospheric score - can pull viewers out of the moment.

Dein’s filmmaking notably draws on traditional European vampire folklore, forgoing many of Hollywood's established mythologies; this choice subtly revitalizes classic western tropes, culminating in an unusual yet memorably climactic showdown between Preacher Dan and Drake Robey. However, the film does exhibit its limitations, particularly in its production values. Despite a script that fosters believable character interactions within its dual-genre framework, the modest budget reveals itself through occasionally uninspired outdoor scenes and sparse special effects in the horror sequences.

The performances are mixed but generally effective. Michael Pate stands out, delivering a compelling portrayal of the conflicted and ominous Drake Robey. Conversely, Eric Fleming's Preacher Dan feels underdeveloped and lacks the commanding presence needed. Supporting actors like Bruce Gordon as Buffer add authentic character depth, while Hoyt and Crowley provide solid performances in their respective roles. Overall, Curse of the Undead remains a significant historical piece, appreciated for its pioneering blend of horror and western elements, despite its evident budgetary constraints and certain narrative shortcomings.

Kino Lorber's release of "Curse of the Undead" presents a uniquely compelling restoration of this genre-blending classic. The high-definition transfer, sourced from a pristine new 2K master prepared by Universal Pictures, enhances the film’s modest production values, making its minimalist visuals more striking and authentic. Moreover, the bizarre yet captivating score feels like it could belong in a '70s Italian psychedelic film, adding an unexpected charm that enriches the viewing experience.

Long-time fans of "Curse of the Undead" will find plenty to appreciate in this Blu-ray edition. Notably absent from film shelves for decades, this release boasts excellent picture and audio quality that surpass previous formats, such as the old MCA Universal VHS. The Blu-ray is further elevated by an exclusive audio commentary by film historian Tom Weaver. His insights provide depth and context, enhancing the film's engaging narrative despite its inherent flaws.

In conclusion, the Kino Lorber release of "Curse of the Undead" is a monumental improvement over past editions. The exceptional HD transfer and compelling audio commentary make it a standout addition to any collection. Its charmingly minimalist production values and unique score create an unforgettable atmosphere that is both eerie and nostalgic. Highly recommended for fans and new viewers alike.