No One Heard the Scream Blu-ray Review

Severin Films presents "No One Heard the Scream" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer maintaining the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This transfer is derived from an HD scan of the original negative, reflecting a conscientious effort to preserve the artistic integrity of the presentation. The result is a gratifyingly natural color palette with pronounced primaries, particularly vivid blues, which captivate the viewer. While fine detail is abundant, notably in facial features and close-ups, occasional softness can be observed, albeit minimally disruptive to overall immersion.

The transfer exhibits exemplary attention to detail, from maintaining even skin tones to rendering fabric textures with clarity. Noteworthy is the portrayal of droplets on Elisa's skin and the depth retained in Miguel's jacket. Slight overexposure in some outdoor sequences is noticeable, yet color integrity remains intact with consistent contrast levels. The film grain is managed carefully, presenting a tight and organic texture that enhances the viewing experience while maintaining a vintage aesthetic.

Marking its American premiere, this Blu-ray release is a momentous opportunity for North American audiences to experience José Luis Iglesias’ work, previously only available in Spain on DVD. This release not only offers an improved visual quality but significantly contributes to the film's preservation and wider appreciation. Overall, this edition is highly pleasing for both longtime fans and new viewers seeking to explore this genre gem.

The Blu-ray of "No One Heard the Scream" showcases a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track, preserving the film’s original Castilian Spanish language. The audio presentation features clear and clean dialogue, although there are moments, particularly in some English dialogue exchanges, that appear slightly muddy. However, overall fidelity is commendable, providing a perceptible depth that captures both the dialogue and the atmospheric music effectively.

The sound design's signature element is Fernando García Morcillo’s bossa nova inflected score. This musical styling significantly enhances the film's ambiance, contributing to the unique tension and mood. The instrumental backing is well-defined through the mono track, ensuring each note supports the cinematic experience without overshadowing the vocal elements. The optional English subtitles comprehensively translate the Spanish dialogue but regrettably do not extend to the occasional spoken English moments.

Critically, while this track encapsulates the distinct qualities of Spanish cinema from Eloy de la Iglesia, the audio sync occasionally falters due to its post-production dubbing—a characteristic reminiscent of Italian gialli films. Despite these occasional sync issues, this release remains a fine example of sound restoration and presentation, particularly in its treatment of music and effects. An isolated music track would enhance appreciation of García Morcillo’s score, suggesting an area for future improvement in special features.

The Blu-ray extras for "No One Heard the Scream" focus primarily on a single featurette that offers a comprehensive exploration of the Spanish giallo genre. This is presented through an interview with film scholar Dr. Andy Willis, where he delves into the nuances and intersections between Spanish and Italian gialli. The session, conducted over a basic video conferencing setup, also discusses the influence of the Spanish film industry during the period when Samuel Bronston's productions were prevalent. A collection of carefully selected film clips enhances the narrative, including a humorous scene from "The Cannibal Man," illustrating de la Iglesia's satirical take on religious motifs. Additionally, Willis sheds light on the notable presence of gay subtext in the director’s oeuvre, making it a compelling watch for enthusiasts seeking deeper insights into the filmmaker's work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Truth 24 Times a Second: Eloy de la Iglesia and the Spanish Giallo: An insightful exploration with Dr. Andy Willis on Spanish and Italian giallo films.

"No One Heard the Scream," directed by Eloy de la Iglesia, is a distinctive blend of suspense and dark comedy. The film intricately weaves aspects of Stockholm Syndrome and thriller into its narrative, beginning with a brief sojourn in London. Carmen Sevilla stars as Elisa, a high-class escort who returns to her Madrid apartment after canceling a rendezvous. As fate would have it, she witnesses her neighbor Miguel, played by Vincente Parra, disposing of a body. Captivatingly, this scenario morphs into a reluctant partnership under duress, blending suspense with an underlying romantic tension.

Throughout the film, Iglesia masterfully maintains a Hitchcockian ambiance, particularly in sequences that combine suspense and unexpected humor. Although the film takes a more subdued approach compared to traditional Giallo with its low body count and minimized mystery elements, it compensates with its psychological depth and clever misdirects. Sevilla's character defies genre stereotypes as she navigates between seduction and agency, her 'work' never judged or pressured to change. Parra's engaging yet subdued performance brings forth an unusual romantic dimension that enriches the storyline despite some wooden tension early on.

Visually stunning, "No One Heard the Scream" benefits vastly from Francisco Fraile’s cinematography, which channels classic Italian Giallo aesthetics through lush Spanish backdrops and tight framing. The narrative momentum falters in places, notably during certain protracted sequences that dampen the film’s pacing. However, Iglesia's ability to subtly introduce socio-political commentary within typical genre frameworks remains noteworthy. Fernando García Morcillo’s breezy score complements these visual elements well, enhancing both tension and eroticism. For fans of Giallo and those curious about the unique Spanish twist on genre conventions, this Blu-ray release by Severin Films offers a fascinating glimpse into de la Iglesia’s provocative vision.

"No One Heard the Scream" is presented as a unique blend of giallo thriller and dark comedy, combining an unsettling narrative with a distinctively stylish presentation. Despite its somewhat convoluted plot, the film captivates with its standout sequences and vibrant aesthetic elements. Directed by Eloy de la Iglesia, it features stylish costumes and picturesque locations that enhance the visual allure of its beautiful cast. The film cleverly incorporates elements of social commentary, providing thought-provoking substance beneath the surface tension.

Severin Films has successfully delivered this intriguing piece to Blu-ray with admirable audio-visual quality. The transfer is clean and detailed, capturing the film's vivid color palette and sharp contrasts effectively, presenting it as a definitive version of this giallo classic. However, additional context or background pieces on the film's production might have enriched the viewing experience further. The release includes a single, well-executed featurette that supplements the primary attraction yet leaves one craving for more insight into de la Iglesia’s oeuvre.

Conclusively, if "No One Heard the Scream" rests on a somewhat frivolous premise, de la Iglesia skillfully delivers an unsettling thriller peppered with memorable scenes. Technical delivery on Blu-ray is robust, making it a worthwhile addition for both giallo enthusiasts and those exploring Eloy de la Iglesia's filmography. This release is thus recommended for its daring style and engaging narrative, despite its intricate twists.