Deadly Blessing Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Wes Craven's "Deadly Blessing" is presented with a slightly altered aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded in 1080p using AVC MPEG-4, and is Region B locked. Notably, the print is well-preserved given its age, with minimal digital revision evident, conserving a natural and authentic look. Detail reproduction is commendable; skin textures, clothing weaves, and wood grains are maintained well across both the foreground and background. The notable bath scene demonstrates fine steam detail without blocking or posterization issues. Color vibrancy is particularly appreciable—reds, blues, and other primaries appear bright and grading is smooth, contributing to a visually engaging experience. Skin tones generally look natural, albeit slightly revealing the makeup on actors due to the higher resolution.

However, there are some nuances worth mentioning: brightness is set slightly high while contrast is on the lower side, rendering the overall image somewhat flat with a 'made for TV' appearance. Consequently, the blacks lack the depth required for a horror film, appearing more dark grey, which occasionally results in murky shadow detail, especially in lower light conditions like barn scenes or night-time shots. Despite these limitations, the digital transfer avoids significant compression artifacts such as jaggies, posterization, or visible edge enhancement. Mild grain structure is preserved, though it does present some nicks and specks along with occasional watermarks—none of which significantly detract from the viewing experience unless one is particularly sensitive to grain.

In summary, despite being sourced from dated materials, the transfer manages to deliver a watchable and generally stable video presentation. Light wear and compression artifacts are minor concerns and do not overwhelmingly impact viewing pleasure. While some texture and clarity fluctuations exist alongside light noise suppression artifacts, they remain relatively unobtrusive. The minimal use of sharpening corrections ensures the integrity of the original visual style, though the inherent 80's soft focus remains unaltered with no feasible remedy for its dated filming technique.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Deadly Blessing" features a singular audio track: English LPCM 2.0 mono (48Hz). While it omits the 5.1 surround sound option present in the US release, this mono track faithfully reproduces the original soundscape without any added enhancements. The track, though decent, reveals slight background hiss and can be a bit shrill when played at reference volume. Lowering the volume slightly yields a warmer and more serviceable tone. Dialogue is natural and intelligible, with sound effects maintaining decent intensity without distortion. James Horner’s score is delivered with considerable vigor, significantly enhancing the film’s atmosphere.

However, the track's higher resolution tends to highlight the ADR and foley effects, making them stand out more starkly in certain scenes. LFE content is non-existent, with bass elements such as tractor engines and gunfire possessing reasonable heft but no profound depth. Despite its limitations in dynamic amplitude refinement, particularly evident during the film’s climactic sequences, the audio track doesn’t suffer from serious balance issues. Overall, this functional mono track effectively serves the film’s modest sound design, offering clear and crisp dialogue and maintaining an engaging listening experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided by Arrow Video for the main feature, ensuring accessibility for all viewers.

The Blu-ray extras for "Deadly Blessing" offer a robust array of insightful content for fans and film historians alike. The introduction by Michael Berryman primes viewers with a brief but engaging prelude to the film, providing a personal touch from one of the stars. The audio commentary featuring director Wes Craven, moderated by David Gregory, kicks off with informative Q&A segments but is marred by occasional lulls and lackluster chemistry. However, Craven’s commentary remains highly informative. The interviews, particularly with Craven and Berryman, delve into the film's production nuances and casting choices, with Berryman offering candid reflections on his career and experiences in Hollywood. Other extras include a collector’s booklet and a reversible sleeve, enriching the disc with tangible keepsakes for collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Michael Berryman: Short introduction before the film plays.
• Audio Commentary: With director Wes Craven, moderated by David Gregory.
• Deadliest Direct: Interview with Wes Craven.
• The Horror Hits of Michael Berryman: In-depth interview with Michael Berryman.
• Deadly Desires: Interview with co-writer Glen M Benest.
• Trailer: Original trailer for the film.
• Collector’s Booklet: Essay on the film by Kim Newman.
• Reversible Sleeve: Original poster art and newly commissioned artwork.

Wes Craven's "Deadly Blessing" presents an intriguing, though not entirely successful, hybrid of psychological thriller and supernatural horror elements. The film ambitiously attempts to weave multiple genres, drawing heavily from the Italian giallo style in its pacing, editing, and framing. Craven's direction is notably aided by James Horner’s evocative score, which effectively sustains the tension, particularly in sequences where the killer's perspective is showcased through deft camera work. Despite possessing some memorable scenes, including the infamous spider swallowing involving a young Sharon Stone, the movie struggles with a mishmash of ideas that ultimately dilute its impact. The film's notoriety is partially rooted in its advertising, which promises a supernatural horror that doesn’t fully deliver, instead centering for much of its runtime on a more grounded psycho thriller narrative.

The plot follows Jim and Martha, portrayed by Douglas Barr and Maren Jensen, living in relative isolation near a fundamentalist community led by Isaiah (Ernest Borgnine). As the story unfolds, Martha's friends Lana (Sharon Stone) and Vicky (Susan Buckner) join her, leading to a series of unsettling events bolstered by Craven's propensity for dreamlike and tense sequences. While the atmospheric elements are commendable, the film’s narrative feels uneven—particularly in its second half where traditional horror tropes take over. Acting performances are inconsistent; Borgnine stands out with a compelling portrayal, while Stone and Buckner occasionally falter in delivering their lines convincingly, which can detract from key moments intended to heighten the suspense.

Arrow Video’s Region-B Blu-ray release offers robust supplemental features including interviews, an audio commentary by Craven, and a well-compiled booklet. The visual presentation remains loyal to the original aesthetic with vibrant colors but suffers from flat contrast typical of 1980s soft-focus filming. The dual mono LPCM soundtrack serves adequately but reveals limitations at higher volumes due to background hiss. Craven enthusiasts and genre aficionados might find value in revisiting "Deadly Blessing," but it may have limited appeal for a broader audience.

Deadly Blessing showcases Wes Craven's directorial finesse and stands as a notable piece primarily for his longstanding enthusiasts. The film's cast may not boast standout performances, yet the intense atmosphere and moody ambience compensate significantly. James Horner's score deserves commendation for its seamless integration and enhancement of the film's eerie tone. Enthusiasts will find Arrow Video's release to be a treasure trove of value-added content, with Craven's candid, informative, and engaging audio commentary being a particular highlight.

The Blu-ray transfer delivers a commendable presentation with an impressive level of detail and a clean image devoid of significant artifacts or noise. Sharpness is consistently preserved, enabling the richly atmospheric cinematography to stand out. Alongside the primary feature, viewers can dive into insightful supplemental features that shed light on both the film's production and its thematic influences. These extras not only cater to cinephiles’ craving for behind-the-scenes knowledge but also enhance appreciation for Craven’s vision.

Deadly Blessing is an essential addition to the collection of any horror aficionado or those particularly invested in Wes Craven's filmography. The combination of a well-crafted score, captivating atmosphere, and solid supplemental features make it a holistic package. Arrow Video’s meticulous restoration work and comprehensive extras justify the investment, making this release highly recommended for both newcomers and seasoned fans.