Madhouse Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video’s presentation of "Madhouse" on Blu-ray features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the film's original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The restoration process was handled meticulously, beginning with a 2K scan of the original 35mm camera negative at Eurolab in Rome. Grading and restoration were conducted at R3store Studios, London, utilizing the Nucoda grading system. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and other wear were expertly repaired or removed using advanced digital restoration techniques.

The resulting transfer showcases impressive visual quality with nicely saturated color levels, particularly evident in the film's more vibrant and gory scenes. Bright daylight scenes stand out with excellent fine detail visible in fabrics and outdoor foliage, although some scenes exhibit a slightly diffused, glossy appearance. Notably, there are some issues with detail retention in darker scenes where grain can occasionally appear chunky. One scene involving a dog stands out for its graininess and softness compared to the rest of the film, suggesting it may have been restored from a secondary source.

The audio experience is robust, featuring a remastered 5.1 mix derived from the original 4-track stereo audio transferred from Dolby mag reels at L'Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna. Despite the audio's high quality, there are moments where synchronization appears slightly off due to the post-production recording of the soundtrack. Overall, Arrow Video delivers a highly commendable visual and auditory presentation of "Madhouse," maintaining technical excellence while addressing inherent limitations from the original production.

Arrow Video’s "Madhouse" Blu-ray audio presentation offers both LPCM 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks. The film’s evocative score by Riz Ortolani is a highlight, using an old lullaby to enhance the spooky atmosphere. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track slightly edges out the LPCM 2.0 by effectively splaying Ortolani's score and providing isolated moments of discrete channelization for sound effects. Despite limited surround activity, this track offers a more spacious feel without compromising the clean and clear dialogue or risking distortion and dropouts.

Both audio tracks are solidly executed, with the LPCM 2.0 retaining the original sound design and ensuring an authentic audio experience. However, the 5.1 track offers a marginal but notable enhancement in terms of audio separation and spatial depth, making it less crowded and more engaging. The dialogue remains precise, and overdubs are slightly more pronounced in the 5.1 track. This mix complements the strong visual presentation derived from a new 2K restoration of the original camera negative, maintaining the audio-visual synergy intact throughout the viewing experience. Subtitles in English SDH are also included, enhancing accessibility.

The Blu-ray extras for "Madhouse" provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for fans of the film. The highlight is the detailed audio commentary by The Hysteria Continues, which offers insightful reflections on the movie's themes and production. The supplementary interviews, such as "Running the Madhouse" with actress Edith Ivey, "Framing Fear" with cinematographer Roberto D'Ettorre Piazzoli, and "Ovidio Nasty" with producer Ovidio Assonitis, offer a deep dive into the creation and artistry of "Madhouse," combining personal anecdotes with technical details. The inclusion of alternative opening titles and the original trailer provides a nostalgic appreciation of the film's varied presentations. Arrow’s addition of a thoughtfully crafted insert booklet further enhances the value of this collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with The Hysteria Continues: Detailed reflections on the film's themes and production.
• Running the Madhouse: Interview with actress Edith Ivey.
• Framing Fear: Interview with cinematographer Roberto D'Ettorre Piazzoli.
• Ovidio Nasty: Interview with producer Ovidio Assonitis.
• Alternative Opening Titles: Credits sequence featuring an alternate title.
• Original Trailer: Nostalgic look at the film's marketing.
• Insert Booklet: Thoughtfully crafted supplemental material.

"Madhouse," directed by Ovidio G. Assonitis, is an intriguing but somewhat perplexing entry into the slasher genre. The film follows Julia (Trish Everly), a dedicated teacher of deaf children, who becomes the target of her deranged twin sister Mary (Allison Biggers). The early scenes are striking, featuring a brutal episode of childhood violence that sets a disturbing tone. However, the narrative soon becomes convoluted, with unclear connections between past traumas and the current threat Mary poses. Despite these narrative gaps, the film provides several memorable moments of gore and horror, including creative but unsettling death scenes, often involving a ferocious Rottweiler.

The use of real or convincingly portrayed deaf children adds an unexpected layer of authenticity to the film, albeit one that feels somewhat disconnected from the main plot. Julia's interactions with her students are touching but do little to advance the story. The plot-driven scenes feature Julia and an assortment of characters, including her boyfriend Sam (Michael Macrae) and the enigmatic Father James (Dennis Robertson). The cast of characters serves more as potential suspects or eventual victims than as integral parts of a cohesive storyline. This lack of clear exposition results in shocks and jolts that lack emotional resonance, relying instead on visceral reactions to the onscreen carnage.

Technically, "Madhouse" stands out for its production values and effective atmosphere. Although shot in the United States with an English-speaking cast, it captures the essence of Italian horror through its evocative cinematography by Roberto D'Ettorre Piazzoli and Assonitis's competent direction. The film avoids the surrealism typical of post-dubbed Italian productions, opting for a more straightforward but technically polished approach. Despite its narrative flaws, "Madhouse" succeeds in creating a spooky and unsettling ambiance through its visual style and staging, making it a noteworthy entry in the slasher sub-genre of the early 1980s.

Arrow Video's release of "Madhouse" is an intricately packaged offering tailored for the dedicated genre aficionado. While the film itself is a mixed bag, characterized by its lo-fi creation and a plethora of confusing story elements—including an unnecessary emphasis on canine antagonists—the technical presentation shines. The Blu-ray boasts stunning picture clarity and remarkable sound quality, which amplify the film’s undeniably moody aesthetic. For collectors and hardcore fans of slasher films, this release promises a finely preserved print that showcases the film’s best visual aspects.

Despite some pacing issues and a somewhat convoluted plot, "Madhouse" does exhibit flashes of brilliance. Its cinematography stands out in particular, effectively rendering an unsettling atmosphere that is typical of cult classics in the genre. Arrow’s supplementary features enhance the overall value, providing deeper insights and engaging content that fans will appreciate. These extras are meticulously crafted, contributing significantly to the re-watchability and collectability of this Blu-ray edition.

In conclusion, while "Madhouse" as a narrative might not satisfy all viewers due to its sluggish pacing and somewhat disjointed storyline, Arrow Video's comprehensive and high-quality release elevates the experience. This Blu-ray edition is a testament to Arrow’s commitment to preserving and celebrating niche films with precision and care, making it a worthwhile acquisition for genre enthusiasts and collectors alike.