The Cat o' Nine Tails 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "The Cat o' Nine Tails" (Il gatto a nove code) showcases an impeccable restoration effort that breathes new life into Dario Argento's classic thriller. Utilizing the original 35mm 2-perf Techniscope camera negative, the film has been meticulously scanned and restored in 4K resolution at L'Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna. Further grading in 4K HDR / Dolby Vision at Silver Salt Restoration, London, enhances this version significantly over its 1080p predecessor. This release notably retains the film's original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and includes both Italian and English mono sound, with a slight audio sync idiosyncrasy due to post-production dubbing practices of the era. Presented in its uncut 112-minute form, viewers have the choice between English and Italian versions, with corresponding changes in the opening and closing credits as well as select insert shots.

The visual quality of this release is nothing short of stunning, offering a crisp, clean image that showcases an enormous level of fine detail and a beautifully encoded grain structure that maintains the film's cinematic integrity. Colors are given new vibrancy thanks to the HDR grading, with richer shades of red, green, and blue that make scenes pop, while blacks are intensely deep, adding significant depth to the image without crushing details in the shadows. Contrast levels are carefully balanced to enhance both daylight and nocturnal sequences, ensuring that textures in clothing, architectural details, and natural elements are exquisitely sharp and lifelike. Skin tones have been refined for a more natural appearance, contributing to the overall lush presentation.

Moreover, the Dolby Vision HDR enhancement enriches the palette with eye-catching saturation, particularly in the primaries, allowing for an almost surreal beauty in scenes that demand visual emphasis. Reds and greens are spectacularly bold, and the nighttime exteriors in cobalt blue add a stunning visual layer to Argento's already atmospheric cinematography. Despite occasional softer focus moments inherent to the original cinematography, this presentation maximizes the detail possible with 4K resolution, offering a spotless and immersive viewing experience that surpasses previous home video editions. Arrow Video's effort here sets a new standard for the restoration of classic films on home media, ensuring that "The Cat o' Nine Tails" can be experienced in unprecedented clarity and depth.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Cat o' Nine Tails" presents its audio experience through DTS-HD Master Audio Mono tracks in both English and Italian. Opting for either language yields a principally clear auditory experience, although discerning ears might note a slight preference for the English version due to its slightly fuller sound profile, despite a minor hint of high-frequency brashness, particularly noticeable in the more delicate sections of Ennio Morricone's exquisite score. The Italian track, conversely, suffers from a reduced amplitude and a thinner sound quality, making the English option slightly more favorable for the viewer prioritizing audio fidelity. Dialogue and sound effects across both tracks maintain good clarity, with no detectable signs of damage, and optional English subtitles are included to enhance accessibility.

The audio, despite its mono origin, strives to deliver a richness that compliments the film's age without sounding overly dated. There is an acknowledgment of its vintage through the presence of dubbing that can sometimes feel raw yet remains intelligible. The mono soundtrack works hard to capture the complexity of Morricone's music, achieving excellent acoustical detailing and separation which allows for an appreciable warmth and fidelity in the mid-range frequencies. However, the soundtrack does face limitations in fully exploring the upper frequencies, leaving some of the higher octaves in the score feeling underrepresented.

Arrow Video's release manages an admirable job in presenting a mono soundscape that is both spacious and engaging, notwithstanding occasional moments where background activities may lack depth. The audio manages to keep vocals distinct and precise throughout the run-time, supported by a low-end that provides depth appropriate for the film's era. Despite some challenges presented by ADR work, the overall audio presentation supports an immersive viewing experience with its detailed and clean delivery of one of Morricone's memorable scores, making for a satisfying listen that complements this classic thriller well.

Arrow's 4K UHD release of "The Cat o' Nine Tails" includes an impressive suite of extras, successfully transplanted from their prior 1080p Blu-Ray editions. This collection is highlighted by an engaging audio commentary from critics Alan Jones and Kim Newman, offering deep insights and historical context into the film's production, thematic elements, and Dario Argento's directorial choices. Fans will appreciate the in-depth interviews with key figures such as Dario Argento in "Nine Lives," co-scenarist Dardano Sacchetti in "The Writer O' Many Tales," and production manager Angelo Iacono in "Giallo in Turin," all providing personal anecdotes and reflections on the filmmaking process. The "Child Star" featurette offers a rare glimpse into Cinzia De Carolis's experiences, while the "Original Ending" presents a what-if scenario with the use of script excerpts and still images, giving insight into Argento's initial vision. The inclusion of trailers and extensive image galleries in high definition enriches the collection, making this release a definitive homage to Arrow’s commitment to preserving genre cinema with meticulous attention to detail.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Commentary by critics Alan Jones and Kim Newman.
• Nine Lives: Interview with director Dario Argento.
• The Writer O' Many Tales: Interview with co-scenarist Dardano Sacchetti.
• Child Star: Interview with actress Cinzia De Carolis.
• Giallo in Turin: Interview with production manager Angelo Iacono.
• Original Ending: A presentation of the film's original ending using script excerpts and still images.
• Trailers: Includes Italian Theatrical Trailer, International Theatrical Trailer, and US Domestic Theatrical Trailer.
• Image Galleries: A collection of posters, lobby cards, and promotional material from various countries, all presented in 2160p resolution.

Arrow's latest venture into the 4K UHD domain revisits Dario Argento's "The Cat o' Nine Tails," presenting a cinema classic in ultra-high definition that once again underlines the film's mixed legacy. This release, devoid of a 1080p counterpart, interestingly echoes sentiments from Arrow's earlier Blu-ray editions, emphasizing the technical advancements while retaining the essence of nostalgic cinephilia. Diving deeper into the celluloid fabric of this giallo piece, it reveals a narrative woven with threads of creativity and constraints, augmented by the lead performances of Karl Malden and James Franciscus. Their characters, an investigative journalist and a blind detective-ish figure, respectively, project a dynamic rarely explored with such nuanced diligence in the genre.

The movie's inception, rushed to capitalize on the success of "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage," reflects both in its ambitious storytelling and occasional narrative disjointment. Despite Argento's own reservations about the film, possibly attributing to its hasty production and an overt inclination towards American cinema aesthetics, "The Cat o' Nine Tails" stands as a crucial node in his illustrious career. It harbors elements that delineate the embryonic stages of motifs Argento would masterfully exploit in his later works. The plot itself, revolving around a genetics lab mystery, showcases Argento's knack for intertwining contemporary scientific discourse (such as the XYY syndrome) with a traditional murder mystery, adding layers to what might superficially appear as another giallo film.

Technically, this 4K UHD rendition respects the original's visual integrity while enhancing its visual and auditory experience, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and scholars alike. Arrow's effort in curating supplementary content, including insightful conversations and interviews that shed light on Argento's thoughts and the film's rushed production nuances, enriches this release. This conversation extends to the genre's evolution, Argento's stylistic trademarks, and the film's positioning within the so-called Animal Trilogy. Even as "The Cat o' Nine Tails" may not embody Argento's magnum opus, its significance in his oeuvre and the genre cannot be overstated, beautifully encapsulated in this 4K UHD package that is as much a tribute to the film as it is an artifact for cinematic exploration.

Dario Argento's "The Cat o’ Nine Tails" may not sit atop the echelon of his illustrious career, regarded with some ambivalence by the director himself, yet it commands attention. This cinematic piece, through its 4K UHD Blu-ray release by Arrow Video, has received a treatment that not only honors the film's original mystique but elevates its status among enthusiasts and collectors alike. The release shines in its visual and auditory refurbishment, presenting the movie in Dolby Vision HDR, which significantly enhances the visual depth and detail beyond previous 1080p versions. Coupled with DTS-HD MA mono tracks, the technical fidelity of this edition is a testament to Arrow’s commitment to quality. Additionally, the inclusion of engaging supplemental materials and collectibles such as an informative booklet, lobby cards, and a poster enriches the overall package.

Despite some narrative and pacing imperfections remarked upon by critics and fans alike - notably a somewhat protracted murder investigation and a conclusion that may leave some wanting - "The Cat o’ Nine Tails" stands out for its compelling performances by Karl Malden and James Franciscus. Moreover, its critical role in defining the visual and thematic pathways for Argento’s subsequent works is indisputable. The color timing of this edition is notably praised for its authenticity and appeal, setting a new standard for the film’s presentation that likely surpasses the expectations shaped by previous releases.

In conclusion, Arrow Video's UHD release of "The Cat o' Nine Tails" does more than just revisit a classic. It provides a meticulously crafted experience that both preserves and amplifies the original's essence. With superior video and audio upgrades alongside valuable extras, this edition not only serves as a beacon for how cult favorites should be treated in the era of 4K but also reaffirms the film’s peculiar charm and significance within Dario Argento's oeuvre. Highly recommended for both longtime fans and newcomers eager to delve into the peculiarities of Argento's cinematic world.