Witchboard Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Witchboard" by Scream Factory features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio. Initially, the transfer struggles with minor compression artifacts, particularly in an underlit party scene, which hampers contrast and leaves a murky appearance, obscuring facial details. However, this initial setback is mitigated as the transfer significantly improves thereafter. The colors are accurate and densely saturated, lending a natural and organic feel to the visuals. Despite occasional minor telecine wobble, the overall picture boasts authenticity without any signs of aggressive denoising or sharpening.

Notably, this Blu-ray release vastly surpasses previous home video editions in definition and resolution. Even though some sequences are slightly soft, the overall picture quality is impressive, featuring sharply defined architectural lines and clear backgrounds. Faces, including those of Tawny Kitaen, appear natural with excellent texture visibility. The source material is evidently in excellent condition, which yields vibrant and cleanly-rendered colors. Complemented by balanced contrast and brightness, the image delivers crisp whites, accurate blacks, and robust shadow delineation appropriate for the movie’s vintage and quality.

The audio presentation of "Witchboard" on Blu-ray is delivered via a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (Mono) track, which captures the essence of the film while maintaining a professional quality of sound fidelity. Dialogue is crisply prioritized and always clear, ensuring that the viewer never misses a line. Dennis Tenney's synth-heavy score, however, tends to fall on the shrill side at times, especially in the higher frequencies, resulting in a somewhat brittle sound. While the midrange offers a rich and full-bodied auditory experience, audiophiles might find the lower registers lacking the desired depth and oomph.

Although the mono mix inherently limits the directional range of the soundtrack from left to right, it provides an acceptable level of spatial presence and detail. The lossless mix successfully avoids major problems, albeit with occasional hissing. Action scenes come across as narrow and hollow, but overall the background activity is intelligible and well-balanced. There is minimal impact in the LFE department, meaning low-frequency effects don't dominate but are appropriate for the film's age and genre. Subtitles in English are available for those who require them.

In conclusion, while a 5.1 mix might have offered a more modern and dynamic listening experience, fans of "Witchboard" will appreciate the clear dialogue and detailed midrange of this high-rez track. The soundtrack is not overwhelming but does the job well, providing an immersive viewing experience that highlights both the strengths and limitations inherent in the original audio recording.

The Blu-ray extras for "Witchboard" provide an extensive, in-depth look at the making of the film, ranging from technical insights to candid behind-the-scenes footage. Two engaging audio commentaries feature director Kevin Tenney in discussions with cast members and producers, offering both humorous anecdotes and technical details about the production. The primary featurette, "Progressive Entrapment," is a comprehensive making-of piece with interviews from various cast and crew members, detailing the film's conception and production challenges. Multiple vintage segments showcase behind-the-scenes activities, from special effects creation to daily set operations, offering fans a nostalgic glimpse into the film's production. Complemented by outtakes, galleries, and trailers, these extras are exhaustive and informative, making this Blu-ray a must-have for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Cast and Crew: Led by Kevin Tenney with cast discussing production anecdotes.
• Commentary with Writer/Director: Technical insights with Kevin Tenney, Gerald Geoffray, and Walter Josten.
• Progressive Entrapment: Comprehensive making-of featurette with cast and crew interviews.
• Vintage Making of Witchboard: Brief behind-the-scenes footage.
• Cast Interviews: Vintage interviews and special effects insights.
• On Set With Todd Allen and Stephen Nichols: Candid on-set footage.
• On Set With the Makers of Witchboard: Behind-the-scenes with crew interviews.
• Life on the Set: Daily activities during production.
• Constructing the World of Witchboard: Preparations for a key sequence.
• Outtakes
• Behind the Scenes Gallery
• Promo Gallery
• Theatrical Trailer

"Witchboard," directed by Kevin Tenney, debuts with a premise rooted in the supernatural allure and inherent dread of the Ouija Board. Tenney, fresh out of USC Film School, crafts a narrative around Linda (Tawny Kitaen), a captivating young woman who naively engages with the board, believed to contact a spirit named David. The plot swiftly pivots to horror as Linda's interactions trigger a series of gruesome murders, revealing a malevolent force at play. Tenney's film is characterized by measured pacing; the initial scenes provide thorough character introductions, though their expository nature may feel languid to viewers seeking immediate thrills.

The opening party scene, originally necessitated by budget constraints over a scripted prologue, introduces Brandon (Stephen Nichols), Jim (Todd Allen), and Linda, setting the stage for ensuing horrors. Despite the slow start, the film gathers momentum as Linda's solo Ouija sessions lead to disturbing nightmares and grisly murders, positioning Jim as a suspect under Detective Dewhurst’s investigation. While some critics argue the film is less about genuine scares and more about an excuse to see Kitaen, her performance offers surprising depth. Kitaen adeptly navigates her role, embodying Linda's transformation from naive curiosity to terror-stricken victim.

Amid its occasional cheap scares and 1980s’ sensibilities, "Witchboard" stands out for its unique premise and solid direction. Tenney's handling of the suspense and supernatural elements is commendable, considering the constraints of an independent horror flick debut. The film also benefits from Kathleen Wilhoite's humorous portrayal of a soothsayer, adding a layer of charm to the proceedings. Despite some wooden performances and predictable plot points, "Witchboard" manages to offer an engaging experience for genre enthusiasts, marked by its memorable sequences and well-executed scares.

Witchboard is a nostalgic gem for horror enthusiasts, particularly those who first encountered it during its original release or its subsequent circulation on early premium cable channels. This Blu-ray edition of "Witchboard" stands out with its solid technical presentation, offering an impressive audio-visual quality that enhances the film's enjoyment. The transfer boasts clear visuals and a well-balanced audio track that brings the eerie atmosphere to life, providing an immersive viewing experience even if the source material's inherent limitations are occasionally noticeable.

The film itself, centered around a haunted Ouija board, might seem far-fetched to some, but it delivers a charmingly corny horror narrative that has its own retro appeal. Tawny Kitaen's performance, radiating both allure and nostalgia, anchors the movie and fulfills the youthful fantasies of many fans from its heyday. Though its horror elements can appear understated by today’s standards, this subtlety can be a welcome change for those fatigued by the relentless gore of modern genre offerings.

The Blu-ray package excels with an extensive suite of bonus features that cater to both casual viewers and dedicated collectors. These extras not only provide additional entertainment but also lend deeper insights into the film's production and legacy, adding significant value to the release. For fans of 1980s horror cinema and those with a penchant for the era's unique blend of suspense and camp, this release is undeniably recommendable.

In conclusion, while "Witchboard" may not satisfy those seeking modern, adrenaline-pumping horror, it remains a delightful, atmospheric experience for its target audience. The Blu-ray edition’s high-quality restoration and generous supplementary content make it a worthwhile addition to any horror aficionado’s collection. Recommended for fans and collectors alike.