Asylum Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Asylum" by Severin Films, with its AVC encoded 1080p transfer and 1.78:1 aspect ratio, falls squarely in the middle range when compared to its counterparts in the Amicus box set. While it surpasses the visual quality of "The Beast Must Die" with relative ease, it doesn't quite reach the highs of "And Now the Screaming Starts." Viewers might find the color palette somewhat lacking in vibrancy, leading to a presentation that feels slightly washed out. The overall image density also experiences some fluctuations, creating a mixed viewing experience. Despite these issues, detail levels across the board are satisfactory, with certain close-up shots shining through with impressive clarity.

One aspect where "Asylum" struggles is in its initial graininess, particularly notable during the optical credits sequence. This noisy introduction might give viewers pause; however, it's worth noting that the grain stabilizes significantly as the film progresses into its main narrative, resulting in a smoother viewing thereafter. The movie does exhibit occasional technical defects, including misaligned frames and sporadic scratches, yet these are not pervasive enough to detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. The image detail, especially in extreme close-ups, is commendably high, offering moments of visual delight amidst the softer general presentation.

It's clear that while "Asylum" may not set the benchmark for visual fidelity within the Severin Films' Amicus collection, it nonetheless offers a competent and fundamentally enjoyable viewing experience. Technical imperfections are present but are balanced out by areas where the transfer excels. For enthusiasts of classic horror looking to explore the genre's history in high definition, this Blu-ray provides a serviceable window into the past, despite its visual inconsistencies and occasional shortcomings.

The audio presentation on the Blu Ray edition of "Asylum" offers a decent auditory experience, primarily delivered through a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix. This setup effectively handles the film’s dialogue clarity, ensuring that every word is intelligible and crisp, making for an engaging listening experience. Additionally, the sound effects, which occasionally bring a playful touch to the atmosphere, are presented with adequate depth and clarity, albeit within the constraints of a stereo setup. However, the decision to include classical pieces like "Night on Bald Mountain" as part of the underscoring brings a unique element to the film’s soundscape, though opinions may vary on its integration into the overall audio narrative.

Moreover, the orchestral tracks, while generally vibrant and lively, suffer slightly from the limitations of the 2.0 mix, lacking the expansive spatial distribution that a multichannel setup would offer. Despite this, the tracks maintain a level of brightness and energy that complements the film's pacing and emotional beats. The fidelity across the board is commendable, with no noticeable instances of audio damage or degradation detracting from the viewing experience. This demonstrates a careful and considered approach to preserving the film's auditory integrity in its transition to Blu Ray format.

In terms of sonic breadth and detail, the "Asylum" Blu Ray audio does well with what it has, offering an experience that is both functional and occasionally delightful. While it may not push the boundaries of home theater setups or offer an enveloping surround sound experience, it provides a solid and reliable auditory counterpart to the visual elements of the film. Listeners can expect a stable and enjoyable audio performance that supports the narrative without unnecessary distractions or deficiencies.

The extras on the "Asylum" Blu-Ray provide a treasure trove for both film aficionados and newcomers to the genre, offering an insightful behind-the-scenes look into the making of this horror classic. From the archived interviews in "Two's a Company" to the curious background of Robert Bloch presented by David J. Schow, each featurette adds depth to the understanding of the film's production and its literary roots. The commentary by Roy Ward Baker and Neil Binney, moderated by Marcus Hearn, brings a technical perspective, enhancing the viewing experience with anecdotes and filmmaking techniques. Additionally, "Inside the Fear Factory" and "Fiona Subotsky Remembers Milton Subotsky" offer personal and historical contexts that enrich appreciation for the movie. The brisk theatrical trailer rounds out the extras, providing a succinct but captivating glimpse into the film's horror essence.

Extras included in this disc:

• Two's a Company: Archival piece from the BBC featuring interviews with key personnel from the film.
• David J. Schow on Robert Bloch: Insightful background on the writer Robert Bloch.
• Fiona Subotsky Remembers Milton Subotsky: Milton Subotsky's widow shares personal memories.
• Inside the Fear Factory: Overview of Amicus with contributions from Roy Ward Baker, Freddie Francis, and Max Rosenberg.
• Audio Commentary: In-depth discussion with Roy Ward Baker and Neil Binney, moderated by Marcus Hearn.
• Theatrical Trailer: A brief preview of the film in high definition.

Asylum," a notable entry in The Amicus Collection, stands as a quintessential representation of the studio's penchant for the portmanteau narrative structure, which intertwines multiple stories within a singular film frame. The movie introduces us to Dr. Martin (played by Robert Powell), who, in pursuit of employment at a secluded residential institution, is encountered with an unconventional job interview. Tasked by Dr. Rutherford (Patrick Magee), Martin must navigate the harrowing tales of various inmates to identify the elusive and mentally fragmented former head of the facility, Dr. Starr. This premise sets the stage for a series of intriguing and macabre tales that are as much about the horror of the human psyche as they are about supernatural occurrences.

The vignettes explored through Dr. Martin's interviews each carry their unique brand of horror, from a murderous plot gone awry due to black magic, a tailor commissioned to create a suit with unexpected powers, to a woman whose murderous tendencies are blamed on an enigmatic figure. The stories converge on themes of guilt, retribution, and the supernatural—though not always delivering on the expected frights, they collectively foster an atmosphere brimming with tension and unease. Particularly notable is the tale involving an animated corpse, which, despite its lack of visceral horror, leaves an unsettling imprint through its eerie audiovisual presentation.

Despite its somewhat predictable twists and perhaps a shortfall in outright terror, "Asylum" succeeds in weaving together its narratives into a cohesively spooky cinematic experience. The film's ambiance is further characterized by its peculiar setting, accented by ominous art depicting historical patient torment—underscoring a foreboding atmosphere that permeates even the institution's supposed places of reprieve. "Asylum" encapsulates Amicus Productions' flair for storytelling that blends the eerie with the fantastical, delivering a movie that entertains with its peculiar blend of horror and whimsy, even if it doesn't always scare.

Asylum," as part of the revered Amicus Collection, exemplifies the studio's distinctive flair for crafting anthology horror films that juxtapose light-heartedness with elements of terror. While it might not deliver the kind of deep-seated horror that leaves viewers afraid to turn off the lights, its mix of mild scares and an evidently playful approach to storytelling aligns with what seems to be its intended charm. The technical aspects of the Blu Ray presentation do service to the film without being particularly standout, suggesting a balanced but unexceptional transfer that respects the source material without pushing boundaries.

The audio-visual quality of "Asylum" on Blu Ray is competent, ensuring that both the visual and auditory elements of the original cinematic experience are preserved. While it may not push the envelope in terms of high-definition clarity or immersive soundscapes typical of more modern releases, it adequately serves the film’s anthology format and period-specific production values. This is complemented by a supplementary package that significantly enhances the overall value of this release. The bonus materials provided are engaging and offer insightful context into the making of "Asylum," its place within the Amicus legacy, and broader discussions around anthology horror as a genre.

In conclusion, the Blu Ray release of "Asylum" affords fans and newcomers alike an opportunity to experience one of Amicus Productions’ distinctive anthology horrors with respectable technical quality and enriching extras. Though not groundbreaking in its technical presentation, the release shines through its supplementary content, making it a worthwhile addition for collectors and enthusiasts of classic horror anthologies. Its blend of playfulness and mild terror, encapsulated within a serviceable audio-visual presentation, validates its position within the revered Amicus Collection.