Nightmare 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

Severin Films’ latest release of "Nightmare" on a 4K UHD Blu-ray three-disc package presents an unparalleled viewing experience, thanks to the meticulous transfer from the internegative and various foreign print sources. This comprehensive approach has resulted in the most complete and extended version of the movie, clocking in at 99 minutes, surpassing U.S. release prints significantly. The transfer showcases a dedication to preserving the film's original texture, embracing the rough and gritty quality of the '80s indie film stock, with an original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Despite some remaining ultra-thin vertical lines and odd halo spots that emerge against the grainy backdrop, especially noticeable during motion, Severin Films has made commendable efforts in cleaning up excess dirt and artifacts without resorting to distracting digital noise reduction techniques.

The HDR10 enhancement on the 4K UHD is a double-edged sword; on one hand, it significantly improves detail on faces and skin complexions, lighting effects in various scenes are more pronounced, particularly in indoor settings like the psychiatric clinic, and the deepened blacks add a layer of intensity to night scenes. However, these benefits can sometimes be overshadowed by the thickening of textures and an occasionally overwhelming grain field due to the increased resolution. Such moments might prompt some viewers to prefer the clarity and balance of the standard Blu-ray version, despite the allure of 4K’s higher detail and texture fidelity.

Technically, the BD-66 sports an average bitrate of 74.0 Mbps with an overall bitrate reaching 83.0 Mbps, marking a significant improvement from previous editions. Specifically, Severin's MPEG-4 AVC encode showcases a mean video bitrate of 36764 kbps, a substantial enhancement over Code Red’s presentation. This meticulous attention to encoding not only elevates "Nightmare" beyond its former releases but reaffirms Severin Films' commitment to delivering the highest quality home cinema experience. Through this release, Severin has set a new benchmark for restoring and presenting classic films in the 4K UHD format, although the inherent challenges of such upgrades are evident in the nuanced textures and occasional grain field density observed throughout the film.

Severin's release of "Nightmare" on 4K UHD Blu-Ray offers an intriguing audio experience with both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 remix (3384 kbps, 24-bit) and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo track (2040 kbps, 24-bit). Although the Stereo track appears to be a simplified downmix of the 5.1 option, spreading spoken words across the front left and right channels rather than centering them, it’s a commendable effort to provide variety in audio experiences. It’s noteworthy, however, that the original film's mono track is missing from this release, which might disappoint purists longing for the most authentic audio representation. The quality of the master is satisfactory, allowing for the distinct detection of lower-end sounds and providing a decently immersive experience through effective utilization of satellite speakers for ambience like street noise and aircraft sounds.

The 5.1 track particularly shines in its handling of Jack Eric Williams's distinguished score, emphasizing its overdue recognition. The composition, featuring a unique mix of bass guitar, harmonica, and pan flute, expertly enhances the suspense and mood of the film. Williams's use of a bass guitar flanger effect significantly contributes to the haunting atmosphere within certain scenes, showcasing an innovative audio technique reminiscent of iconic horror scores. Additionally, Severin's meticulous attention to detail in the SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing) ensures that none of the dialogue nuances are lost, enabling a more inclusive viewing experience. This dedication to quality subtitles complements the sophisticated audio options, ensuring that "Nightmare's" audio presentation is a notable aspect of its 4K UHD Blu-Ray release, despite some missed opportunities to include original audio tracks.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Nightmare" fortify its status as a cult classic, augmenting the film's lore with a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes wisdom and historical context. Essential audio commentaries unravel technical feats and on-set shenanigans, with Baird Stafford's memories and William Paul's sardonic musings offering contrasting views of the tumultuous production process. Fresh interviews with director Romano Scavolini and SFX luminaries, along with a compelling documentary on David Hamilton-Grant, enrich understanding of the film's legacy and its brush with British censorship. Severin Films meticulously curates a comprehensive package that elegantly balances technical insights, the joys and pains of independent filmmaking, and the peculiar journey of "Nightmare" through cinematic infamy. The supplementary features are an invaluable resource for aficionados seeking in-depth exploration of one of horror cinema’s more enigmatic entries.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary With Star Baird Stafford and Special Effects Assistant Cleve Hall, Moderated By Lee Christian and David DeCoteau
• Audio Commentary With Producer William Paul
• Trailers
• NEW Kill Thy Father and Thy Mother – Interview With Director Romano Scavolini
• Dreaming Up a Nightmare
• NEW The Nightmare of NIGHTMARE – Interview With Erroneously Credited Special Effects Director Tom Savini
• NEW The Stuff That Nightmares Are Made of – Interview With Makeup Artist Robin Stevens
• NEW A Nightmare on Many Streets – A Locations Tour With Rue Morgue Writer Michael Gingold
• Open Matte Peep Show Sequence
• Deleted Scenes
• Still Gallery
• NEW Damaged: The Very British Obscenity of David Hamilton-Grant
• NEW Rare David Hamilton-Grant Productions: The Office Party, Under the Bed, You're Driving Me Crazy, and Escape to Entebbe
• Violent Nature: The Selling Of A NIGHTMARE Booklet

Severin Films offers a meticulously crafted release of Romano Scavolini's NIGHTMARE (1981), presenting a three-disc set that shines a spotlight on an oft-overlooked gem in the slasher film canon. This edition is notable not just for its content but also for the movie's technical presentation, ensuring fans and new viewers alike receive the highest fidelity viewing experience possible. NIGHTMARE, a film caught between Scavolini's European narrative ambitions and the commercial expectations of its producers, showcases a distinctive blend of storytelling that might feel disjointed at times but ultimately contributes to the movie's unique charm and terror.

The plot of NIGHTMARE takes the viewer down a dark path led by George Tatum, effectively portrayed by Baird Stafford, whose performance as a tormented individual caught in the aftermath of a government's experimental foray into psychotropic drugs underlines the movie's critical take on such programs. The narrative's depth is further enriched by insights into Scavolini's inspirations and struggles, including the compromise between his original vision and the producers' demands which led to an unintended but fascinating fusion of horror tropes and psychological thriller elements. This compromise is reflected in both the thematic substance of the movie, navigating through George's troubled psyche, and in its structural form, where certain editorial choices, though seen as a flaw by some, underscore the inherent conflict at the heart of NIGHTMARE's production.

Moreover, Scavolini's engagement with themes of surveillance and paranoia mirrors broader societal anxieties, setting NIGHTMARE apart from other slasher films of its era. Despite its nods to John Carpenter's Halloween, particularly in its use of suspenseful POV shots and casting parallels, NIGHTMARE distinguishes itself with a storyline that stands on its own merits. The film's handling of childhood trauma and its manifestations in George's adult life is both compelling and unsettling, although at times undercut by excessive flashbacks. Nonetheless, NIGHTMARE remains a laudable effort within the indie horror genre, effectively leveraging a modest budget to create an atmosphere that is as immersive as it is horrifying.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Nightmare" offers an impeccably detailed and immersive experience, diving deep into the complex psychological terrains of its central character. The film's exploration of themes such as trauma-induced violence and the sinister influence of hallucinogenic substances on the human psyche is vividly captured in this release. Moreover, its nuanced scrutiny of the protagonist, George's, troubled relationship with his sexuality from a young age and his incomprehension towards S&M showcases a daringly introspective narrative. While the package is nearly perfect, it is slightly marred by the absence of the film's original mono mix, an omission that detracts from what could have been an unrivaled edition. Nevertheless, the visual transfer retains an appropriate graininess that enhances its authenticity, thereby enriching the viewing experience. The supplementary materials provided are plentiful, with director Scavolini's interview being a highlight, offering profound insights into the film's creation and thematic depth.

For enthusiasts and connoisseurs of cult cinema, especially those who have appreciated Vinegar Syndrome's release of "Silent Madness," this edition of "Nightmare" is a treasure trove. Its rich array of bonus content, alongside a visually faithful transfer, makes for a compelling package. Despite the lamentable exclusion of the original audio track which slightly diminishes its appeal to purists, the overall quality and presentation do not falter in delivering an enveloping cinematic journey.

Conclusively, while the absence of the original mono mix is a notable oversight, it does not overly detract from the comprehensive excellence encapsulated in this 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Nightmare." The film's intricate examination of its protagonist's psychological ordeal is presented with outstanding visual and supplemental detail, making it a highly recommended acquisition for fans and first-time viewers alike. This edition stands as a testament to the enduring impact and relevance of "Nightmare," affirming its place in the pantheon of psychological horror cinema.