Arnold Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Arnold" is supported by a 4K scan sourced from a 35mm interpositive, delivering a pleasant viewing experience in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The image exhibits lively colors, particularly within the manor interiors that project deep reds, while Stella Stevens' vivid costuming delivers a spectrum of bright hues. Men's formal attire features strong grays and browns, enhancing the visual dynamic. The skin tones appear natural and well-balanced. Although some softness is present, detail is adequately conveyed especially in exploring skin particulars and in the intricate decoration of the manor's rooms as the narrative progresses.

Grain structure remains nicely resolved, maintaining a film-like texture that complements the high-quality source condition. Delineation effectively retains essential frame information, with dark outfits rendered clearly without losing definition. Despite working from an interpositive rather than the original camera negative, the result is a substantial visual improvement over past releases, offering better flesh tones and decent contrast quality.

The overall visual presentation is augmented by a good DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound mix, with optional English subtitles provided for accessibility. While not pristine, the Blu-ray captures the essence of its era while enhancing the film's aesthetic value for modern viewers, ultimately providing an engaging and technically refined viewing experience.

The Blu-ray of "Arnold" delivers a competent audio presentation through its 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. The mix provides clear and defined dialogue exchanges, maintaining the distinctiveness of accents and capturing the emotional nuances effectively. The musical score is well-integrated, offering a balanced underpinning with a commendable authority in the title track. Sound effects are rendered faithfully, ensuring that auditory elements support the narrative without overwhelming it.

Vinegar Syndrome’s attention to audio fidelity complements their 4K scan of the 35 mm interpositive. Although the scan does not derive from the original camera negative, it significantly enhances the visuals while retaining some grain and softness typical of the source material. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono sound remains robust, delivering solid audio despite the historical limitations of the format. The optional English subtitles further bolster accessibility, providing a reliable alternative for viewers requiring additional clarity in understanding the dialogue.

In essence, this Blu-ray release succeeds in preserving the film's auditory essence, enhancing viewer engagement through a mix that respects the film's original sound design while optimizing clarity and balance. The technical direction aligns with an overall appreciation for cinematic presentation, creating an engaging audio experience for both aficionados and casual viewers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Arnold" presents a compelling collection of extras that enhance the viewer's appreciation of this Gothic horror comedy. The inclusion of a commentary by film historian Mike White is invaluable, providing insightful analysis and context that deepens understanding of the film’s stylistic nuances and historical placement. The highlight is a meticulously crafted video essay, "The Gothic Horror Comedy in Hollywood," by Samm Deighan. This feature adopts a scholarly perspective, exploring the blend of horror and comedy within a historical framework. Unfortunately, the disc does not include a trailer, an oversight in an otherwise carefully curated set. The technical quality of these features is commendable, showcasing optimal clarity and depth, thus ensuring an engaging supplementary experience for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Features insights from film historian Mike White.
• The Gothic Horror Comedy in Hollywood: A video essay by Samm Deighan exploring the genre.

"Arnold" (1973) is an eccentric film that straddles the line between dark comedy and horror, driven by a uniquely bizarre narrative. The plot centers on the corpse of Arnold Dwellyn, who continues to exert influence from beyond the grave. The film opens with Arnold's marriage to Karen, under decidedly unusual circumstances, sparking a series of odd events following the reading of his will. Screenwriters Jameson Brewer and John Fenton Murray craft a whimsical story laced with mystery and humor, reminiscent of a quirky Agatha Christie mystery or a peculiar episode of Scooby-Doo. Director Georg Fenady enhances this atmosphere with clever use of symbolism, employing imagery like ravens and black cats to establish an eerie tone that is undercut by a catchy theme song which lightens the mood.

Despite its offbeat charm, "Arnold" suffers from a lack of coherent narrative engagement. While the seasoned cast delivers commendable performances, the film's comedic elements fail to land consistently. The ludicrous premise is unique but often slips into absurdity without delivering effective horror or humor. Notably, the film refrains from explicit violence, favoring a whimsical approach to its macabre subject matter. Characters interact with the dead man's schemes through cassette tapes played from a customized coffin, as further oddities unfold in Arnold's mansion. Yet, these gimmicky elements, while inventive, detract rather than add depth to the storytelling.

Overall, "Arnold" provides an intriguing blend of weirdness that is emblematic of early 1970s cinema. It delivers an amalgam of motives and revelations with plot twists involving forbidden affairs and peculiar demises. Ultimately, the film may intrigue those drawn to unconventional narratives but might fall short for audiences seeking substantial horror or consistent comedic relief. Still, its uniqueness and the daring of its concept are admirable, offering a curious cinematic experience echoing bygone eras of film experimentation.

"Arnold" on Blu-ray is a cinematic oddity that stands out for its unique blend of gothic atmosphere, dark comedy, and peculiar narrative twists. The film presents an eccentric revenge tale, where the titular character, though deceased, orchestrates a sequence of traps and machinations through a series of recorded messages. The narrative leans toward camp rather than traditional suspense, offering a unique viewing experience that marries absurdity with gothic flair. Despite its unconventional approach, the cast delivers commendable performances, fully embracing the film's bizarre yet engaging premise. They inject vitality into the script's madness with their remarkable timing and exaggerated portrayals.

The Blu-ray release enriches the home viewing experience with its technical mastery and additional content. The high-definition transfer admirably preserves the film's brooding gothic visuals, while the audio faithfully reproduces the eerie score that complements its atmosphere. For those keen on supplementary materials, the disc includes a new audio commentary by Mike White, co-host of The Projection Booth Podcast. Although it features extended moments of silence, it offers insights into the film’s background. Additionally, Samm Deighan’s video essay expands on the film's context within the gothic horror comedy genre, providing a historical overview punctuated with relevant film clips from early cinema.

In conclusion, "Arnold" may not serve as a career pinnacle for its participants, but it provides a notable addition to any Halloween movie lineup, prioritizing eccentricity over pure scares. It is an intriguing exploration of vengeance beyond the grave, delivered with a wry sense of humor. While not terrifying, it captivates with its distinctive narrative choices and strong performances that complement its offbeat charm. The supplemental features further enhance this package, offering historical context and behind-the-scenes insights that will undoubtedly appeal to enthusiasts of gothic and camp cinema alike.