Scream, Pretty Peggy Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Scream, Pretty Peggy" from Kino Lorber showcases a meticulously restored version of the television film in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition. Presented in its original 1.33:1 full-frame aspect ratio, this release leverages a new high-definition master to deliver an impressive visual experience. The scan is notably crisp and clean, demonstrating exceptional print quality that maintains its natural filmic appearance without succumbing to digital noise reduction. This meticulous preservation results in a remarkably detailed image that does justice to the film's historic age.

Kino Lorber's encoding exhibits a robust high bit-rate, ensuring that the visual integrity is preserved throughout the playback. The absence of artifacts and the clarity of the presentation speak volumes to the attention paid to the mastering process. This release triumphs in delivering a cinematic experience that stays true to the film's original broadcast while enhancing it for modern audiences. For fans and collectors, it is a definitive edition that captures the film's essence with outstanding fidelity.

The Blu-ray release of "Scream, Pretty Peggy" is presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo, delivering a robust and immersive auditory experience. The lossless audio quality is commendable, providing crisp clarity and intelligible dialogue throughout the film. Notably, the variance in speech delivery—such as Davis’s eccentric enunciation—stands out clearly against the more conversational tones of Allen and Bessell. Although the score by Robert Prince may not significantly elevate the mood due to its typical TV movie composition style, the audio track itself is free from disruptive artifacts like hiss, crackle, or pops, showcasing Kino’s diligent audio preservation efforts.

While the audio presentation maintains a high level of clarity and precision, it isn't without minor imperfections. For instance, a specific kitchen scene reveals a slight echo, which marginally disrupts an otherwise pristine auditory landscape. Despite this, the overall dialogue remains balanced and present, underscoring the effectiveness of the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono setup. Optional English subtitles are thoughtfully included, catering to a broader audience and ensuring that viewers can appreciate all facets of the dialogue-driven narrative. This technical offering stands as a testament to the meticulous care invested in reviving this classic television movie for contemporary home viewing platforms.

The Blu-ray release of "Scream, Pretty Peggy" offers a captivating exploration of its supplementary content, blending insightful commentary and vintage promotional materials that enrich the viewing experience. The audio commentary by film historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson is an outstanding feature, providing in-depth analysis and historical context that enhances appreciation for the film. The visuals are complemented by Vince Evans’ striking cover art, which artistically captures the film's thematic menace with a dramatic depiction of Bette Davis' character. Packaged meticulously in a standard blue amaray case and limited-edition slipcover, the presentation is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally robust. This release effectively balances technical excellence with engaging content, making it a valuable addition for collectors and horror enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historians Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson: Detailed insights and historical context on the film.
• Scream, Pretty Peggy – TV Spot: A brief promotional clip.
• Fear No Evil – TV Spot: Promotional material spotlighting related content.
• Ritual of Evil – TV Spot: Another promotional clip providing context or background.
• Kolchak: The Night Stalker (Bad Medicine) – TV Spot: Short promotional segment related to the series.

"Scream, Pretty Peggy," a 1973 television film, undergoes a striking restoration that both excites and intrigues. This gothic horror feature emerges as a standout within the realm of TV films from the era, boasting a compelling narrative and an impressive cast. Bette Davis leads with a memorable performance, her portrayal lending depth to the film's atmospheric tension. Sian Barbara Allen, as college student Peggy Johns, delivers a curious and whimsical role alongside Ted Bessell's mischievous Jeffrey Elliot. Though conceived on a modest budget, the film benefits hugely from these strong performances, offering a captivating watch for horror enthusiasts.

The craftsmanship behind "Scream, Pretty Peggy" notably elevates it beyond typical television fare. The art direction, overseen by Joe Alves, excels in creating an immersive, eerie ambiance with attention to detailed set designs. Hal Overell's set decorations, combined with Burton Miller's thoughtful costume design, establish an authentic and period-appropriate visual experience. These elements collectively underscore the film's narrative by enhancing the creepy and mysterious atmosphere of the mansion setting.

Technically, the film impresses with its apt cinematography by Leonard J. South, presenting visuals that rival theatrical features of the time. Larry Strong’s editing establishes a compelling pace that engages viewers consistently from start to finish, while Robert Prince’s score adds a suitable layer of gothic soundscapes to accompany the visuals. Written by Jimmy Sangster and Arthur Hoffe and directed by Gordon Hessler, the film incorporates sufficient intrigue and character focus within its storyline. Although not groundbreaking in script or concept, "Scream, Pretty Peggy" signifies an exceptional effort in TV movie productions, blending cinematic direction with solid storytelling to capture the audience’s involvement throughout its runtime.

"Scream, Pretty Peggy" stands out as an intriguing entry in the made-for-television film domain, capitalizing on its eerie mansion setting to capture audience interest. Central to its charm is the performance of Bette Davis, whose portrayal of Mrs. Elliott brings an enigmatic and imposing presence that bolsters the film's allure. While the storyline might draw heavily from familiar templates within the thriller genre, the cast's dedication and dynamic interaction keep it engaging for the viewers. The direction provides a solid framework, allowing the narrative to unfold with measured suspense.

The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber delivers remarkable technical quality, sourced from a new high-definition master that significantly enhances the visual experience. Accompanying this is a lossless audio presentation, ensuring that both sight and sound invite the viewer into the chilling ambiance intended by the film's creators. Despite its occasional reliance on well-worn tropes, the film maintains a unique attraction through its vintage style, offering a nostalgic journey for thriller aficionados.

In conclusion, "Scream, Pretty Peggy" serves as both a showcase of Bette Davis’s enduring talent and a respectable addition to classic horror thrillers. The Blu-ray presentation enriches the viewing experience exponentially, making it a recommended acquisition for enthusiasts respecting traditional cinematic thrills and timeless star performances.