The Seventh Sign Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "The Seventh Sign" on Blu-ray demonstrates a solid transfer, leveraging an existing master provided by Tri-Star (Sony). The film is delivered in 1080p with an anamorphic 2.35:1 aspect ratio, encoded in MPEG-4 AVC on a BD-50 disc. The average bitrate is 31997 kbps, resulting in a clear image with visible film grain and occasional white specks. Despite some scenes appearing slightly worn with a gauzy clarity, the majority exude impressive sharpness and nuanced textures. Overall, the visual quality surpasses previous SD transfers, with Malcolm L. Johnson’s observation of Juan Ruiz Anchía's "lucid and strikingly composed" cinematography echoed by many.

The color palette leans towards the earthy and muted side, consistent with the film's dark tone. Primary colors notably stand out in certain scenes, although the general aesthetic remains understated. Blacks are consistently deep, with minimal instances of crushing, and flesh tones throughout the movie maintain natural and even appearances. Dusty and golden overtones prevalent in many scenes contribute to a rounded, albeit somewhat aged visual experience. Dream sequences and scenes set in far-flung locales offer vivid contrasts, breaking the otherwise drab 80s visual monotony.

The depth and detail are moderately high, with significant close-ups highlighting intricate textures and facial features effectively. Motion remains fluid with no significant distortions, ensuring a cinematic experience. While the transfer has its limitations, likely due to the age of the source material and constraints on restoration, it undeniably represents the best available version of "The Seventh Sign." The foreboding hazy look mentioned by Rick Bentley is used effectively to convey mood, while areas like the Vatican scenes showcase stronger color moments within the overall subdued aesthetic.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track provided with "The Seventh Sign" Blu-ray release by Shout! Factory delivers an unexpectedly immersive experience despite the absence of a 5.1 mix. The audio track, retaining the authenticity of the original Dolby 2.0 Surround mix, showcases Jack Nitzsche's diverse score with remarkable clarity. The synthesis of Gregorian chants, keyboards, strings, woodwinds, chimes, and pipes reverberates through the front channels, adding a deep, ambient texture to the film’s atmosphere. Dialogues remain distinctly audible throughout, although there can be slight fluctuations depending on accent variances. The effects of turbulent weather conditions such as crashing hail and howling winds are captured effectively within the mix, enhancing the ominous tone of the movie.

This DTS-HD MA 2.0 track impressively balances the dynamic range and low frequencies, especially evident during scenes depicting earthquakes and other chaotic sequences, where the rumbling base adds a pronounced oomph to the overall presentation. Background noises and subtle sound cues are managed with precision, making each auditory element prominent yet harmoniously integrated within the track. Even though it lacks a surround sound presentation, the stereo track manages to fill the room well, making it a true auditory treat for its viewers. English subtitles are available for those who prefer assistance with dialogue comprehension.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "The Seventh Sign" offer a comprehensive dive into the film's behind-the-scenes process. The standout is the set of recent interviews, notable for their honesty and deep insight. Actor Michael Biehn discusses his take on his character, the role's challenges, and his acting methods. Director Carl Schultz provides a career overview and shares candid thoughts on studio involvement and the film's crafting. Screenwriters Clifford and Ellen Green detail their writing process, research, and use of pseudonyms. Actor Peter Friedman delves into his preparation and on-set experiences. Actor John Taylor shares his approach to his role and its significance. Additionally, the TV spots provide a nostalgic look at the film’s promotion. Collectively, these extras enrich the viewer's understanding of the production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Actor Michael Biehn: Discusses character insights and acting methods.
• Interview with Director Carl Schultz: Career overview and film crafting.
• Interview with Screenwriters Clifford and Ellen Green: Writing process and pseudonym use.
• Interview with Actor Peter Friedman: Role preparation and on-set anecdotes.
• Interview with Actor John Taylor: Role approach and character significance.
• TV Spots: Original promotional footage.

"The Seventh Sign" is an underrated gem from the late 1980s that delves into eschatological themes with a nuanced approach. It revisits the concept of the apocalypse predicted in the Book of Revelation, focusing on Abby Quinn (Demi Moore), an expectant mother who becomes entangled in a series of prophetic events indicating the end of the world. The film balances elements of horror and thriller, weaving a narrative that's both eerie and compelling. Abby’s husband, Russell (Michael Biehn), a lawyer absorbed in a case involving a teenager with Down Syndrome, initially dismisses her fears. The tension builds as the enigmatic David Bannon (Jürgen Prochnow), who rents a room from Abby, seems to be at the epicenter of these apocalyptic occurrences, making the unfolding drama unsettling and engaging.

The movie's production was fraught with challenges, from writer-director conflicts to significant script revisions, which resulted in the original writers removing their names from the project. Despite these difficulties, director Carl Schultz managed to create a film that deviates from typical over-the-top apocalyptic depictions, choosing instead to focus on character-driven storytelling. Demi Moore delivers a solid performance as the agnostic mother facing unimaginable threats, while Jürgen Prochnow’s portrayal of David is chilling and intense. Michael Biehn and Peter Friedman provide substantial support, with Biehn adding nuance to his role despite limited character development.

"The Seventh Sign" maintains its suspense through its subtle depiction of apocalyptic signs happening unnoticed by the general populace. This approach provides a refreshing contrast to modern CGI-heavy disaster films, lending an air of authenticity to the narrative. While some plot elements remain underdeveloped and certain subplots complicate the story unnecessarily, the film's climax captures the intended emotional and thematic depth. Ultimately, "The Seventh Sign" stands out for its atmospheric tension and thought-provoking take on religious prophecy, making it a worthwhile revisit for fans of the genre.

"The Seventh Sign" is a riveting religious thriller from the 80s, noteworthy for helping to launch Demi Moore’s career. The film presents a convoluted yet engaging adaptation of The Book of Revelation, where themes of sacrifice and faith intertwine with apocalyptic horror. Despite its complexity, the movie captivates from start to finish, thanks primarily to strong performances from Demi Moore, Michael Biehn, and Jurgen Prochnow. Moore, although young for the role, delivers a valiant performance as the protagonist. The supporting cast, including Peter Friedman and Manny Jacobs, deserves recognition for their contributions to the film's appeal.

Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release of "The Seventh Sign" does an impressive job in terms of audiovisual quality. The video is presented in a 2.39:1 AVC aspect ratio, paired with a robust DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio track. Additionally, the Blu-ray comes packed with a plethora of special features, including new interviews that will delight fans of the film. Although this release may not feature original reversible cover art, the upgrades in picture and sound quality provide a significant improvement over previous editions. The celebrated Juan Ruiz Anchía handles the cinematography masterfully, while Jack Nitzsche’s mystical score enhances the film's atmospheric tension.

Among the religious/supernatural thriller category, "The Seventh Sign" is a forgotten flick that really is not half bad if I do say so myself. Back in 1988 it didn’t get much play time and vanished into obscurity for ages (despite having an excellent cast for the day), and really doesn’t deserve that. It’s one of the lesser religious thrillers out there, but still a much better movie than many of the copycat religious horror/thriller flicks of the 2000 era. Demi Moore was a BABY back then, but pulls the role off nicely as the “semi” virgin Mary, and Jurgen Prochnow did what he did best in the 80s and 90s. Act like a creepy villain. Scream Factory’s Blu-ray release isn’t a collector’s edition, but it comes with a very nice set of brand new interviews and extras for the release to enjoy (although I was sad there was no original reversible cover art). Worth a very solid rental at the least.

Technical Specifications:

Starring: Demi Moore, Michael Biehn, Jurgen Prochnow
Directed by: Carl Schultz
Written by: Clifford Green, Ellen Green
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 AVC
Audio: English: DTS-HD MA 2.0
Subtitles: English
Studio: Scream Factory
Rated: R
Runtime: 97 Minutes
Blu-ray Release Date: September 11th 2018

Recommendation: Solid Rental