Hercules in the Haunted World Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Hercules in the Haunted World" from Kino Lorber exhibits an exceptional visual presentation that benefits significantly from a 2K restoration sourced from the original camera negative. Presented in the original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoding, the film features excellent detail and vibrant color reproduction, preserving Mario Bava's haunting and evocative imagery. The scan is remarkably clean, free from obtrusive specks, dirt, debris, and scratches, maintaining a naturally filmic quality with intact fine grain. Both established fans and newcomers will appreciate the sharpness and depth this restoration brings to the venerable classic.

The release includes multiple cuts of the film, with the Italian version demonstrating a higher bit-rate compared to the U.K. version, which is included under the extras section. Despite minor differences in prologues and credits, all three versions (Italian, US, and UK) deliver consistently stable and detailed presentations. Bava's masterful use of minimal resources creates boldly contrasting colors and shadows that shine vividly in this high-definition transfer. The meticulous restoration successfully translates Bava’s distinct cinematography, underscoring his genius even further by showcasing the film's atmospheric appeal through enhanced picture quality that retains its original artistic intent.

The audio presentation of "Hercules in the Haunted World" on Blu-ray offers varied experiences across its three distinct versions, each featuring a lossless mono audio track in uncompressed PCM (16-bit). The US dubbed version suffers from substantial issues, particularly at the beginning, where noticeable hiss, static, and crackling severely detract from the listening experience. While the audio quality stabilizes later, the initial poor quality is highly disappointing. In contrast, the Italian language version excels with superior clarity and exceptional dialogue reproduction. Despite minor background hiss, it remains largely unobtrusive. The English dub for the UK version also presents some hiss and crackle but not to a degree that it detracts significantly from enjoyment.

The Italian track is notably the best in terms of fidelity and minimal auditory distractions. This version includes optional English subtitles that default to on, offering precise translations free from spelling and grammatical errors. Additionally, SDH subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are available and equally well-executed. The UK English dub shares a similar yet slightly more compromised sound profile compared to the Italian version. Overall, the Italian track stands out for its superior audio quality, maintaining a clear and consistently crisp presentation that enhances the viewing experience significantly.

The Blu-ray release of "Hercules in the Haunted World" presents a wealth of well-curated extras that significantly enhance the viewing experience. The extras span across two discs, featuring distinct presentations of the US, Italian, and UK versions of the film. Each version is individually encoded, avoiding seamless branching. The set includes insightful commentary by film historian Tim Lucas, which is essential for anyone interested in Mario Bava’s directorial prowess and innovative use of camera effects despite a limited budget. An engaging interview with actor George Ardisson and historian Fabio Melelli dives into production anecdotes and differing film versions. Additionally, the package includes various trailers from both the US and UK releases.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas: Informative commentary about production details, set design, and practical effects by noted Bava historian.
• Interview with George Ardisson: A 25-minute interview featuring insights from George Ardisson and Fabio Melelli.
• Theatrical Trailer: Standard Definition US Theatrical Trailer.
• U.K. Theatrical Trailer: Standard Definition UK Theatrical Trailer.

Mario Bava's "Hercules in the Haunted World," also known as "Hercules in the Center of the Earth," is a distinctive blend of gothic horror and mythological adventure. The film follows Hercules (Reg Park) on a quest to save his lover Deianira (Leonora Ruffo) from a supernatural curse. Assisted by Theseus (George Ardisson) and Telemachus (Franco Giacobini), Hercules must journey to the underworld to retrieve a magical stone that can break the spell. Along the way, they face numerous foes including vampires and zombies, orchestrated by the sinister villain King Lico, played with characteristic gravitas by Christopher Lee.

The production design and art direction, helmed by Franco Lolli, elevate the movie with impressive visual effects and epic scenery that far exceed the expectations set by its modest budget. Armando Trovajoli’s haunting score further enhances the atmosphere, crafting a unique auditory backdrop to Bava's stunning visuals. While the screenplay, co-written by Bava alongside Sandro Continenza, Francesco Prosperi, and Duccio Tessari, may fall short in terms of intricate dialogue and complex character development, its imaginative plotlines and visually rich storytelling make up for these shortcomings. The production's audacious scope and atmospheric cinematography create a hauntingly immersive experience, emblematic of Bava's prowess.

Despite its limitations in narrative depth, "Hercules in the Haunted World" excels as a visually captivating spectacle. Hercules’ battle through vibrant, studio-crafted hellscapes to rescue Deianira stands out as a particularly memorable sequence. The casting, particularly Reg Park's portrayal of Hercules, may not have initially impressed but reveals a laid-back charm upon further viewings. The film's strengths lie in its artistic execution rather than its story—a testament to Mario Bava’s unique vision and skill in genre filmmaking.

The new Blu-ray release of "Hercules in the Haunted World" from Kino Lorber is an engaging showcase of Mario Bava’s directorial prowess. Bava, known for his exceptional use of color and shadow, delivers a visual spectacle that enhances the mythological narrative of Hercules’ descent to rescue his love from the underworld. This presentation captures the essence of Bava’s great filmmaking period, and his ability to achieve remarkable results despite budget constraints.

Critically examining the Blu-ray edition, it’s commendable that Kino Lorber has included three different versions of the film. The Italian cut, titled "Hercules in the Center of the Earth," tends to be the preferred version due to its higher bit-rate and superior audio quality compared to the English variant and U.K. version offered as supplemental features. Though the presentations are not identical, the inclusion of these versions provides a comprehensive look at this cult classic.

There are notable supplemental features accompanying the film, including insightful interviews that add to the appreciation of Bava's work. The robust packaging ultimately caters to both hardcore fans and newcomers. It is worth noting the disparity in audio quality among the versions, particularly highlighting that the Italian version stands out in terms of fidelity.

In conclusion, Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Hercules in the Haunted World" is recommended for its strong presentation of Mario Bava's signature visual style and inventive storytelling. Despite the variations in quality across the included film versions, the Italian cut makes this edition a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enjoy one of Bava's masterpieces in a well-curated set that emphasizes his influential contribution to cinema.