The Strange Door Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's release of "The Strange Door" delivers a commendable video presentation, marking a significant improvement over its previous DVD iterations. Presented in its original Academy Ratio of 1.37:1, the MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-25 disc showcases Irving Glassberg's noirish cinematography with remarkable fidelity. The transfer boasts crisp blacks and an impressive grayscale, with silhouettes and figure shadows offering striking visuals. The source material appears to be an excellent archival print, with an average bitrate of 29920 kbps ensuring robust detail and clarity. A minor drawback includes occasional print damage, such as speckles and a subtle tramline visible in a specific shot, but these do not significantly detract from the overall quality.

Universal's diligent correction of timing issues from previous overly brightened masters allows the moody photography to shine through with enhanced contrast and deep blacks. This meticulous restoration effort by Kino Lorber effectively highlights the film's atmospheric visual elements, positioning this Blu-ray as a superior viewing option for fans and collectors. The careful handling of the source material results in a clean and detailed presentation that underscores the value of classic horror cinematography. Overall, this transfer is a testament to both the quality of the original film's visual design and the care taken in its digital restoration.

Kino's Blu-ray release of "The Strange Door" features a meticulous DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono mix (1557 kbps, 16-bit), preserving the authenticity of the original monaural sound track. Despite the inherent limitations due to the film's age, the audio is remarkably clean and devoid of any scratches, pops, crackles, or dropouts, with only a brief section exhibiting an audible hiss. Dialogue delivered by both American and British actors remains legible and comprehensible throughout the film. The musical score, under the direction of Joseph Gershenson, intriguingly reuses cues from earlier Universal titles like "House of Frankenstein" (1944), "House of Dracula" (1945), and "She-Wolf of London" (1946). These pieces were re-recorded for non-diegetic placement within the film, adding a layer of depth and historical continuity to the auditory experience.

Optional English subtitles are available to complement the dialogue clarity, ensuring accessibility for all viewers. Additionally, the commentary segment by David Schecter enriches the viewer's appreciation by identifying various Universal movie scores excerpted for this production. This meticulous approach to audio restoration ensures that while the track maintains its monaural character, it delivers a clean and engaging listening experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Strange Door" are thorough and well-executed, providing significant insights into the film’s production and cultural context. The centerpiece is a meticulously organized audio commentary by film historians Tom Weaver, David Schecter, and Dr. Robert J. Kiss, moderated by Weaver. The commentary, described as more of an audio documentary, includes bios, production details, and interviews recreated by voice actors, offering in-depth analysis without any gaps. Complementing this are trailers from Kino’s catalog. However, it is noted that no trailer for "The Strange Door" is included. This feature set significantly enriches the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historians Tom Weaver, David Schecter, and Dr. Robert J. Kiss: Detailed discussions, interviews, and archival information.
• Bonus Trailers: Includes trailers for various Kino catalog titles such as "Witness for the Prosecution," "The Paradine Case," "Black Sabbath," "The Crimson Cult," and "Female on the Beach".

"The Strange Door," a lesser-known 1951 adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's short story "The Sire de Maletroit's Door," features outstanding performances set against a rich gothic backdrop. Charles Laughton commands the screen as the fiendish Sire Alain de Maletroit, employing his characteristic blend of menace and dark humor. Although his portrayal is reminiscent of his past roles, including The Private Life of Henry VIII, Laughton's ability to elevate the material is unmatched. Richard Stapley and Sally Forrest, playing Denis de Beaulieu and Blanche respectively, deliver serviceable performances, though they lack the charisma of their more seasoned co-stars. Boris Karloff, despite limited screen time and a somewhat thankless role, brings a notable presence that enhances the film's atmosphere.

From a technical standpoint, "The Strange Door" exhibits commendable craftsmanship for a low-budget production. Universal-International's art directors, particularly under the guidance of prop master Robert Laszlo and sculptor Melvin Tripple, created remarkable sets—most notably an intricately designed torture chamber and an extensive cemetery for a pivotal fight scene. Cinematographer Irving Glassberg’s work, coupled with Bernard Herzbrun, Nathan Juran, and Eric Orbom's production design, bestows the film with a polished visual aesthetic that belies its modest production values.

Director Joseph Pevney's work on this film deserves recognition for maintaining a brisk pace and executing action sequences with precision. Despite its uneven script, which stretches plausibility and often confines actors within stereotypical roles, Pevney's direction ensures that the narrative remains engaging. The film oscillates between gothic horror and swashbuckling adventure, yet it fails to fully commit to either genre. Nevertheless, it remains an intriguing spectacle primarily due to Laughton's stellar performance and the atmospheric production design that immerses audiences in its eerie world.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "The Strange Door" is a valuable addition for classic film aficionados, especially those with an interest in Universal's roster of atmospheric horror-adjacent films. The movie, released in a period when Universal produced few monster or horror pictures, leans more towards period drama and suspense with notable horror elements. Its appeal lies in its gothic atmosphere, complete with sliding panels and a torture chamber, catering to audiences who relish a morbid setting. The performances, particularly Charles Laughton's unrestrained zeal, elevate the film, though Karloff's screen time is limited. The transfer quality is commendable, providing a crisp visual and audio presentation that enhances the film's eerie ambiance.

The supplementary materials, including the commentary track, are packed with trivia and insightful observations that will delight fans of classic cinema. The commentary enriches the viewing experience by contextualizing the film within its historical and cinematic landscape. While the movie might not have strong appeal to every modern viewer due to its slower pacing and lack of overt monster thrills, it holds a distinct charm for those who appreciate vintage suspense and character-driven narratives. Laughton's performance alone makes it a worthwhile viewing.

In conclusion, "The Strange Door" stands as an intriguing artifact from Universal's cinematic vaults. Despite its mixed critical reception at release, it possesses enduring qualities that should engage fans of period suspense and classic film. Kino Lorber's high-quality transfer and robust supplementary content make this Blu-ray a recommended acquisition for enthusiasts of Laughton and Karloff. This release does justice to an overlooked piece of film history, making it a must-have for completists and classic horror aficionados alike.