Bloodtide Blu-ray Review

Arrow Films' Blu-ray release of "Blood Tide" benefits from a meticulous restoration process that truly elevates its presentation. Scanned in 4K from the original 35mm camera negative and meticulously color graded and restored in 2K, the film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with a remastered mono sound mix. The result is a visually impressive transfer, with strong color saturation that particularly enhances the Greek coastline's aesthetic, making the old buildings and shorelines appear vividly detailed.

While the film occasionally shows minor rough patches, such as in the optically printed credits sequence or certain underwater scenes, these are minimal compared to its overall polish. Fine detail is consistently notable, from cobblestones and ancient stonework to facial textures and natural environments. Grain is well-managed throughout, maintaining a filmic quality without succumbing to distracting noise, although some spikes are noticeable in darker scenes.

Despite its public domain status, Arrow’s care shines through this release. The print is largely immaculate, free from dirt and scratches, which aids in maintaining the clarity of the 1080p transfer. The bluish hue in some day-for-night sequences slightly detracts but doesn't significantly affect the viewing experience. Overall, "Blood Tide" on Blu-ray offers a beautifully suffused palette with robust sharpness and texture, making it a compelling addition for collectors of cult cinema.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Bloodtide" features an LPCM mono track that capably supports Jerry Mosely's synth-laden score, alongside clear dialogue. Notably, some islanders speak Greek, and the disc offers two sets of optional subtitles: one translating only the Greek, and another providing subs for all dialogue regardless of language. The outdoor sequences benefit from impressive ambient environmental effects, and the underwater scenes also exhibit commendable effects work. Throughout my review, I did not encounter any issues with damage, distortion, or audio dropouts.

While the simple audio mix can sound a bit puffy in the low frequencies, it maintains a sense of open air and light breeze which fills the space where scoring is minimal. The predominantly dialogue-driven track ensures that Michael Jones’ deep voice is well-preserved by the LPCM mono format. The age-related aspects of the audio fidelity are minimal and do not detract from the overall listening experience, maintaining a high level of audio integrity that appropriately complements the visual presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Bloodtide" showcase an engaging blend of informative content and entertainment value. Highlighting this package is the commentary track with Director Richard Jefferies, moderated by Michael Felsher of Red Shirt Productions, featuring insights on the film’s origins and Jefferies' reflections on his career. Equally compelling is the new interview "Swept by the Tide," where producer Nico Mastorakis shares vibrant anecdotes with interviewer Ari Gerontakis. Supplementary materials include both the original and 2020 trailers, reflecting the film's journey from theatrical release to modern-day Blu-ray presentation. Arrow Video’s insert booklet further enriches the experience with high-quality stills, detailed cast and crew information, and a captivating essay by Michael Gingold.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful discussion with director and co-writer Richard Jeffries, moderated by Michael Felsher.
• Swept by the Tide: An engaging interview with producer Nico Mastorakis, conducted by Ari Gerontakis.
• Original Trailer: Classic trailer using main presentation footage.
• 2020 Trailer: Modern promotional piece for the Blu-ray release.
• Insert Booklet: Contains stills, cast and crew information, technical data, and essay by Michael Gingold.

"Bloodtide" serves as a curious though uneven entry in the cult horror genre, resonating with echoes of Lovecraftian themes yet managing to carve out its own character-driven niche. The film's premise — two adventurers, Neil (Martin Kove) and Sherry (Mary Louise Weller), arriving on a stunning Greek island in search of Neil’s missing sister, Madeline (Deborah Shelton) — promises intrigue but is often bogged down by underdeveloped backstories and a lack of suspense. The island is depicted as a rich tableau of characters, including Josè Ferrer as the evasive mayor, Nereus, and Lila Kedrova’s mysterious nun, Sister Anna, who together create a palpable yet underexplored sense of secrecy. James Earl Jones’ adventurer Frye adds yet another layer, hunting for underwater treasures while verbally abusing his dotty girlfriend Barbara (Lydia Cornell), signaling her inevitable monstrous fate.

Technically, "Bloodtide" does its best with the resources available, leveraging the beautiful Mediterranean scenery and atmospheric settings to amplify its fairly thin plot. However, the film falters with its monster reveal, borrowing from old-school horror tropes but producing more laughter than fear due to its laughable design and lackluster execution. Although an intended metaphorical commentary about religious oppression, the film’s narrative efforts are diluted by its drawn-out pacing and limited action sequences. References to biblical sacrifices and folklore feel more like sensational additions without deeper contextual grounding.

The performances provide the most merit here. José Ferrer stands out with a commanding portrayal of the beleaguered town leader, while James Earl Jones gamely tackles his role despite the script's limitations. Despite these efforts, much of the cast, particularly the female characters, serve primarily as monster fodder or incidental eye-candy. The scenic allure of the Greek island offers some distraction from the film's otherwise lackluster terror elements but ultimately, "Bloodtide" remains little more than an intermittently engaging misstep in horror filmmaking, centered more on star power and setting than on building genuine fear or suspense.

"Blood Tide" arrives on Blu-ray with a release that showcases Arrow's attention to technical quality and supplementary content. The film presents an intriguing—albeit somewhat derivative—premise that grapples with elements of pagan worship and the incursions of nascent Christianity. Despite a screenplay that occasionally feels disjointed, viewers can appreciate the attempt to weave together these themes, even if the connections sometimes feel superficial. The standout performances include James Earl Jones' scenery-chewing portrayal and Martin Kove’s rare turn as the hero, both injecting a level of fun into the narrative. The film is visually captivating, offering a plethora of stunning scenic shots that add a layer of aesthetic pleasure.

The Blu-ray edition is bolstered by robust technical merits and a suite of engaging supplements. The audio commentary provides an upbeat exploration of Richard Jefferies' career trajectory, including insights into the making of "Blood Tide" and his reflections on it. "Swept by the Tide," featuring an interview with Nico Mastorakis conducted by Ari Gerontakis, adds further depth with lively anecdotes from Mastorakis' film career. Additionally, the release includes two trailers—one recreated from the main presentation footage and another promoting the Blu-ray itself. A 20-page insert booklet features cast and crew information, a piece by Michael Gingold, and comprehensive restoration details, enhancing the overall package.

Despite its shortcomings in cohesiveness and narrative execution, "Blood Tide" offers an interesting genre effort that's augmented by Arrow's exemplary restoration and supplementary material. Fans of cult cinema will find value in this release, particularly for its technical fidelity and enriching extras.

In conclusion, while "Blood Tide" might not fully capitalize on its premise, the Blu-ray release from Arrow presents a compelling package for collectors and enthusiasts. With solid technical presentation and insightful supplementary content, this edition ensures that "Blood Tide" accomplishes more in its preservation than it might have in its initial impact.