The Manitou Blu-ray Review

With the original negatives of "The Manitou" lost, the 4K scan from an interpositive is as good as it gets, yielding generally pleasing results despite some limitations. The AVC-encoded 1080p, 2.35:1 aspect ratio image achieves a reasonable balance, managing to retain fine detail and color depth reflective of the 1970s source material. Primary colors during pivotal scenes, such as the climactic battle with the medicine man, are vibrant, with a solid grain structure enhancing the visual authenticity. However, occasional softness, along with speckles, dirt, and flicker in certain scenes, reveals the print's age and constraints.

Despite these inherent issues, the encoding handles textures well, giving life to costume fabrics and environmental details albeit with some variability in depth and delineation. Buildings and landscapes of San Francisco are captured with acceptable dimensionality, while the man-in-suit creature effects are openly displayed. Colors range from natural skintones to the vividness of clothing and backdrops, maintaining a satisfactory balance throughout. Black levels achieve a near-natural appearance, though they are accompanied by heavier grain in shadowy and foggy scenes.

In terms of clarity and detail in "The Manitou," the overall performance of the Blu-ray is noteworthy given the source's condition. The film is characterized by strong colors, particularly with reds and blues standing out starkly during high-contrast scenes. Facial features maintain natural consistency, allowing for clear visibility of makeup details and skin textures. While there are minor digital artifacts present, they do not detract significantly from the viewing experience, highlighting the commendable effort put into preserving this niche film's visual quality.

The audio presentation of "The Manitou" on Blu-ray features a restored 2.0 DTS-HD MA stereo mix, which generally performs well given the film's age. While the restoration seeks to preserve the original sound as much as possible, some fluctuations in volume are noted during the first two reels. Despite these issues, dialogue remains clear, maintaining intelligibility throughout the film. The soundscape effectively delivers the foreboding mood essential to a horror movie, albeit with some minor distortions during high-intensity scenes. The orchestral score supports the intended atmosphere, although it lacks ultimate crispness and definition.

Additional technical details include English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD MA and English subtitles, with dynamics satisfactorily balanced to deliver the necessary terror elements. While there is no notable presence of low-frequency extension or height, the restored stereo track sufficiently covers city bustle and hospital ambient sounds, adding to the immersion. Dialogue reproduction stands out with clear and crisp vocals, supported by some solid deeper tones. The atmospheric presentation, particularly the stairwell activity around the 90-minute mark, reveals slight damage inherent to the original mix but does not detract significantly from the overall auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "The Manitou" boasts an array of insightful and meticulously produced extras that enhance the appreciation for this classic film. The Audio Commentary by film historian Troy Howarth provides an in-depth analysis of the film's context, production, and reception, making it essential for enthusiasts and scholars alike. The interview with producer David Sheldon delves into his extensive career, his collaboration with William Girdler, and personal reflections on Girdler’s untimely death. Author Graham Masterton’s interview offers a rich perspective on the genesis of the story, his move into journalism, and the impact of adapting his book to film. These features collectively paint a comprehensive picture of the creative forces behind "The Manitou".

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with David Sheldon: Detailed career insights and Girdler collaboration.
• Interview with Graham Masterton: Origins of "The Manitou" and adaptation process.
• Audio Commentary: In-depth analysis by film historian Troy Howarth.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• TV Spots: Three original commercials.
• Still Gallery: Publicity stills, posters, lobby cards, and more.

"The Manitou" seamlessly translates Graham Masterson’s 1976 novel into an on-screen spectacle that straddles the line between horror and unintentional comedy. Directed by William Girdler, the film features an aging Tony Curtis as Harry Erskine, a phony psychic who gets drawn into a surreal conflict when his former lover, Karen (Susan Strasberg), develops a rapidly growing tumor on her back. Girdler’s attempt to convey the bizarre plot of a 400-year-old Native American medicine man reincarnating through the tumor is laudable but often flounders under tonal inconsistencies and a somewhat slapdash approach to narrative coherence. The film transitions from spiritual thriller to gory horror and culminates in a sci-fi finale, replete with spiritual lasers—a sequence evocative of late 1970s pop-culture obsessions.

The technical aspects of "The Manitou" are surprisingly competent despite its campy essence. Performances by the veteran cast, including Burgess Meredith's turn as an anthropologist and Michael Ansara’s portrayal of the modern-day medicine man John Singing Rock, lend a peculiar gravitas to the ludicrous script. Special effects are emblematic of acid-trip sequences, especially during the climactic showdown, which incorporates wildly imaginative yet somewhat flawed visuals. The city of San Francisco is almost a character itself, given the numerous scenic shots that juxtapose urban landscapes with the unfolding supernatural horror.

Despite its best efforts to be taken seriously, "The Manitou" frequently ventures into the realm of inadvertent hilarity. The film embraces outlandish elements with gusto, turning what could have been a nightmarish scenario into a riotous viewing experience. With its ambitious yet absurd plot twists and notable cast, the movie proves to be entertaining in ways likely unanticipated by its producers. For audiences seeking a blend of 1970s horror nostalgia and offbeat humor, "The Manitou" offers a wild and memorable ride, albeit one best enjoyed in the company of a lively audience.

"The Manitou" is an emblematic 70s horror film, celebrated for its psychedelic absurdity and unintentionally humorous moments. The movie's serious demeanor juxtaposed with its pervasive silliness results in a cheese-filled, camp horror experience. Based on Graham Masterson’s novel, it translates to screen with a unique blend of goofy charm and schlocky terror that represents the era well. Scream Factory has done commendable work with the restoration, despite the original negative being lost, thus ensuring the film is presented as best as possible under the circumstances. The audio retains its original charm with DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo and Mono options that complement the visual restoration.

Supporting a strong cast, including Tony Curtis and Susan Strasberg, "The Manitou" delivers on the performances front, albeit through a lens of campy allure. The dramatic score by Lalo Schifrin adds to the intense, albeit nonsensical, atmosphere. Despite attempts to integrate themes of Native American folklore and personal torment, the film's 103-minute runtime proves insufficient for its grandiose plot, making it feel rushed and underdeveloped. However, this oversaturation of concepts contributes to its cult status as a bizarre cinematic oddity.

Scream Factory enriches this release with a robust selection of extras, including insightful interviews and commentaries that provide additional appreciation for this peculiar classic. While "The Manitou" may not satisfy every horror aficionado with its narrative approach, it offers an entertaining ride for those who embrace camp horror or enjoy movies ripe for satirical commentary.

In conclusion, "The Manitou" is a psychedelic 70s horror film that is probably one of the more fun, yet unintentionally hilarious, films I’ve seen recently. The movie takes itself so seriously but is filled with so much goofiness and chuckle-worthy scenes that you can’t help but have a good time with the schlock fest. Graham Masterson’s novel may have worked in the imagination of our minds, but on screen it had some amusing results that can only be described as “70s cheese”. Scream Factory has done the best they could with the elements on hand for the restoration, and the same goes for the audio. Probably the best facet of the entire package is the extras that have been assembled. There’s a bevy of quality interviews and commentaries, as well as legacy extras from the old DVD. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but "The Manitou" is a cheesy bit of 70s horror that just works simply due to how over the top it really is.