Phobia Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Phobia" presents a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio. Utilizing a new 4K remaster, the transfer excels in certain technical aspects, providing exceptional detail and clarity. The film grain is well-preserved and lends a natural texture to the image. However, color accuracy varies throughout; while some scenes exhibit natural hues, others appear overly saturated, especially concerning skin tones. Despite these inconsistencies, the transfer remains devoid of print damage, dirt, scratches, or debris, ensuring an uninterrupted viewing experience.

The remastered video quality adds depth to Kino Lorber’s release but struggles with consistency. Some sequences showcase accurate colors, while others appear somewhat distorted, almost as if viewed under a black light. These moments suggest potential variances in the source material used for the transfer. While the overall presentation benefits from the 4K scan’s superior resolution, it is clear that no significant digital clean-up was undertaken, leaving a few imperfections intact. Despite these minor setbacks, the high-definition transfer will likely satisfy fans of "Phobia" seeking a visually enhanced viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Phobia" presents an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio track that enhances the film's immersive experience. The audio boasts a lossless mono mix that preserves the original sound design. Despite the soundtrack being relatively quiet and reserved, it maintains a uniform clarity that spans from start to finish. The exceptional clarity, detail, and fidelity of the Blu-ray's audio presentation are consistently maintained, free of any pops, cracks, hisses, or other nuisances that could potentially disrupt the viewing experience.

The dialogue reproduction throughout "Phobia" is impeccable, ensuring that every spoken word is clear and comprehensible. The music score benefits substantially from the high-resolution audio, delivering a wonderfully reproduced sound that complements the film's atmospheric tone. Given the film's significant amount of location shooting, the audio quality stands out as particularly commendable. Optional English subtitles are provided, offering further accessibility without compromising the rich auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Phobia" present a comprehensive and insightful addition to the viewing experience. The audio commentary by Paul Corupe and film historian Jason Pichonsky provides an informative backdrop, delving into the history of the script, the Canadian tax shelter era, and production nuances, despite some initial digressions. Interviews with lead actress Susan Hogan and actress Lisa Langlois deliver valuable perspectives on their roles and the film's reception. Hogan’s interview offers enriching details on the movie's production, while Langlois candidly discusses her casting, involvement, and reaction to the film’s critical reception. Additionally, the collection of trailers for other Kino Lorber releases enhances the nostalgic appeal of this disc.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Paul Corupe and Film Historian Jason Pichonsky: Insightful discussion on script history, production, and Canadian tax shelter era.
• Interview with Lead Actress Susan Hogan: Provides extensive insights into the film's production.
• Interview with Actress Lisa Langlois: Discusses her role, casting experience, and film reception.
• Phobia Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Kino Lorber Trailers: Trailers for Jennifer, Parasite, House of the Long Shadows, Still of the Night, and Impulse.

"Phobia," directed by the legendary John Huston, explores the psychological depths of its characters by focusing on a controversial therapy for phobias. Dr. Peter Ross (Paul Michael Glaser) subjects a group of convict volunteers to an experimental treatment designed to make them confront their worst fears through immersive and horrifying stimuli. What could have been an intriguing dive into psychological horror stumbles due to a convoluted plot, erratic direction, and a lack of coherent thematic execution.

The screenplay, despite contributions from seasoned writers like Lew Lehman, Jimmy Sangster, and Peter Bellwood, is messy and lacks structure. The film’s premise of convicts being picked off by an unknown killer is undermined by inconsistent character development and illogical narrative progression. This is particularly notable since the deaths do not always align with the victims' phobias, breaking the internal logic that might have otherwise lent some coherence. The erratic pacing and uneven tone further detract from what could have been visceral suspense and nail-biting tension.

Technically, "Phobia" has glimpses of artistry, particularly in its cinematography by Reginald H. Morris. However, even his work fluctuates between compelling visuals and lifeless frames. Andre Gagnon’s musical score provides some atmospheric moments but fails to elevate the overall experience. Huston's directorial input, unfortunately, feels disengaged, resulting in a film that neither excites as a thriller nor introspects as a psychological drama.

In conclusion, "Phobia" is a missed opportunity. Its disjointed screenplay coupled with uninspired direction renders it a largely forgettable entry in psychological horror despite its promising concept and notable production team. The film’s lack of emotional resonance and cohesive storytelling make it more an exercise in patience than fear.

"Phobia," directed by John Huston, is a disappointing entry in an otherwise illustrious career. The film struggles with a lackluster script that fails to engage the audience, resulting in uninspired performances from the cast. It neither succeeds as a thriller nor as a horror movie, missing out on critical elements like suspense and fear factor. The narrative is aimless, making the movie a tedious watch and underscoring why it's considered one of Huston's weakest directorial efforts.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu-ray presentation of "Phobia" is notably solid. The 4K restoration enhances the visual and auditory experience, providing clarity and detail that original releases likely lacked. Coupled with a good array of supplemental features, the Blu-ray package itself is commendable. The additional content may appeal to dedicated fans or film scholars interested in John Huston’s career trajectory despite this misstep.

In conclusion, "Phobia" is a film that fails to deliver on its premise and disappoints with its execution. However, the Blu-ray release offers a high-quality presentation that may still attract collectors and Huston aficionados. Ultimately, while the film itself is forgettable, the Blu-ray edition ensures it receives the best possible representation. Fans of the genre or those collecting Huston's works might still find value here, but others might do better to avoid revisiting this cinematic misadventure.