Ben Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Ben" on Blu-ray, encoded with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio utilizing MPEG-4 AVC, opens with a title card stating the master was derived from the best surviving archival print. Consequently, the image quality represents a reasonable effort given the less-than-ideal source material. While it does not achieve the high standards set by the Blu-ray of "Willard," this release still manages to offer a filmic viewing experience that holds its own merits.

While the overall detail isn't profoundly strong, human and rodent particulars, along with costuming and set decorations, are adequately rendered. Colors are generally healthy, with bold primaries and natural skin tones. Some scenes unfortunately appear washed out, and moments of blown-out highlights are evident. Blacks oscillate between being deep and somewhat milkier, affecting delineation but without causing significant distraction. The archival nature brings mild wear and tear, including speckling and minor scratches, yet it remains unobtrusive.

Depth perception skews towards a flatter dimension, though movement retains a cinematic quality with minimal blur during faster scenes. Black levels fare decently despite occasional detail loss in darker scenes or attire. The rats’ hair particularly holds up well under scrutiny, possibly due to better lighting. Color reproduction experiences challenges due to the limitations of the print; blues emerge stronger while many other colors seem slightly washed out. Skin tones occasionally appear flushed or overly corrected, but facial details maintain clearer definition, particularly in close-ups. Noise and artifacts remain present, with graininess and consistent specks of dirt and occasional scratches, but these factors do not detract substantially from the overall watchability of the transfer.

Overall, while not perfect, this Blu-ray presentation offers a commendable salvage effort that maintains the integrity of viewing "Ben" in a respectable high-definition format.

The Blu-ray release of "Ben" features a 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix that adeptly handles the film's essential audio components, even though it requires a slight volume boost to deliver a fully engaging experience. Dialogue is clear and carries an adequate dramatic range, maintaining an attractive balance despite occasional crispy highs. The soundtrack selections stand out with pronounced presence, while sound effects, particularly rat screeches, stay controlled and are mixed well.

Despite some minor hissing and analog artifacts from the original recording, the dynamics of the mono track are commendable. The film’s score comfortably complements the on-screen action with agreeable instrumentation. Though there are occasional blending moments in the audio, they don’t detract significantly from the overall listening experience. While "Ben" may not feature groundbreaking surround sound or low-frequency effects, its audio presentation faithfully maintains the film's vintage character and ensures solid vocal reproduction throughout.

The Extras section of the Blu-ray for "Ben" is a commendable effort by Shout/Scream Factory to preserve what they could from the best surviving archive print. Despite the film’s condition affecting both video and audio quality, the supplementary materials significantly enhance the package. The new HD transfer offers an improved viewing experience, albeit with noticeable print damage. Audio commentary and interviews with actor Lee Montgomery provide insightful behind-the-scenes details, particularly his recollections of the rat wranglers and casting process. Collectors will appreciate the inclusion of original trailers, TV spots, and a still gallery, making this Blu-ray a valuable addition despite the film's shortcomings.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW HD transfer: Best surviving archive print (DTS Master Mono).
• NEW audio commentary: With actor Lee Montgomery.
• NEW interview: With actor Lee Montgomery discussing his experiences.
• Original Theatrical Trailers: Classic promotional content.
• Original TV Spots: TV advertisements from the original release.
• BEN/WILLARD Double Feature Trailer and TV spot: Cross-promotional material.
• Original Radio Spot: Audio advertisement.
• Still Gallery: Collection of 28 promotional and publicity images.

Ben, the 1972 sequel to Willard, unfortunately falls short, missing the crucial elements that defined its predecessor. Written by the same writer and hurried into production within a year, Ben exhibits a familiar yet diluted feel. The film forgoes much of the horror and psychological tension found in Willard, instead offering a surprisingly family-friendly narrative about a young boy, Danny (Lee Montgomery), with a heart condition who befriends Ben, the alpha rat. This approach drains the film of any suspense, transforming it more into a sentimental tale resembling Old Yeller rather than a thrilling horror story.

Picking up immediately where Willard left off, Ben begins with police investigating Willard's death and the potential rat infestation described in his diary. The rats, led by Ben, scour the neighborhood, and Danny, an isolated child due to his health issues, strikes up a peculiar friendship with the psychic rat. The film primarily focuses on this unlikely bond, but the attempt to inject genuine emotion into their relationship often drags the pacing and minimizes any horror potential. Despite some efforts by director Phil Karlson to replicate disturbing scenes from the original, the sequels diminished budget and lackluster screenplay result in a disorganized and unengaging film.

Performance-wise, the film is inconsistent. Arthur O'Connell and Joseph Campanella deliver solid but limited performances, while Lee Montgomery's portrayal as Danny is excessively cheerful, further reducing the movie's intended tension. The movie's climax, featuring an attempted eradication of the rats, echoes more comedic than terrifying moments, making it ideal fodder for shows like Mystery Science Theater 3000. Ultimately, Ben stands as a misguided extension of Willard, more appropriate for young children than horror enthusiasts due to its overly sentimental and diluted execution.

Ben, the sequel to "Willard," may not reach the theatrical or narrative heights of its predecessor, but its Blu-ray release offers a package that will resonate with completionists and dedicated fans. The video transfer, while not matching the stellar restoration of "Willard," does a commendable job given the condition of the original print. The DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono audio comes through clearly, delivering satisfactory sound quality. The inclusion of a DVD for a combo pack is a thoughtful addition for collectors. Though the absence of a slipcover might be a minor disappointment for some enthusiasts, the overall presentation remains impressive.

The film's content itself meanders in sentimentality, lacking the visceral edge and intriguing characters presented in "Willard." Opening with a five-minute recap of its predecessor's climax, "Ben" primarily focuses on its small yet sinister protagonist. Unfortunately, it fails to recreate the unsettling atmosphere and thrilling intensity that made "Willard" notable. The narrative's attempt at eliciting sympathy for the titular rat, capped by a Michael Jackson ballad, feels misplaced given the creature's lethal history. Despite these shortcomings, fans of "Willard" who rooted for the cunning rodent will appreciate this continuation of his story.

In conclusion, while "Ben" may not stand tall on its own merits, this Blu-ray release is an essential addition for collectors wanting to complete their set. The technical aspects, including a respectable video transfer and clear audio, combined with insightful extras like interviews and commentary, make it a worthwhile acquisition at an appropriate price point. However, for casual horror fans or those new to the series, it might be worth a low rental to gauge interest before committing to a purchase.