Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. Moreau Blu-ray Review

"Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's 'Island of Dr. Moreau'" Blu-ray presents a largely 1.78:1 aspect ratio AVC encoded 1080p transfer, courtesy of Severin Films. The video quality is inherently inconsistent due to the documentary's reliance on varied sources, including extensive archival footage. Contemporary interview segments exhibit variability, with some studio-shot sequences appearing sharp and well-defined, while more impromptu scenes with Richard Stanley show noticeable differences in quality. The archival footage, shot with dated mid-90s video technology, often suffers from inherent issues such as image instability and ghosting.

Despite these variable elements, the modern interview footage featuring key figures like Stanley, producers, the production designer, and crew members generally maintains bright colors and satisfactory detail. Nevertheless, the transfer is subject to slight edge enhancement, occasional image softness, banding, and compression artifacts due to the mixed camera sources. These technical inconsistencies are somewhat expected given the diverse range of original materials. Although the inconsistent image quality may detract slightly, it's a plausible shortcoming for a documentary of this type with many uncontrollable variables.

"Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. Moreau" features an LPCM 2.0 audio track that aptly supports its predominantly dialogue-centric content. The documentary largely consists of talking head sequences set in enclosed spaces, which do not necessitate an elaborate surround sound setup. Nevertheless, the fidelity of the audio is excellent, ensuring clear and uninterrupted speech throughout. The LPCM 2.0 track delivers satisfactory spacing for sound effects and the documentary's score, ensuring that none of the audio elements interfere with each other.

While the soundtrack may be described as workmanlike and unambitious, it is perfectly suited to the film's requirements. The audio track ensures that all conversations are crystal clear, enhancing the viewer’s understanding without any issues of clarity or interference. For a film that heavily relies on interviews and spoken commentary, this LPCM 2.0 track achieves exactly what it needs to, making it a reliable and unobtrusive component of the documentary.

The extras on the Blu-ray edition of "Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. Moreau" provide a comprehensive and highly engaging insight into the chaotic production and the creative vision that guided it. Key highlights include extensive out-takes featuring interviews with pivotal figures like Richard Stanley, Marco Hofschneider, and others, shedding light on their unique perspectives. The Graham Humphreys Concept Gallery, enriched with commentary by Richard Stanley, is a visual treat showcasing the artwork's depth. Additionally, the behind-the-scenes featurettes like "The Hunt for the Compound" and "Boar Man Diary" offer a mix of nostalgia and humor. Not to be overlooked is the inclusion of historical pieces such as the 1921 silent German version of "Moreau" and audio interviews that add extra layers of context and appreciation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Out-Takes: Series of interview clips showcasing key figures.
• Graham Humphreys Concept Gallery with Commentary by Richard Stanley: Includes notable artwork visions.
• Archive Moreau Interview with John Frankenheimer: Candid insights on production troubles.
• Barbara Steele Recalls Moreau Audio Interview: Veteran actress’s memories.
• The Hunt for the Compound: Crew members searching for old sets.
• The Beast of Morbido Featurette: Richard Stanley at Morbido Film Festival.
• Boar Man Diary: Boar Man's on-set experiences.
• Trailer: Standard documentary trailer.
• The H.G. Wells Files: Includes a silent film version of "Moreau" and several expert discussions on H.G. Wells.

"Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. Moreau" offers an immersive look at the chaotic and ill-fated production of one of cinema’s most notorious films. Richard Stanley comes across as both a fascinating and tragic figure—an eccentric visionary with a lifelong obsession with H.G. Wells' "The Island of Doctor Moreau." The documentary delves into Stanley's early enthusiasm for the project, showcasing rare materials like a tattered first edition of Wells' novel, and explains how his early success with films like "Hardware" vaulted him into the spotlight. The involvement of big names like Marlon Brando and Val Kilmer meant that what started as a moderate $5 million project ballooned into an unwieldy spectacle, ultimately producing a toxic mix of budget issues, casting conflicts, and directorial challenges that culminated in Stanley’s dismissal.

The documentary provides a candid portrayal of Stanley’s eccentric behaviors, including his reliance on witchcraft, and vividly captures the ensuing chaos as the production spiraled out of control. With Brando’s erratic behavior, Kilmer’s demands for a reduced shooting schedule, and crew skepticism about Stanley’s leadership, the entire endeavor seemed cursed from the start. One striking scene features a freak hurricane destroying sets, embodying the sheer unpredictability that plagued the filming process. New Line Cinema’s decision to replace Stanley with veteran director John Frankenheimer did little to save the sinking ship, as the film trudged to completion with a ballooned budget exceeding $40 million, and eventually grossing a meager $49 million worldwide.

The documentary’s runtime of approximately 100 minutes feels incredibly tight considering the richness of the material; one could easily remain engrossed for hours more. David Gregory masterfully pulls together elements reminiscent of other documentaries like "Jodorowsky's Dune" and "Lost In La Mancha," creating a work that’s both gut-wrenching and darkly humorous. While the ultimate film product is considered one of the worst ever made, "Lost Soul" stands as a compelling testament to creative ambition marred by circumstances gone horribly awry. It highlights both Hollywood's excesses and the restrictive environment that can sometimes stifle artistic visions, presenting Stanley as an underdog worth rooting for despite his monumental missteps.

"Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. Moreau" provides unparalleled insight into the turbulent production of a notorious film. Through a compelling blend of incisive anecdotes and extensive interviews, especially with director Richard Stanley, this documentary offers a surprisingly thorough reassessment of the failed movie. Both informative and amusing, it serves as a captivating look at the complexity and chaos of Hollywood filmmaking.

From excellent picture quality to a robust audio track, the technical aspects of this Blu-ray release are commendable. The supplementary package is outstanding, providing depth and perspective on the production's myriad troubles. For those interested in film production, the added materials offer invaluable context, further enriching the main documentary's narrative.

In conclusion, "Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley's Island of Dr. Moreau" is an essential documentary for anyone intrigued by the intricacies of Hollywood. It’s packed with engaging and eye-opening content that not only entertains but also educates without condescension. Highly recommended.