The Haunting Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Haunting" is nothing short of extraordinary. The disc offers a 2.35:1 1080p transfer utilizing the AVC MPEG-4 codec and remains Region-free. This high-definition entry surpasses previous DVD versions in every respect, exhibiting a pristine image that belies the film's fifty-plus years. The level of detail showcased is remarkable; clothing textures like wool strands in tweed jackets, the intricate patterns of designer wear, and the fine textures on skin are all rendered with unprecedented clarity. Freeze-frame close-ups, such as Eleanor's scream, reveal stunning detail, from the pores on her skin to the saliva on her teeth. The intricate wall coverings and wood grains within Hill House are captured with meticulous precision, offering an immersive visual experience.

Moreover, the Blu-ray excels in managing brightness and contrast, delivering deep blacks that enhance both depth and 'pop,' allowing shadows to add an extra layer of suspense. No digital artifacts such as compression problems, banding, or edge enhancement are present. The grain retains an organic look, though slightly varying during some older montage sequences which appear softer. Despite this minor issue, the overall visual quality serves as a benchmark for both modern films and classic restorations.

The film's precise compositions and dynamic camera movements, shot by cinematographer Davis Boulton, are showcased brilliantly in this edition. The reproduction of blacks, whites, and shades of gray is exemplary, underscoring why this gothic horror classic shines in black-and-white. The Blu-ray captures Hill House's spooky decor and character-specific wardrobe with impressive fine detail. Although some scenes appear softer due to experimental Panavision lenses or aggressive camera moves, these are minor detractors. The exterior shots of Hill House, filmed with infrared film to evoke a surreal atmosphere, also retain an ethereal quality without compromising edge definition. Warner achieves this superior visual quality with an average bitrate of 21.96 Mbps, perfectly complementing the film's sinister narrative and mood.

The audio presentation of "The Haunting" on Blu-ray, encoded in DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 mono, stands as a faithful and impressive representation of the original release. Purists will appreciate the authenticity of this track, which has been meticulously cleaned to eliminate hiss, pops, and crackles, allowing it to be played at reference levels without distortion. Dialogue is generally clear and well-defined despite occasional sibilance in the higher frequencies during earlier scenes. The eerie sound design, overlapping dialogues, and Humphrey Searle’s atmospheric score are all reproduced with notable clarity and precision.

Despite the limitations inherent in a 1.0 mono track, the dynamic range is surprisingly wide. All the supernatural elements—creaks, footstep-like sounds, and various eerie noises—echo through Hill House with the right level of impact. The bass response, though limited, effectively supports these spectral effects and the score, creating an immersive auditory experience. The film’s unsettling soundscape, from the tremendous knockings and bangs to the more subtle rusted metal strains, retains its haunting quality and never fails to deliver the necessary dread and suspense.

Overall, while a 2.0 mono or a more extensive surround mix could potentially open up the track further, this DTS-HD MA 1.0 mono retains excellence in authenticity and execution. It's a clean and compellingly unsettling audio experience that complements the film's ghostly narrative effectively.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Haunting" offer a rich and informative dive into the film's production and artistic vision, pulled from Warner's 2003 DVD release. The centerpiece is a comprehensive commentary featuring separate recordings from actors Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson, Russ Tamblyn, director Robert Wise, and screenwriter Nelson Gidding. This expertly edited compilation provides valuable insights into the adaptation process from Shirley Jackson's novel and explores the film’s distinctive visual style, with significant contributions from Wise and Gidding. Actors share personal filming experiences, adding layers to our understanding of the movie's creation. Additionally included is the original theatrical trailer narrated by Dr. Markway, showcasing Wise's unsettling camera techniques.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson, Russ Tamblyn, Robert Wise, and Nelson Gidding: Edited compilation offering in-depth insights into the adaptation and visual style.

• Theatrical Trailer: Narrated by Dr. Markway, highlighting Wise's disorienting camera angles.

Robert Wise’s "The Haunting" is a seminal piece of horror cinema, epitomizing the 'less is more' approach with unparalleled mastery. Utilizing light, shadow, camera angles, sound effects, and formidable performances, Wise crafts a chilling atmosphere that relies on the absence of visible terror to invoke profound fear. The narrative is deceptively simple: four ghost hunters spend nights in a haunted mansion to document supernatural phenomena. However, the film intricately explores complex themes like death, guilt, jealousy, and even subtle nuances of sexuality. The ambiguity of the events—whether they are real or manifestations of crumbling minds—adds to the unsettling experience, making every moment suspenseful and riveting. Unlike modern ghost stories laden with jump scares, "The Haunting" leaves much to the imagination, amplifying its impact through what isn't shown.

Hill House—a gothic Victorian mansion with a malevolent history—is the film's primary setting, meticulously detailed to induce unease. The mansion's tragic backstory unfolds through Dr. John Markway’s narration, painting a grim portrait of death and madness. As the team—consisting of Eleanor Lance, Theo, Dr. Markway, and Luke—settles in, it becomes apparent that the house wants them gone. The haunting begins subtly, with unexplained noises and eerie sensations that crescendo into full-fledged psychological torment. Wise artfully manipulates sound and cinematography to suggest hidden horrors, with the "scary stuff" seemingly occurring between frames, just beyond the viewer’s sight. This method sustains a level of dread that newer horror films seldom achieve.

Wise’s film achieves its haunting effect through an unrelenting tension punctuated by moments of sheer terror. Eleanor's internal struggles and eventual breakdown blur the line between reality and delusion, leaving both characters and viewers questioning their perceptions. The film’s genius lies in its ability to evoke fear without explicit visuals of ghosts—an homage to Shirley Jackson's novel that inspires lingering dread. For maximum impact, watch alone in the dark, if you dare—there’s no telling what might lurk just out of sight.

Review of "The Haunting" Blu-ray

"The Haunting," directed by Robert Wise, stands as a quintessential classic in the realm of psychological horror. Its chilling narrative is rendered without reliance on excessive gore or shock value, instead employing masterful direction, intricate screenplay, and atmospheric cinematography to produce a palpable sense of dread. Nelson Gidding's screenplay intricately explores themes of insanity, creating a film that entwines esoteric ideas with gripping terror. Over fifty years since its release, "The Haunting" still evokes fear through skillful framing, dark shadows, and a compellingly haunting storyline. Its legacy as a towering figure in horror cinema is cemented by outstanding performances, a haunting musical score, and an overall execution that surpasses many modern entries in the genre.

The Blu-ray release of "The Haunting" from Warner Bros. is a remarkable upgrade from previous home releases, boasting a pristine and highly detailed picture quality. Despite the age of the film, the visuals are bright and clean, demonstrating meticulous restoration work. The audio, though confined to its original mono format, is lossless, maintaining clarity without distortion. While this may limit its auditory impact somewhat by modern standards, the sound remains robust and effectively complements the visual storytelling. The included extras, although familiar to long-time fans, retain their value and enhance the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, The Haunting has a just claim for being the scariest film ever made; it is also a classic of the psychological horror genre. Director Robert Wise skilfully handles the source material, whilst screenwriter Nelson Gidding layers in ideas on insanity that meld so esoterically that the film becomes a maelstrom of terror. It never fails to chill, even now, over fifty years since its initial release and when compared to the modern horror and its penchant for jump scares and gore, shows just how good simple framing, dark shadows and a terrifying story can trump any amount of splatter. With exceptional cinematography, an evocative score, outstanding performances, and a story that both entices and terrorizes, The Haunting towers above its peers. This Blu-ray release further solidifies its seminal status, making it highly recommended for both long-time admirers and new viewers.