The Unnamable Blu-ray Review

"The Unnamable" makes its Blu-ray debut courtesy of Unearthed Films and MVD Visual, boasting an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Touted as a newly restored 4K transfer, this presentation reveals both strengths and inherent limitations. The film displays a commendably organic appearance, with satisfactory detail levels when lighting conditions permit. Grain is prominent throughout, sometimes masking fine detail, especially in dimly lit scenes. While the image generally remains pleasing, there are moments where clarity falters, and the grain increases noticeably. Color saturation is generally well-maintained, though credits sequence wobble is a slight distraction.

Sourced from what appears to be the camera negative, the uncut 87-minute version showcases a significant improvement over previous VHS releases and represents a substantial upgrade in picture quality. The film's low-budget origins are evident with occasional softness and flatness, retaining a mild blue push in its palette. The darker scenes manage adequate shadow delineation and acceptable black levels without excessive contrast manipulation or gamma adjustment. Despite the grain's persistent presence, the overall image quality benefits from a lack of extraneous processing, preserving a film-like texture with some hints of ringing. Though casual viewers might find this new transfer underwhelming compared to other high-definition releases, it stands as likely the best presentation of this 80’s horror film to date.

In conclusion, "The Unnamable" on Blu-ray delivers a serviceable and more polished viewing experience than previous formats. It retains an authentic filmic quality while highlighting the inherent constraints of its original production. Viewers can appreciate the significant upgrade this transfer represents, despite some noticeable inconsistencies in grain and detailing.

The audio presentation of "The Unnamable" on Blu-Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, a remastered LPCM 2.0 track, and the original grindhouse LPCM 2.0 track. The 5.1 DTS-HD MA surround track, unfortunately, suffers from severe phasing and echoing issues, attributed to incorrect conversions from a PAL source by Unearthed Films. This conversion error results in disruptive echo and reverb effects, especially noticeable during high-intensity scenes like the climax, rendering the 5.1 surround track nearly unlistenable for many viewers. The surround mix's potential is significantly impaired due to these issues. As of now, no replacement has been provided to correct these errors.

In contrast, the remastered LPCM 2.0 track and the original grindhouse LPCM 2.0 track offer much more reliable audio performances. Both 2.0 tracks maintain fine fidelity, substantial dynamic range, and support intelligible dialogue without the echo problems present in the surround track. The remastered stereo track provides clean effects, while the grindhouse version, despite slight hiss, ensures a level of authenticity and clarity that is likely to be appreciated by purists. The absence of subtitles is a limitation worth noting for those relying on visual aid for understanding dialogue. Overall, while the 5.1 track falls short due to technical flaws, the stereo alternatives present a more faithful and enjoyable auditory experience for this classic horror film.

The extras included in the Blu-ray release of "The Unnamable" are comprehensive and provide significant insights into the making of the film. The collection features extensive interviews conducted by Jay Kay of Horror Happens Radio, which, though resembling Skype chats, are informatively engaging. The discussions are relaxed and casual, with Kay adeptly knowing when to guide or let the guests express their thoughts. The commentary features a lively discussion not only focusing on filmmaking but also filled with personal anecdotes and humorous reflections. For collectors, the Blu-ray comes with an appealing sinister slipcover, limited to the first 2000 units, adding extra value. Additionally, the technical details shared by makeup artists Roger Christopher Biggs and Camille Calvet deliver profound insights into the movie's special effects.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A lively discussion with actors and makeup artists.
• Interview with Charles Klausmeyer and Mark Kinsey Stephenson: Detailed chat about their casting experiences.
• Interview with Eben Ham: Solo interview focusing on his role.
• Interview with Laura Albert: Insights into her character's role in the plot.
• Interview with Mark Parra: Recollections about playing Joel.
• Interview with R. Christopher Biggs and Camille Calvet: Technical insights from the special effects team.
• Photo Gallery: Auto-advancing images featuring views of the beast.

Jean-Paul Ouellette's 1988 adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft's short story, "The Unnamable," offers a rather nostalgic trip back to low-budget horror filmmaking of that era, and it clearly aims to capture the attention of cult horror enthusiasts. The plot revolves around a group of college students who venture into a supposedly haunted Puritan-era mansion, inadvertently releasing a demonic entity sealed away for centuries. The cast, comprising Mark Kinsey Stephenson, Charles Klausmeyer, Eben Ham, and Laura Albert, bring a palpable sense of amateur enthusiasm, reflective of the film’s modest budget. Despite the largely inexperienced actors, the film manages to deliver a handful of isolated scares and creatively grisly deaths that might appeal to fans of '80s horror.

The most significant criticisms stem from the titular monster's limited screen time. The creature only makes a full appearance during the climactic moments, notwithstanding some initial strong practical effects. This delay frustrates the expectations set by prominent marketing visuals that emphasized the demon’s design. Furthermore, the final reveal suffers from suboptimal lighting and frequent edits, making it challenging for viewers to fully appreciate the horror lurking in the shadows. Nevertheless, those brief moments do deliver some genuine fright, revealing practical effects that, while not groundbreaking, showcase some commendable craftsmanship.

"The Unnamable" does not aspire to innovate within the monster movie genre; instead, it revels in its adherence to classic horror tropes, from its spooky setting to its formulaic storyline. The script combines campy dialogue with moments of unintentional humor that may endear it to audiences who relish dated storytelling with over-the-top carnage and occasionally cheesy lines. While it’s far from a masterpiece, small but memorable highlights contribute to its enduring status among cult horror circles, making this Blu-ray release pertinent for genre aficionados and nostalgia seekers alike.

The Unnamable is a nostalgic trip into 1980s horror, encapsulating the campy essence of the era with its blend of supernatural terror and cheesy horror tropes. Based on the story by H.P. Lovecraft, the film interweaves a suspenseful narrative with traditional horror elements, making it a staple for genre enthusiasts. While the plot may come off as derivative, drawing heavily from familiar horror conventions, it maintains an effective mood that resonates with fans of vintage horror cinema.

Visually, the Blu-ray transfer of The Unnamable is commendable, offering a generally solid picture quality that enhances the nostalgic appeal of this cult classic. However, there are notable shortcomings in the audio department. The surround mix presents some peculiar issues that may detract from the overall viewing experience for more discerning audiences. These audio inconsistencies are a minor setback in an otherwise satisfactory home viewing option for enthusiasts of 80s horror flicks.

Ultimately, The Unnamable offers a decently effective mood, but it's awfully derivative a lot of the time, and its arguably overhyped monster (in terms of key art and the like) is virtually nonexistent, which may disappoint some diehard horror fans. Video here is generally solid, but the surround mix has some very odd issues.