Shock Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video presents "Shock" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer, maintaining the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The film has undergone a meticulous restoration process, leveraging a new 2K scan from the original 35mm negative at L'Immagine Ritrovata, Bologna. This restoration utilizes additional 35mm intermediary elements for English language versions. Conformed and graded at R3Store Studios in London, the result is a vibrant and clean presentation that significantly surpasses previous DVD releases. The restoration maintains a nicely suffused palette, providing an organic film-like appearance without excessive digital alteration.

The detail levels are generally excellent, with a discernible increase especially in shadow areas, thanks to careful attention to preservation of the film's grain structure. While grain and clarity occasionally fluctuate during optical shots, and a brief yellow line appears early on, these issues are minor. Color temperature varies slightly between halves of the film, potentially appearing warmer in the latter part, yet rich color hues of green, red, and blue exhibit remarkably strong presence. Blacks are rendered deep with excellent contrast, reinforcing the film's dramatic atmosphere.

While "Shock" might display some faint fluctuation in color temperature and sporadic clarity dips, major signs of damage are minimal. The presentation remains stable and clean, illustrating Arrow's commitment to an authentic viewing experience. The remastered mono mixes, from sound negatives at L'Immagine Ritrovata, carry occasional loose audio synchronization due to period-specific post-production recording methods, yet these technical quirks do little to detract from the overall quality. Ultimately, despite the potential improvements from a theoretical 4K remediation, this Blu-ray release stands as a striking restoration that is likely to satisfy discerning fans of cult cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Shock" presents audio options in both Italian and English versions, each utilizing DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mixes. Both tracks deliver a comparable audio experience in terms of amplitude and effects integration, maintaining a professional-grade consistency between them. A notable distinction, however, lies in the tonal quality of the dialogue. The English version tends towards a boxier sound, while the Italian track offers a slightly more open high end, introducing a touch of background hiss in quieter scenes, though this could inadvertently enhance atmospheric elements. The score by Libra, the instrumental continuation of Goblins, resonates powerfully across both tracks, underpinning the film’s auditory landscape effectively. Optional English subtitles accommodate non-Italian speakers seamlessly.

The mono audio presentation includes nuances that emphasize different aspects of the film's soundtrack. Despite offering linguistic versatility, the setup does not permit mid-playback language toggling, locking viewers into their initial selection. This limitation doesn't detract from the overall listening experience as both tracks integrate well with the film's visual elements, despite some dubbing that feels disjointed against the picture in both language versions. The Italian track exhibits a somewhat flatter dubbing quality; however, it successfully supports the musical score and sound effects with clarity and precision. Overall, "Shock" articulates its chilling soundscape through skillful audio mastering, ensuring that technical fidelity and cinematic atmosphere are preserved.

The Blu-ray extras for "Shock" offer a comprehensive and insightful experience, delving into the film’s production and legacy. Tim Lucas delivers an exceptional audio commentary, providing significant insights into the film’s development, including Mario Bava's stylistic approach, his collaboration with Lamberto Bava, and Daria Nicolodi’s personal and professional challenges. Lamberto Bava and co-writer Dardano Sacchetti’s interviews reflect on the film’s conception and creative process, adding layers to the narrative understanding. Alexandra Heller-Nicholas’ visual essay is particularly engaging, exploring the symbolic use of puppetry within the plot. Stephen Thrower’s overview on Mario Bava’s diverse stylistic contributions enriches the discourse surrounding the director’s range. Additional features include thoughtful trailers and TV spots, as well as a curated collection of image galleries that capture the film's promotional artistry. Collectively, these extras provide an expansive look into the film's creation and its place in cinematic history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Tim Lucas: Detailed insights into film production and key figures.
• A Ghost in the House: Lamberto Bava discusses his involvement in the project.
• Via Dell'Orologio 33: Co-writer Dardano Sacchetti’s video interview.
• The Devil Pulls the Strings: Visual essay exploring thematic elements by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.
• Shock! Horror! - The Stylistic Diversity of Mario Bava: Overview of Bava's work by Stephen Thrower.
• The Most Atrocious Tortur(e): Audio interview with critic Alberto Farina.
• Italian Theatrical Trailer: An original promotional trailer.
• US 'Beyond the Door II' TV Spots: Series of promotional TV spots with "Play All" option.
• Image Galleries: Collection of posters, Italian Fotobuste, and Japanese Souvenir Program.

Mario Bava's "Shock," with contributions from his son Lamberto, marks a notable endpoint for the celebrated Italian director, though not without its divisive reception. The film serves as a segue for Lamberto into the realm of full-fledged directing, a transition subtly embedded within the narrative and production. Noted for its fundamental yet compelling take on supernatural horror, "Shock" navigates the eerie and suspenseful landscape efficiently, albeit lacking the stylistic flair characteristic of Bava’s earlier works. It contains a few startling jump scares that even seasoned horror enthusiasts may find surprising, adhering to Italian horror traditions.

Upon release, the film was marketed in the United States as "Beyond the Door II," an attempt to capitalize on previous successes yet largely unrelated in narrative. At its core, "Shock" presents the tale of a seemingly benign family unit unsettled by ghostly undertones and psychological drama. The plot delves into the lives of Dora and her new husband Bruno, intricately intertwined with Dora’s son Marco, played by David Colin, Jr., who channels unsettling possession vibes reminiscent of classic horror archetypes. While Bruno embodies stability, the lingering presence of Dora's deceased husband, Carlo, catalyzes both supernatural elements and personal turmoil tied to past trauma and ambiguous perceptions of reality.

Beyond its scares, "Shock" offers deeper themes, including sexual subtexts and familial tensions, artfully culminating in a climactic union of objective and subjective supernatural storytelling by both Bavas. Though critiqued for some lapses in logic and narrative depth, the film's nuanced layers can surprise persistent audiences, enhancing its standing in cinematic discussions. As a final project for Mario Bava, "Shock" blends traditional horror elements with psychological intrigue, compellingly challenging viewers' initial perceptions.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Shock" revitalizes this lesser-known Italian horror film, thrusting it back into the limelight with excellent technical presentation and a comprehensive suite of supplemental features. Despite the film initially being dismissed due to its perceived lack of the stylistic flair associated with director Mario Bava, this release allows modern audiences to re-evaluate its unique charms. The high-definition transfer delivers crisp visuals and vibrant color, enhancing the atmospheric tension and moody cinematography pivotal to the film's allure. Meanwhile, the audio presentation ensures clarity, immersing viewers in the film's haunting score and unsettling soundscapes.

While the narrative may initially appear thin, closer inspection reveals intricate layers of psycho-sexual tension and disquieting themes that enrich the film's psychological horror aspects. The included supplements dive into these nuances, providing valuable insights into the film's production and its place within Bava's oeuvre. Scholars, enthusiasts, and newcomers alike will appreciate the commentary tracks and featurettes that chronicle the film's legacy and explore its thematic complexities.

For aficionados of Italian horror, "Shock" represents a fascinating artifact, now accessible with unprecedented quality thanks to Arrow Video's meticulous restoration efforts. This release not only enhances the film's accessibility but also invites critical re-assessment, helping to cement "Shock" as an intriguing piece within the horror genre. Overall, this Blu-ray edition is a commendable offering for both collectors and new viewers seeking to explore a distinctive facet of 1970s horror cinema. Highly recommended.