Obsession Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory’s Blu-ray release of Brian De Palma's “Obsession” utilizes the same 2K scan as Arrow’s 2011 transfer. This decision has proven effective, preserving the incredible cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond. The film is presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio on a BD-50 disc with an MPEG-4 AVC encode. The mean video bitrate of 36,000 kbps effectively supports the visual demands. The preservation of the grainy 1970s film stock showcases rich detail and texture throughout.

The transfer captures Zsigmond’s aesthetic with remarkable fidelity. Colors remain robust, aligning with the film’s visual motifs, and skin tones appear natural. The blend of deep blacks and healthy primary colors contributes to the dreamlike quality distinctive in De Palma’s work. A notable highlight is the dream sequence featuring a unique water ripple effect that maintains clarity and impact in HD. Although there are occasional flecks and specs of debris, this does not detract from the overall clean output of the transfer.

With its intentional soft focus and diffusion, the transfer maintains a natural, filmic feel. While some blacks may seem crushed due to the original cinematographic choices, the overall presentation surpasses previous DVD releases in clarity and quality. Fans and newcomers alike will appreciate the depth of field and attention to detail that this presentation brings, making it a definitive home video release for “Obsession”.

Scream Factory’s release of "Obsession" provides both a dynamic 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio Surround remix and the original monaural track in DTS-HD MA Dual Mono. The dialog on both tracks is consistently clear and precise, though some reviewers noted occasional muffling in the 5.1 track during scene transitions. The 5.1 remix does well to enhance Bernard Herrmann’s lush, organ-driven score, allowing it to envelop the listener, which aligns with the film’s narrative intent. This attention to sound design ensures that the music reverberates effectively within the viewer's space, creating a compelling auditory experience despite its mono origins.

The sound design of "Obsession" largely benefits from Herrmann's powerful score, which shines through both audio formats. While the 5.1 mix provides some additional spatial elements and atmosphere, particularly in open scenes like the church, it remains front-heavy and pays homage to the original sound design. No hiss or crackle mars the experience, showcasing remarkable clarity and fidelity. For purists, the 2.0 Mono track offers a more natural and focused auditory presentation, capturing dialogue with higher precision and mitigating the occasional muffled effects present in the 5.1 track.

In essence, while both audio formats deliver robust performances, the 5.1 track amplifies the film’s score to great effect, creating an immersive surround sound environment. Meanwhile, the 2.0 Mono track maintains a traditional listening experience with a clear and balanced soundstage. Both tracks ensure that Herrmann's masterpiece is the focal auditory element, living up to its intention and enhancing the overall viewing experience substantially.

The "Obsession" Blu-ray extras deliver an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the film’s production, filled with insightful commentary and interviews. Douglas Keesey’s audio commentary is robust in its analysis but can feel scripted at times. George Litto’s interview provides a colorful recounting of his eclectic career and collaboration with De Palma, while Paul Hirsch offers valuable anecdotes about the editing challenges and working with Bernard Herrmann. The archival featurette, "Obsession Revised," enriches viewers with insights from key contributors like De Palma, Robertson, and Bujold. Other inclusions, such as the theatrical trailer, radio spots, and a still gallery, round out the offering to create a well-rounded collector's edition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Douglas Keesey offers analysis and context.
• Producing Obsession: Interview with producer George Litto.
• Editing Obsession: Interview with editor Paul Hirsch.
• Obsession Revised: Archival featurette with interviews.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer.
• Radio Spots: Brief promotional segments.
• Still Gallery: Collection of production and promotional images.

Obsession stands as a testament to Brian De Palma's ability to channel the essence of Alfred Hitchcock while injecting his own unique flourish. The film, undeniably reminiscent of Hitchcock’s Vertigo, presents a nuanced blend of suspense and psychological drama. Cliff Robertson stars as Michael Courtland, a businessman whose life is shattered by the kidnapping and presumed deaths of his wife and daughter in 1959. Sixteen years later, while visiting Florence, Michael encounters Sandra (Geneviève Bujold), a woman who uncannily resembles his deceased wife. This discovery reignites his hope, setting off a series of events mirroring the tragedy that initially upended his life. The plot is intricately constructed, keeping the viewer engaged with its twists and ultimate revelations, enhanced by De Palma’s deliberate pacing and narrative craftsmanship.

One of the standout elements in Obsession is Bernard Herrmann’s score, which plays a crucial role in establishing the film’s emotional and suspenseful atmosphere. Herrmann, a longtime Hitchcock collaborator, provides a musical backdrop that bridges modern cinematic sensibilities with classic noir undertones. His composition parallels the inner turmoil of the protagonist, resonating profoundly during moments of tension and despair. The film’s cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond further elevates the viewing experience, utilizing diffusion techniques popular in the 1970s to create ethereal visuals that complement De Palma's storytelling. Each shot is meticulously composed, ensuring that every frame serves the narrative purpose.

The performances in Obsession are pivotal to its success. Geneviève Bujold delivers a captivating performance, embodying dual roles with grace and mystery, arguably providing the film's emotional core. John Lithgow’s portrayal of Michael’s business partner, Robert LaSalle, is marked by a blend of charm and duplicity, adding another layer to the complex narrative. Cliff Robertson effectively conveys the anguish and obsession driving his character’s actions, though moments of scene-stealing attempts slightly undercut his performance. Despite these minor flaws, Obsession remains a compelling entry in De Palma’s oeuvre, offering a rich blend of suspense, drama, and psychological intrigue that invites repeated viewings.

Brian De Palma's "Obsession" stands as a noteworthy contribution to the filmmaker’s oeuvre, providing a compelling Hitchcock homage with its masterful cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond and engrossing performances by Cliff Robertson, Geneviève Bujold, and John Lithgow. Despite its occasional pacing issues in the middle act, the film retains a tightly woven narrative that is both tense and enthralling. The nuanced performances from the leading trio and the collaborative efforts of De Palma and Paul Schrader in crafting the screenplay make "Obsession" an immersive cinematic experience.

Scream Factory's release of "Obsession" on Blu-ray marks a significant enhancement over prior home media editions. Utilizing the same video transfer as Arrow's 2011 release, this version boasts excellent image quality with its 2.35:1 aspect ratio and includes two effective audio options: DTS-HD MA 5.1 and Mono. While it lacks the comprehensive package of extras from the Arrow Limited Edition, such as De Palma’s early short films, it compensates with a highly engaging commentary by film scholar Douglas Keesey and informative new interviews with key production members. These additions provide valuable insights into the film's production and thematic elements, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Conclusively, while "Obsession" might not be universally recognized as one of De Palma's top-tier films, it remains a pivotal work that showcases his stylistic prowess and storytelling acumen. Scream Factory’s Collector’s Edition Blu-ray, with its stellar presentation and valuable bonus content, is a substantially rewarding acquisition for both seasoned De Palma enthusiasts and those with a keen interest in suspense thrillers. Highly recommended for those who appreciate meticulously crafted cinema punctuated by compelling narratives and strong performances.