Obsession Blu-ray Review
Collector's Edition
Score: 78
from 6 reviewers
Review Date:
Despite a middling De Palma film, Scream Factory's Collector’s Edition of 'Obsession' boasts a beautiful transfer, effective audio mixes, and high-value bonus features, making it highly recommended for fans.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 81
The Scream Factory Blu-ray of 'Obsession' utilizes the same stunning 2K master from Arrow Video's 2011 release, preserving Vilmos Zsigmond’s dreamy, watercolor-hued cinematography with deep blacks, robust colors, and a natural grain structure. This MPEG-4 AVC encoded transfer offers a rich, film-like experience in 1080p resolution.
Audio: 76
The Blu-ray of "Obsession" offers a choice between the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround remix and the original Mono track in DTS-HD, both delivering clear and precise dialogue with minimal artifacts. While the 5.1 mix successfully amplifies Bernard Herrmann’s score to an immersive level, the Mono track is favored by some for its natural sound quality.
Extra: 75
Scream Factory's Collector's Edition of Obsession is an exhaustive and insightful treat for fans, featuring new detailed interviews with producer George Litto, editor Paul Hirsch, and a slow but informative audio commentary from Douglas Keesey, alongside vintage featurettes, trailers, radio spots, and a still gallery.
Movie: 78
Brian De Palma's Obsession (1976) melds Hitchcockian suspense with De Palma's distinct narrative flair. The film features standout performances from Cliff Robertson and Geneviève Bujold, bolstered by Bernard Herrmann's evocative score. Scream Factory's Blu-ray release enriches this classic with robust video and audio quality and insightful extras, although the middle act occasionally drags.
Video: 81
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”.
Audio: 76
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.
Extra: 75
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.
Movie: 78
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.
Total: 78
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.
AV Nirvana review by Michael ScottRead review here
Video: 90
From first glance (and from talking with a few other fellow reviewers who had access to the Arrow release from 2011) it appears that Scream Factory is using the same master that was used for the Arrow...
Audio: 80
The dialog is crisp and clean, and the ambient effects are fine, but this is still a mono mix remixed up to 5.1, and there’s not much immersion that you can get from that....
Extras: 80
• NEW audio commentary with Douglas Keesey, author of Brian De Palma's Split-Screen: A Life in Film • NEW Producing Obsession – an interview with producer George Litto • NEW Editing Obsession – an interview...
Movie: 70
It’s the perfect choice for a man who has been described as the modern Alfred Hitchcock, and De Palma makes sure Herrman doesn’t just mimic Hitchcock, but makes the score (and subsequently the film) his...
Total: 80
The Scream Factory release is the first domestic release we’ve gotten of the film, although it was released by Arrow in England in 2011....
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Stephen LarsonRead review here
Video: 90
Factory has released a Collector's Edition of Obsession that comes housed in a slipcover along with reversible cover art in the inside....
Audio: 70
On the 5.1 track, I noticed three instances where the sound was muffled (such as during a reel change, for instance.)...
Extras: 80
The content varies somewhat, though, and Keesey splits his time on the commentary between describing the on-screen action and analyzing the film's themes....
Movie: 80
To read Svet's synopsis and analysis of the film as well as his critique of Arrow's Limited Edition package, please click here....
Total: 80
It adds a decent commentary by Douglas Keesey and two new interviews with the producer and editor that I'd rank pretty high for their informational value....
The Digital Bits review by Tim SalmonsRead review here
Video: 85
Audio: 85
Neither track really makes much of a difference as the 5.1 is mostly front heavy, meaning that nothing has been altered or boosted, retaining much of the original sound design....
Extras: 85
Movie: 90
For the majority of his career, Brian De Palma has proven himself to be an Alfred Hitchcock acolyte, often borrowing (or stealing as some may call it) many of Hitchcock’s ideas and concepts for his own...
Total: 86
Obsession is an often overlooked film within Brian De Palma’s body of work, chiefly because it’s not been available for high definition consumption the way that many of his other films have been as of...
High-Def DigestRead review here
Video: 80
The source elements for this transfer are in great shape with only some occasional speckling to report....
Audio: 80
Dialogue for both tracks is strong, but there are a couple moments here and there where it felt like the dialogue in the 5.1 mix could sound a little muffled - and not experience that same muffled sense...
Extras: 60
The interviews with editor Paul Hirsch and producer George Litto are nice and anecdotal if not altogether informative while still giving a little insight into the making of the film....
Movie: 80
Don't get me wrong, Obsession is a masterfully constructed picture with intricate plot details and expert pacing - I just felt like I was already used to a number of his tells that some of the best twists...
Total: 80
It helps that this film was buttressed by a trio of excellent performances with Cliff Robertson delivering another richly emotional performance as Geneviéve Bujold gets to play the sultry woman with a...
Home Theater Forum review by t1g3r5fanRead review here
Video: 90
Colors and fine details are strong throughout and while some blacks appear to be crushed, again this is likely due to the diffusion used; overall, this transfer surpasses the old Columbia/TriStar DVD and...
Audio: 90
Both tracks give great ambiance and fidelity to Bernard Herrmann’s magnificent score while not being too overpowering, while dialogue is strong and clear along with sound effects; hardly an instance of...
Extras: 80
Editing Obsession (20:30) – Newly filmed for this release, editor Paul Hirsch talks about the movie as well as an interesting anecdote involving him and the legendary Bernard Herrmann on an earlier De...
Movie: 80
Cliff Robertson is solid in the lead as Michael Courtland; he basically holds his own when compared to the two leading men that the Master of Suspense worked with the most: Cary Grant and James Stewart...
Total: 80
Shout Factory has done a solid job with this Blu-ray release, improving upon a great transfer with some quality bonus features – both new as well as previous – about the movie....
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 90
There are times where the photography in this film just takes command and comes across with quite the depth of field on display, but there are many other moments a bit flatter than others....
Audio: 90
Surround Sound Presentation: Most of this hangs out up front, but there are some nice ambient elements that contribute from the rear channels....
Extras: 70
Editing Obsession With Paul Hirsch (HD, 20:30) – A very straightforward speaker, he discusses his history of cutting trailers leading to him meeting De Palma as the trailer editor on Greetings which led...
Movie: 70
De Palma’s film carries the same overall idea of a man’s failure costing the life of a significant other, only to find her exact replica and enter her life with the constant wonder if this is all some...
Total: 80
I wish they had included the two short films from De Palma that appeared on that release, so I’ll have to hold onto that one and this one because of non-crossover bonus materials....
Director: Brian De Palma
Actors: Cliff Robertson, Geneviève Bujold, John Lithgow
PlotA New Orleans businessman suffers a tragic loss when his wife and daughter are kidnapped and killed. Years later, he visits Italy on the advice of his business partner in an attempt to cope with his lingering grief. While there, he encounters a young woman who bears a striking resemblance to his late wife. As he becomes enamored with her, he tries to rekindle the love he once had, ultimately bringing her back to New Orleans.
As they settle into their new life, a series of troubling events begin to unfold, mirroring the circumstances of his family's original tragedy. This unsettling parallel starts to unravel dark secrets and deep-seated obsessions, intertwined with mysteries that date back to the original kidnapping. The story takes a suspenseful turn as he struggles to confront his past and the shocking truths slowly come to light.
Writers: Brian De Palma, Paul Schrader
Release Date: 13 Sep 1976
Runtime: 98 min
Rating: PG
Country: United States
Language: English, Italian