Voodoo Man Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Voodoo Man" by Olive Films delivers a mediocre visual experience using an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the aspect ratio of 1.33:1. While close-up shots occasionally showcase decent detail and texture, the overall image remains soft, with somewhat anemic and variable contrast that lacks the depth needed for a truly engaging viewing experience. Moments of horror underlighting fare better, providing impressive detail, though these instances are not representative of the entire transfer. The grayscale is decently modulated within this limited contrast range, yet blacks often appear milky rather than deep, which detracts from the film's intended atmosphere. The grain field is thick and textured, offering a natural filmic feel, but age-related wear and tear such as nicks and scratches are frequently noticeable.

Encoding in MPEG-4 AVC results in moderate clarity and detail, however, it pales compared to more modern treatments of classic films. Despite being a step up from DVD editions, the visual upgrade isn't substantial enough to stand out significantly. The depth of the image is relatively flat, with movements maintaining a cinematic quality but with minimal blurring. Black levels, while solid in shading, tend to obscure finer details. Flesh tones come across as underwhelming; though extreme close-ups yield some texture, overall detail remains middling due to the film's aged print quality. Compression issues are minor but present, and slight ghosting can also be observed throughout the presentation.

Despite its shortcomings, this release maintains a semblance of the original film's grainy, textured aesthetic, though those looking for a pristine restoration will find the transfer lacking.

The audio presentation of "Voodoo Man" on Blu-ray features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that aligns with the lo-fi standards of its poverty row studio origins and the recording technologies of its era. While there is nothing unlistenable in the soundtrack, the music often comes across as brash and harsh, and the dialogue exhibits a shallowness both in terms of quality and depth. The sound remains very much of its age, providing an analog feel that is distinctively unbalanced, although it is noticeably crisper and clearer than ever before.

Dynamics in this audio track impress about as much as the video does, which is to say, moderately. Despite the enhancements that come with a lossless format, the audio still retains a noticeable analog hiss and lacks a balanced quality. Dialogue reproduction is adequate, being both audible and reasonably loud, yet without the clarity that modern listeners might expect. This enhances the authentic vintage experience, though it may not meet the standards of those seeking high fidelity audio.

In sum, "Voodoo Man’s" audio presentation might not satisfy audiophiles but offers an acceptable experience for enthusiasts familiar with the era’s limitations. The intentional preservation of its analog characteristics might appeal to those looking for authentic historical soundscapes rather than pristine modern reproductions.

The Blu-ray release of "Voodoo Man" disappoints with its lack of supplementary content. The minimalistic main menu provides options solely for "Play" and "Chapters," offering no additional context or behind-the-scenes insights for enthusiasts and collectors. Given the film's unique cult status, the absence of extras is a missed opportunity to enhance the viewer's experience and understanding of this classic horror piece. This bare-bones offering falls short of modern standards for Blu-ray releases, where supplementary features are often a key selling point.

There are no extras included in this disc. The menu only offers options for "Play Movie" and "Chapters."

"Voodoo Man" (1944) is a peculiar entry in Monogram Studios' catalog, marked by its low-budget ethos and a mixture of eerie and unintentionally humorous moments. The film centers on Dr. Richard Marlowe's (Bela Lugosi) obsessive quest to reanimate his deceased wife through a series of amateurish voodoo rituals. Marlowe's efforts are aided by Nicholas (George Zucco) and the bumbling Toby (John Carradine), whose performances oscillate between the genuinely unsettling and the outright ridiculous. The haphazard plot reaches its climax with a planned life force transfer from the film's heroine, Betty Benton, which, despite the implausible premise and execution, manages to maintain an almost charmingly nostalgic mood.

The film's production qualities bear all the hallmarks of a rushed schedule, having been shot and completed in just seven days. The three main sets used are recycled extensively, contributing to a monotonous visual experience. However, "Voodoo Man" compensates with unexpectedly moody cinematography and a certain bittersweet undertone, particularly around Marlowe’s tragic determination to resurrect his wife. Despite being populated by archetypal mad scientist tropes and numerous flimsy plot devices—such as a gas station-based abduction operation that relies laughably on a phone concealed behind a cabinet door—the film occasionally strikes an electric chord reminiscent of classic horror elements.

While Bela Lugosi’s presence initially excites, this enthusiasm wanes as his performance seems mired in the surrounding mediocrity, reduced to delivering his role with an air of reluctant commitment. In spite of this, "Voodoo Man" holds a slight metatextual charm, with a subplot involving screenwriter Ralph Dawson (Tod Andrews) layered onto real-life nods to Monogram’s business practices. A relic of Poverty Row cinema, the film may appeal to devoted Lugosi collectors and aficionados of vintage B-movies but offers limited appeal for contemporary viewers seeking rediscovery of classic horror gems.

"Voodoo Man" offers a nostalgically entertaining experience, especially for fans of classic horror and Bela Lugosi aficionados. The presentation on Blu-ray, courtesy of Olive Films, ranges from commendable to lackluster. The movie’s video quality showcases inherent limitations from its original production, and while the audio maintains clarity, it doesn't elevate the film experience. Despite these technical inconsistencies, the film’s charm lies in its quirky narrative and Lugosi's commanding presence. The supporting cast, though not stellar, adds an appealing colorfulness that lovers of vintage cinema can appreciate.

Viewers must approach "Voodoo Man" with tempered expectations and an appreciation for its whimsical yet nonsensical plot. The film cleverly incorporates a meta subplot of a Hollywood screenwriter entangled in mysterious rituals, adding an extra layer of amusement. Though lacking in bonus features, this Blu-ray release will still find its niche audience among dedicated Lugosi fans and classic film collectors.

This is going to be the conclusion of our review: You have to come to films like Voodoo Man with an understanding of their production provenance and without any high-falutin' expectations to get in the way of just sitting back and enjoying some good old fashioned (nonsensical?) fun. The zombie rituals in this film are extremely funny, whether intentionally or not (one assumes not), and the whole meta aspect of a Hollywood screenwriter getting involved in all the nefarious goings-on gives this film an almost whimsical quality. Lugosi is commanding in a rote role, and the supporting cast is at least colorful if nothing else. When taken on its own merits, and with an understanding that video and audio quality here are variable, Voodoo Man comes Recommended.