Shout at the Devil Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Shout at the Devil," from 88 Films, maintains the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC transfer. Sourced from the same master used by Timeless Media Group, this release showcases impressive visual clarity and depth, albeit with minor density fluctuations. Though grain exposure could be slightly improved, the visual quality remains commendable, free from problematic digital interference. The color balance is generally well-handled but would benefit from subtle saturation adjustments to enhance the visual dynamic range. Despite minor nicks and blemishes, the film maintains a largely clean surface, with no significant defects such as cuts or warped frames reported.

This version presents the original 149-minute cut, retaining the faithful palette and detailed film grain of previous releases, further refined by additional cleanup efforts in this edition. When compared to the Timeless Media Group Blu-ray, this version likely represents the best home video presentation of the film to date, with preserved fine details; it's essential to note that this edition is Region-B locked, requiring a compatible player for access. Although there is room for marginal improvements, such as in grain exposure and saturation tweaks, the transfer's organic qualities deliver a respectable and engaging film presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Shout at the Devil" offers an English LPCM 2.0 audio track, accompanied by optional English SDH subtitles that remain neatly within the image frame. This dual mono DTS-HD Master Audio track admirably preserves the film's original mono soundtrack. Dialogue clarity stands out, with Maurice Jarre’s dynamic music scoring as a centerpiece, enhancing the thematic intensity without distortion hiccups like crackling or popping. Despite expectations for possible enhancements, it's likely that significant improvements are inherently restricted by the nature of the source material.

The soundtrack's limitations appear most evident during action sequences, where audio depth can feel constrained. However, these organic limitations rooted in the original outdoor recordings lend authenticity rather than being indicative of faults in the remastering process. The immersive potential may not be as fully realized as with multi-channel formats like Dolby Atmos, yet the fidelity offered ensures a nostalgic integrity rarely achieved in prior releases. Compared to previous TMG Blu-ray versions, this effort arguably offers the best home video experience in terms of auditory presentation, respecting both the historical and technical aspects of the original recordings. With minimal age-related anomalies and a faithful sound mix, the Blu-ray's audio track serves as a robust representation of the film’s sonic landscape.

The Blu-ray extras for "Shout at the Devil" provide a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the film's production and impact. These features delve into unique behind-the-scenes narratives and technical discussions that enrich the viewing experience by shedding light on both the challenges and triumphs encountered during the making of the film. Notably, the contributions of film professionals like John Glen and Tony Klinger are highlighted, offering viewers a rare glimpse into their perspectives and stories from the set. These extras include newly recorded commentaries that contextualize the film within the broader cinematic landscape, particularly focusing on the significant roles played by stars Lee Marvin and Roger Moore.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making Shout at the Devil: Insights from key crew members about working with Hunt, Moore, and Marvin.
• And the Devil Makes Three: Tony Klinger discusses his deep involvement with the film.
• Exploding Bottles and Shooting Models: John Evans talks about SFX creation and filming in Africa.
• Stills Gallery: Collection of promotional images with music accompaniment.
• Booklet: Includes essays by Mia Boffey and Barry Forshaw.
• Cover: Reversible with vintage poster art.
• Commentary by Dwayne Epstein and Steve Mitchell: Covers film history and legacy.

Peter Hunt's "Shout at the Devil" is a 1976 film now available on Blu-ray through 88 Films, based on a novel by Wilbur Smith. The film is set in pre-WWI Tanzania, then part of the German Empire, and follows the adventures of American expatriate Colonel Flynn O'Flynn, played by Lee Marvin, and British aristocrat Sebastian Oldsmith, portrayed by Roger Moore. The plot thickens as the two characters engage in ivory poaching and face off against the ruthless German Commander Herman Fleischer, leading to a personal vendetta and an eventual mission to destroy the German warship Blücher.

Director Peter Hunt, known for his work on early James Bond films, delivers a mixed narrative that oscillates between serious historic drama and comedic parody. This tonal shift is evident throughout the film, where tense dramatic sequences that would fit seamlessly in a historical film are juxtaposed with oddball humor and exaggerated action scenes. The film seeks to capture the spirit of Golden Age Hollywood adventure epics but occasionally stumbles due to its tonal inconsistencies and overly complex plot.

The film benefits from Marvin's engaging performance as the hard-drinking O'Flynn and Moore's ability to hold his own alongside him. The cinematography by Michael Reed effectively captures the African landscapes, complemented by a dynamic score from Maurice Jarre. Despite challenges related to its tonal shifts and the complex narrative that can slow down the pace, "Shout at the Devil" remains an entertaining throwback to adventure cinema. It reflects both the ambition of American International Pictures to break from their mold and some of the dated characterizations typical of films from that era. These elements together create a unique viewing experience that may please fans of old-school adventure films despite its imperfections.

"Shout at the Devil" attempts to capture the magic of its forerunner "Gold" with a blend of period adventure and the distinctive glamour reminiscent of James Bond films. However, this iteration features Roger Moore alongside Lee Marvin, who delivers a standout performance, altering the film's dynamic significantly. Their collaboration results in a movie filled with moments of levity, making it difficult to approach with total seriousness. The Blu-ray release by 88 Films retains its classic charm through an older yet well-preserved organic master, supplemented with a range of exclusive new bonus features, enhancing its appeal.

Despite not resonating strongly with American audiences upon release, "Shout at the Devil" found substantial success internationally. The film remains an engaging spectacle, showcasing Marvin and Moore at their theatrical best. Kino's Blu-ray release reintroduces it to modern audiences with a robust and clean HD transfer. New additions include an insightful commentary track, though the elusive 50 minutes of deleted footage remains absent. This edition is particularly appealing for collectors as it offers significant upgrades over previous releases.

In conclusion, "Shout at the Devil" is an entertaining, albeit eccentric film that successfully carries the legacy of its predecessors while offering an enjoyable viewing experience. The Blu-ray editions from 88 Films and Kino enhance this cinematic offering with improved visuals and engaging supplementary content, making this release a valuable addition for fans of classic adventure tales. Highly recommended for both dedicated fans and new viewers seeking an entertaining escapade into vintage cinematic artistry.