The Beast with Five Fingers Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "The Beast with Five Fingers," derived from a new 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative, is an exemplary effort by Warner Archive. This high-quality 1080p transfer reflects the same meticulous attention to detail seen in their restorations of classics like "The Walking Dead" and "The Return of Doctor X." The transfer exhibits exceptional fine detail, enhanced to reveal the film's intricate textures while maintaining inky black levels that add depth to the visuals. The film's original 1:37:1 aspect ratio is preserved, and a manual cleanup process effectively minimizes imperfections such as scratches, tears, and dirt, ensuring a pristine viewing experience.

Encoded on a dual-layered disc, this release handles compression adeptly, presenting a smooth and artifact-free image. Film grain is naturally retained, providing an authentic, cinematic texture that complements the high fidelity of grayscale and contrasts achieved. The transfer significantly surpasses the quality of previous DVD releases, which suffered from inferior source elements. This restoration represents a definitive version of the film for home viewing, bringing it closer to its original theatrical presentation with stunning clarity.

Overall, Warner Archive's Blu-ray rendition of "The Beast with Five Fingers" combines state-of-the-art technology with archival precision, offering a luxurious visual experience that is impressive both in terms of preservation and technical execution. The absence of any notable degradation ensures that this is the pinnacle version for collectors and classic horror enthusiasts alike.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Beast with Five Fingers" effectively captures the film's atmospheric essence with its DTS-HD Master Audio offerings. The original mono soundtrack has been preserved and is presented on a dual mono DTS-HD Master Audio track. This meticulous care results in crisp dialogue delivery and a soundstage that, while narrow, enhances the film's foreboding ambiance. The mix subtly underscores the tension and dread inherent in the film, without any detectable age-related audio damage such as crackling or hissing, ensuring an immersive auditory experience.

A standout feature of the audio presentation is Max Steiner's dynamic score, which seamlessly integrates with the sound mix. The score, featuring Johann Sebastian Bach's Chaconne from Partita for Solo Violin in D Minor, is showcased with remarkable clarity and depth, enriching the film's dramatic impact. The fidelity of the sound is notably superior to previous releases, providing fans with the most pristine home video audio experience available for this classic film. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are provided during the main feature, accommodating a wider audience while maintaining focus on the cinematic audio quality.

The Blu-ray release of "The Beast with Five Fingers" is a noteworthy package, offering viewers an enriching dive into the world of classic cinema through thoughtfully curated extras. The audio commentary featuring Dr. Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr stands out for its structured and engaging exploration of the film's development, with insightful discussions on its production nuances and legacy. Complementing the commentary, the inclusion of two restored Merrie Melodies cartoons provides a delightful nostalgic touch, reminding viewers of Warner Bros.’ vibrant animation history. Each short, from "The Foxy Duckling" to "The Gay Anties," showcases meticulous restoration efforts. The original theatrical trailer is a charming addition, encapsulating the film's era with gusto.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: In-depth analysis by Dr. Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr.
• The Foxy Duckling: A 1947 Merrie Melodies cartoon by Arthur Davis.
• The Gay Anties: A 1947 short directed by Friz Freleng.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: A vintage promotional piece.

"The Beast with Five Fingers" is a notable entry in the gothic horror canon, making its mark as Warner Bros.' sole venture into the genre during the 1940s. Directed by Robert Florey, the film cleverly integrates psychological elements with an intriguing plot, centered around sinister happenings in a Northern Italian villa. With a runtime of 88 minutes, it deftly balances suspense and narrative depth. The story follows Bruce Conrad (Robert Alda), a cunning American antique dealer entangled in mystery and deceit after his friend Francis Ingram (Victor Francen), a pianist crippled into performing with one hand, meets a tragic end. Tensions ensue when Ingram's estate is unexpectedly willed to his nurse Julie Holden (Andrea King) rather than his family.

Curt Siodmak's script, adapted from William Fryer Harvey’s story, imbues the film with Freudian undertones, amplifying the psychological terror as Ingram's disembodied hand seemingly comes to life. Peter Lorre delivers a standout performance as the mystically consumed Hilary Cummins, whose interactions with the menacing, animated hand are both chilling and darkly humorous. Wesley Anderson's cinematography contributes significantly to the film's noir-esque atmosphere, underscoring the creeping dread with shadowy visuals that enhance its horror credentials. Max Steiner's music score, incorporating thematic uses of Bach and Brahms, underlines the eerie ambiance and emphasizes key narrative moments with impactful musical motifs.

With commendable special effects, particularly during scenes involving the crawling hand, "The Beast with Five Fingers" crafts a fascinating interplay of camp and genuine fright. The film maintains a consistent level of entertainment throughout, balancing absurdity with palpable tension. Though its conclusion aligns more with mystery tropes akin to Scooby-Doo than existential dread, it remains an enduring cult classic. This Blu-ray presentation from Warner Archive benefits from a meticulous 4K restoration, ensuring the film's visual splendor and unique cinematic charm continue to captivate contemporary audiences.

Robert Florey's 1946 film, "The Beast with Five Fingers," successfully intertwines elements of classic horror and camp, creating an engaging narrative enhanced by Peter Lorre's haunting performance. This Blu-ray release by Warner Archive is a noteworthy improvement over the 2013 DVD version, featuring a stellar 4K-sourced transfer that breathes new life into its visuals. The release highlights the era's impressive special effects, making it a treasure for cinema enthusiasts who appreciate historical filmmaking. The audio quality has been notably upgraded with lossless sound, ensuring an immersive experience that enhances the film's eerie ambiance.

Critically acclaimed and popular at the box office, this film represents a high point in Robert Florey's directorial career and serves as a remarkable conclusion to Peter Lorre’s association with Warner Bros. The Blu-ray release includes insightful bonus features like a well-structured commentary track that complements the viewing experience. Additional Merrie Melodies cartoons provide a nostalgic touch, enhancing the overall value of the collection. Fans acquainted with previous versions through channels like TCM will find the high-definition transfer unbelievably refreshing, granting the film the visual fidelity it deserves.

In conclusion, "The Beast with Five Fingers" not only stands out for its cinematic attributes but also benefits greatly from Warner Archive's meticulous restoration process. This Blu-ray release is highly recommended for die-hard fans of classic horror, as well as newcomers eager to explore vintage thrillers. This release is both an homage to Lorre's iconic legacy and a testament to the enduring appeal of mid-20th-century horror cinema. Whether revisiting or discovering for the first time, this Blu-ray edition offers a definitive experience of a beloved classic.