Black Sabbath Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Black Sabbath" on Blu-ray, as rendered by Arrow Video and Kino Lober, maintains a consistent level of quality that's appreciable for enthusiasts and purists alike. With an aspect ratio of approximately 1.84:1 for the Arrow release and 1.78:1 for Kino Lober, encoded in MPEG-4 AVC with a 1080p transfer, both distributors have approached the film's visual aspect with a dedication to preserving its original cinematic texture. Notably, the releases exhibit minor inherited flaws such as wear, minor color fluttering, and occasional contrast fluctuations, yet these do not detract from a generally solid presentation. The preservation of the film's natural grain structure without succumbing to digital smoothing or overzealous sharpening corrections is particularly commendable, ensuring an organic look that respects Mario Bava's directorial vision.

Detail levels overall are satisfying, especially in close-ups where lighting beneficially accentuates image depth, despite some softness which might obscure finer details. The color reproduction stands out across both versions, managing to breathe life into the film’s diverse segments, from the nuanced gold and red hues of 'The Telephone' to the vibrant neon reminiscent of modern day in 'The Drop of Water'. While there are occasional signs of under-saturation, the visual presentation remains engaging. Moreover, despite the film's age, instances of dirt, scratches, and grain serve to enhance rather than detract from the atmospheric experience Bava intended, effectively transporting viewers back to the 1960s without the distraction of digital artifacts such as banding or edge enhancement.

In summary, both Arrow Video and Kino Lober have provided Blu-ray releases of "Black Sabbath" that pay homage to its source material through careful preservation and enhancement of its visual elements. Fans and newcomers alike will find much to appreciate in these presentations that skillfully balance fidelity to the original films with the advantages of modern video technology, making them worthy additions to any collection. The absence of excessive digital manipulation allows for an authentic experience, ensuring that the film’s atmospheric charm and visual narrative remain intact for contemporary audiences.

Analyzing the audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Black Sabbath," enthusiasts have two primary LPCM 2.0 audio tracks to choose from: Italian and English, both showcasing their unique flavors and catering to a diverse audience with optional English and English SDH subtitles for "I tre volti della paura" and "Black Sabbath," respectively. The Italian track, accompanied by Roberto Nicolosi's score, enriches the viewing experience with a gothic/jazzy essence that splendidly complements the visuals, displaying commendable depth and fluidity despite the occasional presence of extremely light background hiss which does not detract from the overall experience. The dubbing quality in Italian stands out, ensuring that the dialogue remains intelligible and engaging for the audience.

On the flip side, Les Baxter's score for the English version introduces a contrasting vibe, instilling an alternate type of intensity across the segments, yet maintaining comparable depth and fluidity to its Italian counterpart. The dialogues are crisp, further enhancing viewer immersion without significant loss to auditory clarity. However, similar to many releases of its era, some technical imperfections such as hissing, cracks, and pops are observed, adding a nostalgic touch to the horror film ambiance from the 60s despite being inherently problematic. This release’s Linear PCM 2.0 mono mix records clear dialogues predominantly in Italian, with English subtitles aiding comprehension. Although a mismatch between audio and lip movements occurs due to dubbing, these minor issues scarcely diminish the potent suspense and climactic crescendos that both scores masterfully provide, securing an authentic and atmospheric experience for both versions of this horror anthology.

The Blu-ray extras for "Black Sabbath" present a well-curated collection that not only deepens the appreciation for Mario Bava's iconic film but also offers insights into the variations between its international versions and influences on horror cinema. Noteworthy is the "Twice the Fear" featurette, which informatively contrasts "Black Sabbath" with its Italian counterpart "I tre volti della paura," enriched by parallel film extracts and expert analysis. The inclusion of Tim Lucas's commentary provides an exhaustive examination of the film's nuances, elevating the viewing experience for enthusiasts and scholars alike. Additional materials such as interviews, trailers, and a comprehensive booklet offer further exploration into the making and legacy of this horror masterpiece, ensuring a satisfying package for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Twice the Fear: A comparative featurette with English subtitles where necessary.
• Commentary by Tim Lucas: An expert analysis of the two film versions.
• Introduction by Alan Jones: A brief introduction to Black Sabbath.
• A Life in Film: An Interview with Mark Damon: Recollections from actor Mark Damon.
• International Trailer: With optional English subtitles.
• U.S. Trailer: Original U.S. trailer in English.
• Italian Trailer: Original Italian trailer for I tre volti della paura.
• TV Spot: Original TV spot in English.
• Radio Spot: Original radio spot in English.
• Booklet: A 40-page illustrated booklet with essays and interviews.
• Cover Art: Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork.
• Trailers: High-definition trailers for other Bava films.

Mario Bava's "Black Sabbath" (1963), presented in this Arrow Video Blu-ray edition, solidifies its position as a pinnacle of atmospheric horror, showcasing the director's adept handling of mood and story. This anthology, heralded by Boris Karloff, comprises three tales woven with fear and suspense, each distinct yet cohesive under Bava's visionary direction. The film exhibits an impeccable blend of gothic allure and vivid colors, particularly evident in tales like "The Telephone," where subversive undertones meet a kaleidoscope of visual seduction, and "The Drop of Water," which transitions gothic horror into psychedelic realms without losing its eerie essence. Cinematography by Ubaldo Terzano in "The Wurdalak" further exemplifies Bava's mastery in creating haunting imagery through light and shadow, with Karloff's presence adding a timeless horror gravitas.

Differing significantly between its English (AIP version with Les Baxter's score) and Italian versions, "Black Sabbath" owes its rich narrative diversity to variances in order, length, and graphic content, providing a unique viewing experience that caters to aficionados of the genre. The Italian version, slightly longer and more explicit, coupled with Roberto Nicolosi's score, enhances the gothic-jazzy ambiance, establishing a stark contrast to Baxter's orchestral compositions in the AIP edition. This dual presentation on the Blu-ray not only celebrates Bava's original vision but also offers insight into the period's cinematic cross-cultural adaptations.

The narratives themselves—a poignant mix of eroticism, suspense, and outright terror—remain effectively chilling. From Rosy's harrowing ordeal in "The Telephone" to the unnervingly persistent terror in "The Drop of Water", and the macabre unraveling in "The Wurdalak", each story escalates in horror, culminating in a cinematic experience that is both aesthetically arresting and deeply unsettling. Bava's craftsmanship in storytelling and technical prowess mark "Black Sabbath" as a quintessential piece for horror enthusiasts and cinephiles, transcending time with its idiosyncratic yet universally resonant themes of fear.

The Blu-ray release of "Black Sabbath" presents a formidable addition to the collection of any aficionado of horror, particularly those with a penchant for European and giallo cinema. This edition, brought to us by Arrow Video, showcases the anthology in stunning high-definition, highlighting its vibrant, psychedelic elements and its meticulous attention to stylistic details. The transfer does remarkable justice to the film’s aesthetic, accentuating the striking visuals and the allure of Michele Mercier with clarity that breathes new life into Mario Bava's creation. While the package may lack in supplementary materials, the sheer quality of the presentation compensates for this and underscores the film's significance in the horror genre.

The audio and visual fidelity of this Blu-ray are commendable, reflecting well on what has come to be expected from a Kino Lorber release. It boasts a superior transfer that enhances the movie's atmospheric tension and effectively conveys its chilling narratives across the anthology's segments. This release proves itself to be indispensable for enthusiasts eager to experience classic horror through the best possible media presentation. Despite the absence of bonus content, "Black Sabbath" stands out for its elemental scares and thrilling execution, making it a must-have for collectors and fans alike.

In conclusion, Arrow Video's release of "Black Sabbath" on Blu-ray is highly recommended for those who appreciate the artistry behind horror cinema. Its exquisite high-definition presentation revitalizes one of Mario Bava's seminal works, ensuring that both longtime fans and newcomers to European horror are treated to an unparalleled viewing experience. Although it may fall short in terms of extras, this edition is a testament to the enduring power and influence of "Black Sabbath," affirming its status as a cornerstone of the genre.