Curtains Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Curtains delivers an exceptional visual experience, brought to life through its AVC encoded image with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and 1080p resolution. The clarity and detail are outstanding, providing a crisp and sharp picture that impresses from start to finish. Everything from fine textures, such as the fuzzy fabric on Lesleh Donaldson’s gloves during her ice-skating scene, to the minuscule bits of snow beneath the killer’s ice skates is vividly rendered, showcasing the meticulous work that went into this transfer. The image has substantial depth, creating a three-dimensional feel that captures the viewer's attention, particularly in scenes like John Vernon’s performance on the theater stage and Michael Wincott’s atmospheric hot tub moment.

Color reproduction stands out with stable primaries and vivid accuracy, especially notable in the pink of Christie's skate gear and the realistic depiction of snow. Black levels are consistently high, avoiding any major crushing, and enhancing night-time scenes effectively. Skin tones maintain a consistent, slightly cold yet natural look. The level of detail is impressive; every wrinkle, scar, and piece of facial stubble is distinct, with even minor injuries like Lesleh Donaldson's scrapes clearly visible in close-ups. Grain is finely managed, contributing to a richly filmic texture that enhances the viewing experience without introducing unwelcome artifacts. Damage is minimal, with only a few sporadic speckles marring the image.

Overall, the Blu-ray transfer of Curtains is a triumph, presenting a natural and deeply detailed picture that remains true to its original cinematography while making the most of modern viewing technology. The dedication to achieving a realistic yet striking visual experience is evident in every frame.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Curtains" offers a well-crafted 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix designed to heighten the film's atmospheric presence. Definition in audio elements is particularly strong, ensuring clarity and precision for dialogue exchanges, which are crisp and clean throughout. The mix adeptly balances the scoring efforts and suspense beats, delivering an effective and energetic sound experience without overwhelming extremes. This attention to detail makes it an excellent fit for a home theater environment, bringing a refreshing quality to this low-budget classic.

Additionally, the Blu-ray includes a 2.0 DTS-HD MA mono track, which provides a more authentic auditory experience while still maintaining high clarity and definition. While the 5.1 track adds an extra layer of atmosphere through ambient moments and enhanced scoring, it is not overly ambitious, focusing instead on providing a balanced and immersive listening experience. Low-frequency extension is used sparingly but effectively, adding depth during key moments like snowmobile and car scenes, as well as emphasizing musical cues.

Dynamics are top-tier, with volume levels perfectly calibrated to allow for various auditory elements to come through cleanly. Surround sound presentation incorporates ambient noises and lower-volume scoring effectively without unnecessary expansion into a full surround barrage. The inclusion of English SDH subtitles also ensures accessibility. Overall, the audio mix for "Curtains" on this Blu-ray is immaculately presented, suitable for both purists and those looking for a more enveloping audio environment.

The Blu-ray release of "Curtains" is accompanied by a robust set of extras that offer deep insights into the film's tumultuous production and legacy. The Audio Commentary features actresses Lesleh Donaldson and Lynne Griffin, moderated by Edwin Samuelson. This commentary track is both informative and entertaining, exploring topics such as Canadian tax breaks, cast relationships, and the fragmented production schedule with a vibrant banter. The Vintage Audio Interviews with producer Peter R. Simpson and actress Samantha Eggar delve into detailed recollections of the production challenges and casting choices. The standout featurette, The Ultimate Nightmare, provides a candid retrospective on the making of the film, featuring interviews with key cast and crew members who discuss the project's shift from a psychological thriller to a reshot horror film. Additionally, Ciupka: A Filmmaker in Transition offers rare behind-the-scenes footage and insight into the director's career transition from cinematography to directing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary With Stars Lesleh Donaldson And Lynne Griffin, Moderated By Edwin Samuelson: In-depth and engaging commentary.
• Vintage Audio Interviews With Producer Peter R. Simpson And Star Samantha Eggar: Insightful interviews about production issues.
• The Ultimate Nightmare: The Making Of “Curtains”: Must-see featurette with interviews and candid details.
• Ciupka: A Filmmaker In Transition: Rare BTS footage and career insights.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material.

Curtains presents itself as an intriguing, if somewhat disjointed, entry in the '80s slasher genre. Directed initially by Richard Ciupka and later completed by producer Peter R. Simpson, the movie's uneven production history is evident in its final form, blending arthouse thriller elements with conventional slasher tropes. The film revolves around director Jonathan Stryker (John Vernon) who locks actress Samantha Sherwood (Samantha Eggar) in a mental institution, only for her to later return during an audition weekend where actresses are being killed off one by one by a masked assailant. The production issues manifest in a narrative that occasionally struggles to maintain coherence, particularly with bizarre elements such as a creepy doll that appears without clear context.

Despite its troubled development, Curtains stands out among its contemporaries due to its mature approach to character development and suspense. Rather than focusing on teens, the film centers on adult characters each with their unique motivations and backgrounds, adding depth uncommon in the genre. John Vernon delivers a standout performance as Stryker, bringing a palpable menace to his role. Eggar complements this with her portrayal of Samantha, adding layers of uncertainty and tension to her character. Lynne Griffin and Lesleh Donaldson also contribute strong performances that elevate the material.

Technically, Curtains benefits from Ciupka's keen visual style, though it remains intermittent due to the fragmented nature of the production. The movie features creatively staged sequences like an ice-skating chase and visually striking moments that differentiate it from standard slasher fare. While the film does not shy away from blood and nudity, it commendably prioritizes suspense over exploitation. The unique hag mask worn by the killer and unexpected narrative twists contribute to making Curtains a memorable, if imperfect, slice of '80s horror cinema.

Synapse Films delivers an exemplary Blu-ray release of the cult horror film "Curtains", providing a meticulously restored transfer that enhances both the visual and auditory experience. The high-definition presentation revitalizes the film’s chilling atmosphere, ensuring that every haunting moment and dramatic reveal is captured with pristine clarity. The audio is robust, adding depth to the eerie soundtrack and ambient noises that heighten the suspense. The quality of the restoration work reflects Synapse's dedication to preserving and elevating classic horror cinema.

The comprehensive suite of extras included in this release is a notable highlight, catering to both casual viewers and die-hard fans. The package features an engaging audio commentary by actresses Lesleh Donaldson and Lynne Griffin, directed by Edwin Samuelson. Additionally, there are vintage audio interviews with producer Peter R. Simpson and actress Samantha Eggar, the insightful featurette "Ciupka: A Filmmaker in Transition", and the retrospective "The Ultimate Nightmare: The Making of Curtains". This wealth of supplementary material offers an in-depth exploration of the film's production challenges and enduring appeal, making it an essential resource for those interested in the behind-the-scenes intricacies of "Curtains".

There are a few scenes in Curtains that stand out, one pitting Christie against the masked killer on a frozen pond, while lousy editing and iffy physics make a scene where Stryker and Brooke fall out of a window the most rewindable moment of the movie. Thematic pursuits also hold attention, including a running inspection of illusion that's constantly faking out the viewer with nightmare asides and considered cinematography, and the requisite sex-as-a-weapon attack gets a modest workout here. Curtains is often caught scrambling around in the dark for direction, gradually losing interest in consistency as violence increases and the opportunity to simply capture the masked killer chasing victims around proves irresistible. The picture isn't all there, but I certainly understand why cult audiences have been drawn to it over the last three decades. Weird is wonderful, and for this effort, oddity is a band-aid that almost holds the feature together.

In conclusion, this edition of "Curtains" is a definitive must-have for collectors and genre enthusiasts alike. Synapse Films has not only fulfilled but exceeded expectations with this release, delivering exceptional restoration quality complemented by thoughtfully curated extras. This Blu-ray stands as one of the finest horror catalog titles of the year, emphasizing its importance within the horror genre and solidifying its place in any serious collection.