The Cat o' Nine Tails Blu-ray Review

Blue Underground's Blu-ray release of "The Cat o' Nine Tails" showcases a visually stunning 1080p transfer that impresses on several technical fronts. Culled from the original camera negative, the picture quality is mostly pristine, with an occasional wobble that only underlines how dazzling the rest of the picture is. The AVC encode delivers incredible detail and sharpness without artificial enhancement. Argento's use of the 2.35:1 frame to capture the streets and rooftops of Rome and Turin is exemplary, providing clear and deep compositions that possess a keen sense of three-dimensionality. The grain structure is intact, and although a couple of shots appear slightly DNR'd, upon close inspection, this effect is minimal and does not detract from the overall experience.

Color fidelity is a strong point, presenting vibrant, yet natural tones that capture the period's Euro-chic palette without appearing artificially boosted. Skin tones remain remarkably natural, and blood appears suitably bright without being garish. The transfer handles black levels excellently, maintaining deep inky blacks without crushing or loss of detail in shadow-heavy scenes, while whites remain stable and non-blooming. Overall, detail from close-ups to distant architecture and moving figures is rendered with high integrity, making environments both exterior and interior positively sparkle.

In conclusion, Blue Underground's meticulous restoration efforts ensure Argento's film looks amazing. With natural depth, vibrant colors, and fine detail preservation, this Blu-ray release might represent one of Blue Underground's finest visual achievements to date.

The audio presentation of "The Cat O' Nine Tails" on Blu-ray features two DTS-HD MA soundtracks: one in 2.0 stereo and the other in 1.0 mono. While these options may lack the dynamic range of modern surround sound formats, they effectively capture the essence of the film’s original audio design. Both tracks are free from significant time-related wear and tear, providing largely clean and clear soundscapes. Dialogue remains consistently well-presented, albeit clearly dubbed in the traditional Italian style. There are no noticeable drops in volume, ensuring a stable auditory experience throughout. Sound effects, particularly during action scenes, are impressively exaggerated, adding an engaging though unrealistic heft. Off-camera noises contribute effectively to the atmosphere, though they lack directional nuance.

Ennio Morricone’s score benefits from being aptly prioritized within the mix. The music is neither overpowering nor lost, striking a good balance within the overall sound design. Morricone’s distinctive jazz-funk elements and vocal ululations come through with commendable clarity, enhancing the film's peculiar ambiance. Despite moments of tinniness and slight harshness during the opening title music, the audio quality improves significantly as the film progresses. Overall, while these tracks don’t offer a cutting-edge listening experience, they present a faithful and satisfactory representation of this classic film's audio. Blue Underground’s decision to avoid an artificial full surround mix has preserved the authenticity of the original soundtrack.

The Blu Ray edition of "The Cat o' Nine Tails" offers a modest but enjoyable selection of supplementary materials that provides insightful context and background on this classic film. The featurette "Tales of the Cat" includes engaging interviews with Director Dario Argento, Co-Writer Dardano Sacchetti, and Composer Ennio Morricone, delivering fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdotes, though not revealing much new information for seasoned fans. A highlight is the inclusion of two 8-minute radio interviews from the time of the US release, featuring James Franciscus and Karl Malden, both offering candid and enthusiastic insights into their experiences during the film's production. These interviews are well complemented by the theatrical trailers, TV spots, and radio spots, rounding out a concise yet valuable set of extras.

Extras included in this disc:

• Tales of the Cat: Interviews with Writer/Director Dario Argento, Co-Writer Dardano Sacchetti, and Composer Ennio Morricone.
• Trailers: U.S. and International versions.
• TV Spots: Various promotional clips.
• Radio Spots: Brief radio advertisements.
• Radio Interviews: Conversations with stars James Franciscus and Karl Malden.

Dario Argento's "The Cat O' Nine Tails," while not as intense as his iconic works like "Deep Red" or "Tenebrae," showcases his mastery in crafting a compelling mystery-thriller. The plot is intricately woven around a deadly secret, leading to murder and mayhem. The narrative engages with multiple red herrings and false trails, enhancing the suspense as we view the murders from the killer's perspective. The film, set against Ennio Morricone's evocative score and lush photography, pulses with an old-school Giallo charm. The standout performances of James Franciscus and Karl Malden anchor the film, highlighting Argento's early knack for attracting considerable talent.

Technically, the film benefits from Argento's impeccable framing and camera work. His style seamlessly integrates with the storytelling, creating a visually immersive experience without overshadowing the plot. Set design adds depth, particularly a haunting cemetery sequence that stands out. Morricone's score is both complementary and mood-setting, integral to the film's tone. The cast's performances are suitably dramatic, aligning with Argento’s flair for blending oddity with suspense. Franciscus and Malden's dynamic brings a distinctive flavor to the narrative, balancing youthful vigor with mature ingenuity.

In summary, "The Cat O' Nine Tails" may not rank among Argento's most memorable films, but it remains a testament to his skill in elevating genre conventions into something uniquely engaging. The Blu-ray release by Blue Underground does justice to Argento's vision with a vibrant transfer, though additional extras would have been appreciated. This release will undoubtedly satisfy aficionados of Argento and Giallo cinema.

` "The Cat O' Nine Tails" firmly meets expectations both as a Mystery/Thriller and an Argento film. Though the plot may seem a bit stale, Argento's unparalleled styling, storytelling prowess, and directorial acumen elevate the movie. The film benefits significantly from a compelling score and strong cast performances. While it diverges from Argento's usual horror fare, this relatively tame thriller still showcases his vintage touch. Fans seeking macabre or supernatural elements might find it lacking, but for those open to a well-crafted thriller, it offers a rewarding viewing experience.

Blue Underground's Blu-ray release excels in terms of technical quality. The pristine 1080p transfer ensures a visually stunning presentation, capturing every detail with remarkable clarity. The lossless soundtracks further enhance the viewing experience, providing crisp and immersive audio. However, the lack of additional extras is a notable drawback. An array of special features would have enriched this release significantly.

In conclusion, "The Cat O' Nine Tails" may not surpass expectations, but it remains a solid entry in Argento's filmography. The Blu-ray release, despite its paucity of extras, is recommended for fans and newcomers alike due to its superior visual and auditory quality. While not a pinnacle of Argento's work, it is undeniably an essential piece for appreciating the breadth of his talent.