Black Sunday Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Black Sunday" presents a striking 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that highlights Mario Bava's captivating visuals. This Kino release adheres to high standards, avoiding any digital manipulation such as detail-smearing noise reduction, edge enhancement, or excessive contrast boosting. The transfer is commendably free from compression or encoding issues. Although a frame-by-frame restoration has not been undertaken, the source print remains in good condition. The image sporadically displays minor imperfections like white and black specks and small scratches, with the only notable anomaly being a fleeting vertical white line near the film's end. Bava's chiaroscuro lighting is depicted with impressive depth; deep blacks and well-balanced whites produce a rich spectrum of grays. Clarity surpasses previous home video releases, displaying newfound details, particularly in close-ups such as Asa's pockmarked face.

Rendered in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, the black-and-white 35mm film embodies sharp detail in costumes and village architecture, even within its mystically foggy landscapes. Some scenes manifest moments of softness and blurriness, likely inherent in the original cinematography. Still, black levels are deep and penetrating, providing excellent gradations between shadows and light. Contrast is generally crisp but highlights occasionally appear overemphasized, potentially diminishing finer details. White specks and dirt frequent the transfer, suggesting minimal restoration effort, yet despite these minor issues, this release showcases the film in its best visual state to date. The Blu-ray is unquestionably a significant upgrade for aficionados of Bava's work.

The Blu-ray release of "Black Sunday" by Kino features an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 mono soundtrack that likely represents the pinnacle of audio quality for this classic Italian horror film. Despite the sometimes distracting and undeniably obvious ADR work, the dialogue is consistently clean, clear, and intelligible throughout. Mario Bava effectively employs various sound effects, such as the eerie moaning from the mausoleum and the gusting wind around suits of armor, which are delivered potently within the limitations of a mono track. The distinctive and creepy old-time horror score, characterized by serpentine bassoon lines and trembling strings, binds these elements together well.

However, several shortcomings are evident in the audio presentation. Although dialogue reproduction remains the best aspect, the lack of presence and spaciousness results in a soundtrack that feels largely constrained to the center, reducing its overall impact. Additionally, the audio suffers from limited and uniform dynamic range, with noticeable clipping and distortion at higher frequencies and occasional background pops and hissing. Moreover, there is some fuzziness in the high-end, which detracts slightly from the otherwise solid experience. Despite these issues, this release is probably the best that can be achieved with the available source material. Notably, the absence of subtitle options might be a downside for some viewers.

The Blu-ray extras for "Black Sunday" offer an insightful and comprehensive look into the world of Mario Bava. A standout is the detailed audio commentary by Tim Lucas, noted author of "Mario Bava: All the Colors of the Dark," who provides a wealth of knowledge about the film's production, Bava's artistic vision, and various on-set anecdotes despite occasional lapses into silence. Also included are multiple trailers in high definition, showcasing both domestic and international cuts, as well as a TV spot and a selection of trailers from other Mario Bava films, all presented in HD quality. This robust collection of extras significantly enhances the viewing experience for fans and film scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Tim Lucas delivers an in-depth track filled with insightful analysis.
• U.S. Trailer: High-definition trailer targeted to American audiences.
• International Trailer: High-definition trailer showcasing the international cut.
• TV Spot: Short promotional television advertisement in HD.
• Mario Bava Trailers: Includes high-definition trailers for additional Bava films like "Hatchet for the Honeymoon" and "Baron Blood."

Mario Bava's seminal directorial debut, Black Sunday (1960), bridges the gap between classic horror and modern gothic cinema. Known also as The Mask of Satan, the film skillfully captures the atmospheric tension of 17th-century Moldavia. The prologue, set against a fog-drenched meadow, introduces us to the witch Asa Vajda (Barbara Steele) and her lover Javuto (Arturo Dominici), who are gruesomely executed. Asa curses her brother, the Grand Inquisitor, and his descendants with her last breath, a haunting preamble that sets the tone for the chilling narrative. The visceral depiction of the execution using a Mask of Satan—an iron mask lined with nails—remains shocking even today, showcasing Bava’s adeptness at unsettling audiences.

As the plot unfolds two centuries later, it follows Dr. Kruvajan (Andrea Checchi) and his protégé, Dr. Andre Gorobec (John Richardson), who inadvertently revive Asa through an accident in a mausoleum. Bava’s direction and cinematography excel in these scenes; his use of 360-degree camera movements immerses viewers into the decaying crypt's eeriness. The revived Asa telepathically summons Javuto from his grave, leading to a series of bloody and horrific encounters involving Asa's cursed descendants. The film combines traditional gothic hyperbole with modern touches, such as unexpectedly graphic violence like stake-through-the-eye impalements and melting faces, elevating it above its contemporaries.

Despite its somewhat predictable storyline rooted in family curses and romance, Bava's visual storytelling breathes life into every frame. His self-shot cinematography leverages stark chiaroscuro lighting and elaborate set designs to establish a Baroque ambiance that is both fantastical and terrifying. Barbara Steele’s dual role adds a layer of mystique, as she embodies both the malevolent witch and the vulnerable princess with captivating intensity. Blending historic horror influences with innovative techniques, Black Sunday remains a quintessential masterpiece of Italian gothic horror cinema, underscored by its stunning visuals and enduring nightmarish appeal.

Mario Bava's "Black Sunday" stands as a quintessential entry in the annals of gothic horror, bridging old-world chills with modern cinematic techniques. As Bava's first solo directorial effort, the film delves into a macabre supernatural tale of witches, family curses, and the eventual triumph over evil. Bava's mastery in creating an atmosphere of unease is evident through his impressive cinematographic techniques and visual flair. Although the storyline may seem routine by today's standards, the film’s sustained eerie tone ensures it remains essential viewing for horror aficionados.

Kino's Blu-ray release of "Black Sunday" is an indispensable upgrade for those wishing to experience the film in its finest presentation to date. The high-definition remaster significantly enhances the visual quality, bringing new life to Bava's gothic scenes and meticulous detailing. The picture quality is commendable, showcasing the stark contrast and shadow play characteristic of this black-and-white classic. However, the audio presentation is somewhat less satisfying, falling short of the visual standards set by the remaster. While the supplemental materials are underwhelming, offering little beyond basic extras, they do not detract from the overall value of this release.

One of the final great black-and-white gothic films, "Black Sunday" heralds the end of an era while ushering in a more explicitly violent epoch in horror cinema. Despite certain shortcomings in audio and supplements, Kino's Blu-ray release makes this seminal film an even more compelling watch. This release provides a perfect opportunity for devoted horror fans to revisit or discover Bava's atmospheric mastery. Highly recommended for anyone captivated by vintage horror narratives and evocative cinematography.