The Last House on the Left Blu-ray Review

The Last House on the Left is presented on Blu-ray by Arrow Video with a 1080p AVC encoded transfer in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The extensive restoration process involved sourcing from various elements, given that the original 16mm AB negative has been lost. Arrow utilized the highest quality elements available, primarily the 35mm dupe negative, scanned in 2K resolution, supplemented by additional interpositive and 35mm print materials for different cuts of the film. Despite inherent challenges, such as gate hairs and original negative damage, the final restoration offers significant improvements in palette saturation and grain resolution compared to previous releases, particularly the MGM release from 2011.

The new transfer presents a raw but enhanced visual experience, maintaining the film’s documentary-like aesthetic while addressing several previous issues. Color saturation has seen notable improvement, offering a more natural and organic range with refined reds, blues, and yellows. Grain structure is now less pixelated and noisy, with finer outdoor material resolution. Detail levels have been optimized to highlight textures in clothing and facial features despite the inherent limitations of the original 16mm source. Close-ups display surprising fine detail, contributing to a better-resolved sense of depth.

Black levels remain varied, with some scenes exhibiting inky blacks while others appear slightly crushed. Instances of dirt, scratches, and staining are minimal but persistent due to the film’s history and storage conditions. Overall, Arrow Video’s restoration of The Last House on the Left stands as a substantial upgrade over prior releases, delivering a grittier yet clearer presentation that respects the film’s grindhouse roots and low-budget origins. This release offers the best visual quality for this title to date on home video.

The audio presentation of "The Last House on the Left" Blu-ray retains its original monaural soundtrack in an LPCM Mono format, accurately reflecting the film's historical low-budget production constraints. Restored from the original 17.5” magnetic tracks, the uncompressed audio offers a faithful reproduction of the source material, albeit with some expected anomalies. Dialogue is generally intelligible, although it can sound thin and occasionally lacks bass, a likely consequence of the original recording techniques. Additionally, the post-looping process introduces some ambient inconsistencies without introducing significant distortion or damage to the track.

David Hess' eclectic score, an unusual mixture of soft rock and folk music, is both charming and disjointed against the film’s grim narrative. The soundtrack shows adequate dynamics and fidelity despite its quirks, making for a compelling aural experience. The mono track ensures clarity in dialogue and sound effects, though there are segments where the audio feels tinny and flat, symptomatic of set recordings that were not sufficiently remediated. Fortunately, major issues such as hiss and pops have been effectively mitigated, ensuring that these elements do not detract significantly from the overall listening experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided in a clear white font for accessibility.

The Extras on the Blu-ray release of "The Last House on the Left" from Arrow Video offer an extensive and immersive experience for enthusiasts. With an impressive array of archival material and newly produced features, this release stands as the definitive edition. This three-disc set includes the unrated cut, the rare Krug & Company cut, and the R-rated cut, providing various viewing experiences. The video extras delve deeply into the film’s production, legacy, and reception, featuring interviews with Wes Craven, Sean S. Cunningham, David Hess, and others. Noteworthy additions include multiple audio commentaries, a conversation with makeup artist Anne Paul, and a comprehensive look at the film’s locations. The package also includes a meticulously remastered soundtrack CD and high-quality images that complement the detailed interviews and featurettes.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Wes Craven and Sean S. Cunningham: Insightful discussion by key crew members.
• Audio Commentary with David Hess, Marc Sheffler, and Fred Lincoln: Cast perspectives on the film.
• Isolated Score Track: Music-only track for audiophiles.
• Still Standing: The Legacy of Last House on the Left: Archival featurette (2009) featuring Wes Craven.
• Celluloid Crime of the Century: Detailed archival piece featuring cast and crew.
• Scoring Last House on the Left: In-depth look at the film's music with David Hess.
• It's Only a Movie: The Making of Last House on the Left: Behind-the-scenes insights.
• Forbidden Footage: Discussion of notorious sequences.
• Junior's Story: Interview with Marc Sheffler (2017).
• Blood and Guts: Conversation with makeup artist Anne Paul (2018).
• The Road Leads to Terror: The Locations of Last House: Location tour with Michael Gingold (2018).
• Deleted Scene: Mari Dying at the Lake: Extended version from Krug and Company cut.
• Outtakes and Dailies: Extensive silent footage.
• Trailers, TV, and Radio Spots: Promotional material.

This release is an essential acquisition for any serious horror collection.

Wes Craven's "The Last House on the Left" stands as a grim milestone in horror cinema, marking his audacious entry into the genre in 1972. Reminiscent of Ingmar Bergman's "The Virgin Spring," the film delved into exploitation territory, effectively birthing the torture-porn subgenre. The narrative follows Mari Collingwood (Sandra Cassel) and her friend Phyllis (Lucy Grantham), who encounter unspeakable terror instead of a night of teenage revelry. Captured and tormented by the sadistic Krug (David Hess) and his gang, their experience unravels in harrowing detail, reflecting the disconcerting social climate of the early seventies, including the lingering shadows of the Manson Family crimes. The movie’s relentless portrayal of violence shattered boundaries, making it a notorious grindhouse experience notorious even today.

What sets "The Last House on the Left" apart is its juxtaposition of raw brutality with seemingly incongruent elements of dark comedy, particularly in scenes involving bumbling police officers. This tonal dissonance remains a topic of discussion among critics, as it provides a jarring counterpoint to the otherwise intensely graphic depictions of rape, torture, and degradation. Despite its low-budget origins and technically unpolished execution, the film’s visceral impact is undeniable. Craven meticulously crafts an atmosphere of unease that crescendos once Mari and Phyllis’ ordeal begins in earnest. While some viewers find its rawness unsettling, it is this very rawness that cements its place as a pivotal work in exploitation filmmaking.

Even decades later, "The Last House on the Left" retains its power to disturb and provoke, despite—or perhaps because of—its rough-around-the-edges presentation. The narrative's unflinching examination of human depravity gives the film a lasting relevance for horror aficionados and film historians alike. Craven’s debut may not be his most polished, but it remains one of his most impactful, demanding recognition for its daring storytelling and its brutal deconstruction of societal norms and the veneer of safety.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "The Last House on the Left" offers a meticulously crafted presentation of this brutal and unsettling horror classic. Although not universally lauded as Craven’s best work, the film remains an important milestone in both horror and exploitation cinema. The disturbing narrative and amateurish charm contribute to its visceral impact—a quality that resonates differently with each viewer but is undeniably memorable.

The technical specifications of Arrow’s edition are exemplary. The three-disc Limited Edition set includes all three cuts of the film, hours of bonus features, and the complete film score. The A/V enhancement is notably superior to previous releases, particularly the 2011 MGM Blu-ray edition, making this rendition the definitive version for aficionados. The supplements, curated with precision, enrich the understanding and appreciation of this divisive film.

In conclusion, while "The Last House on the Left" might not be every viewer’s favorite due to its intense content and uneven execution, it undeniably leaves a lasting impression. Arrow Video’s release delivers commendable technical quality and exceptional supplementary materials. This edition is highly recommended for fans and collectors, serving as a significant testament to Craven's early work in horror filmmaking.