Quatermass and the Pit Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Roy Ward Baker's "Quatermass and the Pit" by Optimum Home Entertainment is nothing short of impressive. Encoded via MPEG-AVC and presented in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, the film benefits greatly from a full digital restoration. This transfer displays a virtually pristine print, with dramatic improvements in detail, contrast, and color reproduction compared to previous DVD releases. The outdoor and night scenes, initially showing hints of gray infiltration, quickly give way to interior scenes marked by fantastic clarity, vibrant colors, and a pleasing sense of depth. Close-ups reveal exceptional wrinkle and texture detail, with well-resolved skin tones, fabrics, and even beads of sweat.

The consistency of the film grain, maintained throughout without veering into noise, adds to the film-like quality. There are no signs of smearing, banding, or aliasing, and edge-enhancement is non-existent. The carefully handled vein-like pulsing of the Martian craft stands out as a testament to the meticulousness of this restoration. Bright explosions, bold colors on uniforms, striking red attire, and subtle details like stitching and graffiti are all rendered with remarkable definition. Even during dark scenes, the clarity is notably stable, surpassing that of the Region-1 DVD.

All in all, "Quatermass and the Pit" on Blu-ray is a triumph for fans and collectors, reflective of the high-quality restorations seen in premier collections like Criterion. It represents a significant advancement over previous releases, ensuring an immersive viewing experience for sci-fi enthusiasts.

Optimum Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray presentation of “Quatermass and the Pit” excels in its audio fidelity, utilizing an Uncompressed LPCM 2.0 stereo track. This mix effectively preserves the original mono, which expands the soundstage without adding unnecessary pseudo-surround effects. The sound design of Tristram Cary’s electronica is vividly brought to life, with dynamics that allow the higher frequencies to shine brightly and lower levels to resonate deeply. There are no dips or noticeable variances in dialogue levels, making it consistently clear and intelligible, despite some tinniness in vocal delivery. The audio track adeptly maintains clarity even amidst complex soundscapes involving unearthly pitches and pulsing noises that are key to the film’s eerie atmosphere.

This audio track is rich in both subtlety and excitement, capturing everything from the high-pitched screams of Barbara Shelley to the intricate sounds of Martian activity. Sound effects such as snapping wires, flapping cables, and Martian equipment whipping about create an immersive environment reminiscent of a violent wall of sound approaching the listener. While the track does not aim for bombastic levels, the individual elements such as tumbling masonry, shattering glass, cranking handles, and clattering footsteps are delivered with precision and clarity. Subtle yet gripping audio nuances provide an engrossing auditory experience that complements the film's intense visual narrative.

In summary, this LPCM 2.0 stereo track provides an exceptionally potent and immersive listening experience with outstanding depth and clarity, doing justice to the complex and rich sound design of the film. The inclusion of optional English SDH subtitles ensures accessibility, allowing viewers to enjoy the film’s meticulously restored audio in all its nuanced detail.

The Blu-ray extras of "Quatermass and the Pit" offer a robust and insightful collection, perfect for fans and historians alike. The commentary by Nigel Kneale and Roy Ward Baker mixes nostalgic reflection with production anecdotes, although it occasionally lapses into silence. Judith Kerr's interview extends beyond the film, offering a deep dive into Kneale's creative process and life. Joe Dante's segment is rich with industry insights and personal anecdotes about Hammer Films. Kim Newman passionately discusses the cultural impact of "Quatermass," showcasing his vast knowledge. Julian Glover's candid and humorous interview provides personal recollections of the production and his extensive career. Marcus Hearn delivers a thorough review of Hammer's approach to the film, while Mark Gatiss covers Kneale's struggles with the BBC and Hammer. The "World of Hammer" episode, although nostalgic, suffers from poor audio quality. Additional trailers and alternate credits round out this impressive package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Judith Kerr: Interview with Nigel Kneale's wife discussing his life and work.
• Joe Dante: Filmmaker discusses his love for Hammer Films.
• Kim Newman: Critic analyzes the film's cultural significance.
• Julian Glover: Actor recalls his experience filming.
• Marcus Hearn: Historian reviews the production history.
• Mark Gatiss: Screenwriter explores Kneale's legacy and conflicts.
• World of Hammer: A nostalgic review of Hammer's sci-fi productions.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Alternate American Credits: The US release opening titles.
• Alternate American Trailer: The US release trailer.
• Audio Commentary: By Roy Ward Baker and Nigel Kneale.

"Quatermass And The Pit" stands out as one of Hammer's crowning achievements, captivating both genre fans and critics with its intelligent, witty, and thought-provoking narrative. Amid Hammer’s array of period chillers, which showed signs of repetition, and while other studios dazzled with audacious adaptations and more shocking horror, Hammer's sci-fi endeavors remained boundary-pushing and ambitious. This final Quatermass installment, directed by Roy Ward Baker, showcases the zenith of their sci-fi output. Optimum Home Entertainment’s Blu-ray transfer does justice to this classic, presenting a terrifically detailed and vibrant image with acceptable audio quality. The disc's supplements, including audio commentary from Nigel Kneale and Roy Ward Baker, alongside insightful interviews, offer a well-rounded package that aficionados of the genre will appreciate.

The narrative begins in the London Underground at Hobbs End, where workers unearth an unusual skeleton followed by an even stranger shell. Professor Quatermass (Andrew Keir) investigates, hypothesizing that the shell is an alien spacecraft rather than a WWII German missile. Despite military and government skepticism, Quatermass persists. As the ship's defensive mechanisms reactivate, anomalous events such as hallucinations, object levitations, and explosions ensue. Quatermass's study reveals extraterrestrial memories, leading to broader chaos when the spaceship disrupts London with vibrations causing structural collapses and riots. This climax intertwines with themes exploring humanity's history, religion, and the origin of evil.

Roy Ward Baker’s direction allied with Nigel Kneale's compelling screenplay ensures "Quatermass And The Pit" remains one of Hammer’s finest. The film’s successful blend of entertainment and serious thematic exploration is augmented by excellent characterization, particularly in contrast to its predecessors. While the film shows some dated aspects, its charm and elegance are undeniable. The intelligent humor balances well with its profound observations. Performances from Andrew Keir and Barbara Shelley stand out, with Keir's portrayal of Quatermass being particularly convincing. The special effects, especially in the film’s final third, remain impressive even by contemporary standards.

Quatermass and the Pit (a.k.a. Five Million Years to Earth) on Blu-ray receives a phenomenal treatment courtesy of Optimum Home Entertainment in collaboration with Studio Canal. This release showcases the film's riveting blend of science fiction and horror, elevated by Roy Ward Baker’s masterful direction. The meticulous restoration work is evident, with the picture quality being nothing short of exceptional, presenting vivid colors and sharp details that breathe new life into this 60s classic. The high-definition transfer preserves the film's original aspect ratio and significantly reduces visual noise, ensuring an engaging viewing experience.

Audio restoration efforts are equally commendable. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track delivers clear and balanced sound, enhancing everything from dialogue clarity to the eerie atmospheric effects that are crucial for this genre. The optional English subtitles are well-synchronized and unobtrusive. This disc also includes a wealth of supplementary materials, such as interviews with cast and crew, archival behind-the-scenes footage, and scholarly commentaries that provide deep insights into the production and its historical context. Such extras not only increase the appeal of the Blu-ray but also serve as valuable resources for enthusiasts and academics alike.

In conclusion, Optimum Home Entertainment, in association with Studio Canal, have put together a mighty impressive package for Roy Ward Baker's classic 60s sci-fi film Quatermass and the Pit a.k.a. Five Million Years to Earth. If you could play Region-B locked discs, I strongly recommend adding it to your libraries. I also encourage you to consider the rest of the classic films the two studios have restored and released on Blu-ray this year: Ice Cold in Alex, The Cruel Sea, Whisky Galore!, The Lavender Hill Mob, Went The Day Well?, The Man Who Fell to Earth and Kind Hearts and Coronets. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.