Peeping Tom Blu-ray Review

Optimum Home Entertainment presents the 50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray of Michael Powell's "Peeping Tom" in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. This freshly restored 1080p transfer significantly elevates the film’s visual quality. The high-definition upgrade eradicates most damage while keeping grain at a minimal, unintrusive level. Previous flaws like background flicker and macroblocking, present in older editions, are completely resolved. The contrast levels remain consistent, and while occasional slight jumps indicate minor frame loss, the overall stability of the transfer is commendable.

The most striking feature is the enhanced color reproduction, demonstrating a vibrancy and intensity unseen in prior releases. The film is awash with colors akin to the vivid palettes of Mario Bava or early Disney, with reds, greens, yellows, and blues looking sensational. Skin tones retain a theatrical quality aimed at amplifying the film’s stylized aesthetic—almost reminiscent of old EC comic covers. The detail in close-ups is extraordinary; moments like the distorted image in the lens or the notable eyeball zoom look incredibly sharp and clear. The intricate textures of materials, props, and set dressings, including Moira Shearer's entrancing on-screen presence, are rendered with remarkable clarity.

While black levels aren't the deepest, they fit well within the film’s vibrant lighting and color scheme. Notably, there is no overt edge enhancement, though minor banding appears briefly. Some might suspect DNR usage due to the smoothness of facial textures, but this likely aligns with the film stock's original appearance. There is no aliasing or distracting shimmering to detract from the viewing experience. Overall, this Blu-ray edition of "Peeping Tom" provides an exceptional presentation, characterized by stunning visuals that invite viewers to fully immerse themselves in Michael Powell's lurid cinematic vision.

The UK release of "Peeping Tom" by Optimum Home Entertainment features a single LPCM 2.0 audio track, which delivers an impressively faithful and unaltered sound experience. Given the film’s age and inherent audio constraints, the track stands out by maintaining a natural and immersive auditory environment. Brian Easdale’s score is reproduced with suitable weight and clarity, highlighting reverberant piano thuds and clean, searing strings. The incidental source music is both warm and energetic, while sudden stingers provide effective jolts that enhance the narrative tension.

Dialogue throughout the film is consistently crisp, clean, and stable, with none of the usual balance issues that can detract from the viewer's experience. The English accents contrast starkly yet fittingly with Boehm's smooth Germanic tones. While certain dialogue elements may come off as slightly shrill and boxed-in due to the film’s vintage audio recording techniques, the track as a whole maintains surprising depth and requisite power for dramatic sequences. Notably, cinematic effects such as projector sounds, footsteps, and the studio crane activation are conveyed with impressive accuracy. Additionally, the integrated heartbeat element enhances the overall impact of key scenes without overshadowing other elements of the mix.

Overall, Optimum's LPCM 2.0 track for "Peeping Tom" exhibits meticulous attention to detail and respect for the original material, providing a rich and vibrant audio experience that surpasses previous releases. There are no detectable issues such as pops, cracks, hissings, or dropouts, ensuring a seamless presentation throughout. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided for accessibility. This audio treatment aligns cohesively with the film’s visual remastering, making it a commendable release for both enthusiasts and first-time viewers.

Optimum's 50th Anniversary Blu-ray release of "Peeping Tom" boasts an impressive array of extras, both from their earlier Special Edition DVD and some new additions. A particular highlight is the introduction by Martin Scorsese, revealing his enduring admiration for the film. However, Ian Christie's commentary, while packed with insights, can feel overly formal and lecture-like. The “Eye of the Beholder” featurette offers a profound examination of the film’s legacy, enriched by contributions from Laura Mulvey and Thelma Schoonmaker. The documentary “The Strange Gaze of Mark Lewis” provides a deep, bilingual exploration into the themes of voyeurism and filmmaking. Schoonmaker’s latest interview offers a meaningful recount of her and Scorsese’s efforts to revive Powell’s work. Additionally, the meticulous restoration comparison showcases the improvements in visual quality, supplemented by a theatrical trailer and a stills gallery.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Martin Scorsese’s introduction to "Peeping Tom".
• Eye of the Beholder: Analysis of the film’s history and impact.
• The Strange Gaze of Mark Lewis: In-depth doc on themes of voyeurism and murder.
• Interview: Thelma Schoonmaker reflects on the film's impact and restoration.
• Restoration Comparison: Visual comparison before and after digital restoration.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Stills Gallery: Collection of production photographs.
• Commentary: Detailed audio commentary by Ian Christie.

Michael Powell's 1960 film, Peeping Tom, once eviscerated by critics, has evolved into a revered masterpiece that warrants meticulous exploration. The film follows Mark Lewis (Karlheinz Bohm), a quiet and seemingly innocuous focus puller at a major film studio, who leads a double life photographing young girls for a Soho porno shop. His true obsession lies in filming the faces of women as he murders them, creating a chilling exploration of voyeurism and the power of the camera. Powell's convergence of themes—celebrity, fear, and the darker underbelly of society—delivers an enduringly provocative narrative. The juxtaposition of garish visuals, rendered in Eastman color, accentuates the disturbing and sinister tone permeating the film, reinforcing its rightful place in cinematic history.

The Blu-ray release from Optimum Home Entertainment showcases a scrupulously restored version of Peeping Tom, marking its 50th anniversary. This high-definition upgrade renders the film with stunning clarity, enhancing Powell’s nuanced directorial choices. The meticulous digital restoration accentuates the visual subtext, bringing the ghastly reds, blues, and greens to life in a way that was unimaginable at the time of its original release. The Blu-ray is not just visually enthralling but also enriches viewers with substantial supplementary features, including an introduction by Martin Scorsese, comprehensive discussions involving film critics and scholars, and an insightful restoration comparison. These extras add significant value for both new viewers and long-time fans, deepening the appreciation for Powell’s controversial yet visionary work.

Despite its initial hostile reception, which effectively ended Powell’s career in the UK, Peeping Tom has garnered an almost legendary status amongst modern audiences and influential filmmakers alike. Its influence on directors such as Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola speaks volumes about its complex narrative and visual sophistication. This Blu-ray release serves as a fitting tribute to Powell’s pioneering spirit, allowing audiences to witness the chilling brilliance of Peeping Tom in its most pristine form to date.

` The Blu-ray release of Michael Powell's "Peeping Tom" by Optimum Home Entertainment is a stellar package that does justice to this once controversial film. The transfer quality on this disc is nothing short of stunning, with remarkable clarity and color accuracy that breathes new life into the movie’s cinematography. The image is sharp and the black levels are appropriately deep, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Audio is equally impressive, meticulously restoring the soundtrack to provide a crisp and immersive auditory experience. The remastering process ensures that both visual and audio elements capture the director's original vision.

Moreover, the supplemental features included are a treasure trove for film enthusiasts and scholars alike. These extras provide valuable insights into the film’s production, themes, and its historical context. Interviews with cast and crew, behind-the-scenes footage, and scholarly commentary enrich the understanding of this classic film. The inclusion of these features underscores Optimum Home Entertainment’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive and engaging experience.

In conclusion, Optimum Home Entertainment has crafted a superb Blu-ray edition of "Peeping Tom," complete with an outstanding technical presentation and an abundance of informative supplemental material. This release not only revitalizes Michael Powell's groundbreaking work but also enhances its appreciation through rigorous restoration and insightful features. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.