Scream and Scream Again Blu-ray Review

"Scream and Scream Again" is presented on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.85:1. While the transfer indicates a fresh remaster of the original elements, the presentation still exhibits minor, yet frequent, instances of damage such as scratches, nicks, speckling, and occasional blotches. These issues are sporadically visible in various frames but do not overwhelmingly detract from the overall viewing experience. The film's color palette shows variability; some sequences appear robust and vibrant, whereas others look relatively anemic. Clarity also varies, with indoor studio-set sequences offering more solidity compared to the slightly softer outdoor scenes, particularly during the long chase sequence. The shadow detail in darker scenes is within acceptable limits, although not overly impressive.

The natural grain field is fairly heavy but resolves naturally without notable compression anomalies, contributing to the film's appreciable cinematic texture and fine detail. The definition remains strong, showcasing fine details in the surrounding foliage, period-appropriate clothing, and various set furnishings. The grayscale spectrum leans towards the lower end, resulting in comfortably bright contrast with crisp whites and true blacks. However, shadow detail remains adequately visible in the dimmest parts of the frame. Color saturation is well-balanced and accurate, particularly for reds and greens. Despite a few softer sequences, this Blu-ray presentation is sure to satisfy fans looking for a faithful representation of the film’s visual aesthetics.

The audio presentation of "Scream and Scream Again" on Blu-ray features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track that provides a dependable yet unremarkable listening experience. Dialogue clarity is a highlight, with most lines rendered cleanly and distinctly, although ADR work sometimes draws undue attention, giving a sense of detachment. The track's dynamic range is generally stable, though it stays somewhat confined, failing to significantly impact during high-action sequences or the film's more intense moments. Notably, the Amen Corner theme song scene reveals some prioritization issues where the music overshadows the dialogue, accentuating the modest limitations of the mix.

The overall fidelity of the DTS-HD MA monaural track remains commendable despite a few shortcomings. Sound effects and the score come through with respectable heft, although the soundstage feels primarily narrow, constricted to the mid-screen area without offering much depth or atmosphere. Imaging tends to feel flat, and there's a noticeable lack of low-end presence. While occasional pops and noise can be detected, they are relatively few and do not significantly detract from the experience. Fans will find the soundtrack adequate for casual viewing, but it may fall short of the expectations of audiophiles seeking a more immersive auditory performance. The inclusion of English SDH subtitles is a welcome feature, catering to those who require them.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "Scream and Scream Again" offer a rich array of content that enhances the viewing experience. The audio commentary by David Del Valle and Tim Sullivan is particularly notable, with both providing a wealth of information and historical context. The documentary "Gentleman Gothic" offers a compelling look into Gordon Hessler's career at AIP, while the interviews with Uta Levka provide unique insights into her role. The inclusion of an isolated score track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 further adds to the collection's appeal, ensuring high-quality audio for enthusiasts. The still gallery and trailers complete a well-rounded set of extras, making this Blu-ray a must-have for fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Features David Del Valle and Tim Sullivan, providing informative and historical insights.
• Gentleman Gothic: Overview of director Gordon Hessler's career and time at AIP.
• An Interview with Uta Levka: Discussion with the actress who played the nurse.
• Still Gallery: High-definition images from the production.
• Radio Spot: Original radio advertisement.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailer of the film.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Commemorative trailer.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

Gordon Hessler’s "Scream and Scream Again" is a multifaceted film, blending elements of sci-fi, horror, and conspiracy thriller genres. Based on Christopher Wicking's screenplay from the novel "The Disorientated Man" by Peter Saxon, the film's nonlinear narrative weaves three seemingly unrelated stories: a jogger subjected to gruesome amputations in a mysterious hospital, an authoritarian state's operative engaging in covert activities, and a serial killer draining his victims' blood in London. The film's disjointed structure, while intriguing, can cause considerable confusion and frustration as viewers navigate between these intersecting plots.

The movie's marketing heavily promoted the iconic trio of Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing. However, their roles are largely minimal and lack substantial interaction. Price's Dr. Browning raises suspicions with his unsettling demeanor at a medical facility. Lee's portrayal of a government agent is terse yet significant, contributing to the unresolved mysteries. Cushing appears briefly as a high-ranking official, adding a touch of gravitas with his characteristically intense performance. This casting choice drew audiences initially but left many feeling underwhelmed by their limited screen time.

"Scream and Scream Again" stands out for its avant-garde approach, which may resonate more with enthusiasts of experimental cinema. Despite the inherent narrative chaos and a screenplay that could have benefited from a more cohesive structure, the film's unique genre-blending tactics offer a strangely compelling experience. The disjointed yet engaging storytelling technique and its not-so-subtle homage to Fritz Lang’s works create a film that is both puzzling and fascinating, challenging the viewers to piece together its fragmented tales for the complete horrifying picture.

"Scream and Scream Again" is an unconventional entry in the filmography of Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing. The movie distinguishes itself by favoring lesser-known character actors as its principal stars. In essence, it's a blend of sci-fi, espionage, and horror genres, delivered through an anthology-like structure where seemingly unrelated stories eventually interconnect in a nonlinear fashion. While the screenplay struggles to knit these separate plots together organically, the film remains a unique cinematic experience. Director Gordon Hessler leverages the disjointed narrative structure to create an engaging and surprisingly entertaining story with a satisfying twist.

The Blu-ray release from Twilight Time offers significant improvements over previous versions, particularly in terms of audio and video quality, though it does not quite reach the excellence seen in other releases from the same era. Despite the movie's less-than-stellar original print quality, the restoration effort makes it much more watchable and enjoyable. Though further restoration could improve it, the current release is already a substantial upgrade from the DVD counterpart. Fans of cult cinema will also appreciate the decent set of supplemental materials included in this limited edition package.

In conclusion, "Scream and Scream Again" may not be the most polished film from the A.I.P. era, yet its unique narrative structure and genre blend make it an intriguing watch. While it has its flaws, this Blu-ray release is a commendable effort in making an otherwise neglected film accessible and enjoyable. Cult enthusiasts and fans of classic horror should consider this a worthwhile addition to their collection. Recommended.