Spider Baby or, the Maddest Story Ever Told Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's presentation of "Spider Baby or, the Maddest Story Ever Told" on Blu-ray is exceptional and meticulously restored. Transferred from a 35mm Original Camera Negative (OCN) and supplemented by a 35mm check print for additional scenes, the film is encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1. Utilizing photo-chemical means for restoration, the painstaking labor of manual dirt removal results in an image that is rich in grain and maintains a fine, film-like texture. Enthusiasts will note a very clean and sharp presentation, accentuated by the absence of wavering, shimmering, and discolored portions. This is a bold image standing up well under scrutiny, with remarkable clarity, especially in close-ups where faces and eyes are vividly rendered.

Contrast levels are superb, displaying the black and white imagery with exceptional depth and vitality. Whites are kept in check to avoid blooming, retaining realistic highlights without glaring. Blacks are impressively deep and stable, with an exquisite greyscale complementing them without any sign of crushing. Manual imperfections do persist; occasional specks, vertical lines, and some pops and cracks are present but kept minimal, ensuring they do not distract from the overall viewing experience. While some sequences experience variations—like when Uncle Peter attempts to free himself, leading to a momentary blurring—the visual integrity largely remains intact.

Detail retention throughout is frequently exceptional due to the high-definition transfer. The textures of materials like clothes weave, fur on stuffed animals, and delineation of woodchips illustrate the meticulous clarity achieved. The more atmospheric scenes, such as those set in the basement, gain an eerie effectiveness from this transfer. There is no evidence of artificial sharpening or unwanted digital noise reduction, ensuring the film retains its organic, original look. Fans will undoubtedly find this Arrow Video release a robust celebration of Jack Hill's cult classic.

The Blu-ray release of "Spider Baby or, The Maddest Story Ever Told" features an English LPCM 2.0 audio track which is a restored 2-channel mono mix. Given the film’s low-budget origins, the audio track is limited in scope but reasonably well-handled. Dialogue is generally clear and intelligible, despite occasional muffling that flattens into dead space. These issues are inherent to the source material and not indicative of a flawed transfer. Surround sound enthusiasts should keep in mind that this is a vintage track; expectations for modern positional audio effects should be tempered.

Ambient sounds such as birdsong, cicadas, croaking frogs, and rustling leaves are rendered decently, adding a layer of immersion to the experience. Specific sound effects like wolf-howls, chair crashes, and coffin creaks articulate well within the available range. However, don't expect profound dynamic range; instances of fuzziness and minor background noise—potentially from original recording conditions—are present but not overly distracting. The track’s fidelity in presenting Ron Stein’s score is notable, with strings delivering substantial flavor and jazz elements like woodwinds and percussions resonating warmly.

In summary, while the mix does reveal limitations tied to the original production’s budget and era, it is ultimately stable, clean, and free from significant distortions such as audio dropouts or pops. For audiophiles and film enthusiasts alike, Arrow Video's treatment provides a solid auditory representation of this cult classic that steps up admirably within its vintage constraints.

The Blu-ray of "Spider Baby or, the Maddest Story Ever Told" offers an exceptional collection of extras that provide a comprehensive look into the film's unique production and cultural impact. The audio commentary by Jack Hill and Sid Haig is both engaging and insightful, packed with anecdotes about the movie's creation and cast. The retrospective documentary "The Hatching of Spider Baby" features interviews with key figures such as Joe Dante, Jack Hill, and various cast members, reinforcing the film's legacy as a curious cult favorite. Additionally, the featurette "Spider Stravinsky: The Cinema Sounds of Ronald Stein" delves into the memorable score, highlighting its influence on B-movie soundtracks. The extras also include a nostalgic revisit to the film's original location in "The Merrye House Revisited," an alternative title sequence, an extended scene, and a fascinating cast and crew panel discussion.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Audio commentary with Jack Hill and Sid Haig.
• The Hatching of Spider Baby: Retrospective with interviews.
• Spider Stravinsky: The Cinema Sounds of Ronald Stein: Featurette on film score.
• The Merrye House Revisited: Visit to the filming location.
• Alternative Opening Title Sequence: With the original title.
• Cast and Crew Panel Discussion: Post-screening discussion.
• Extended Scene: Additional footage from a key scene.
• The Host (1960): Early student film by Jack Hill.
• Trailer: Original trailer.
• Gallery: Collection of stills from the film's production.
• Cover Art: Reversible sleeve.
• Booklet: Collector's booklet with essays and interviews.

Jack Hill's "Spider Baby or, the Maddest Story Ever Told" (1968) arrives on Blu-ray with a multitude of supplementary features that enrich the viewing experience. The Blu-ray includes an original trailer, extensive interviews with industry veterans, and insightful commentary tracks. Adding to its appeal, the release features reversible artwork and a collector's booklet with contributions from Stephen R. Bissette and articles originally published in FilmFax magazine. This collection meticulously preserves the film’s historical and cultural significance.

The film itself is a haunting blend of horror and dark comedy, centered on the Merrye family, who suffer from a unique degenerative disease causing them to mentally regress as they grow older. Lon Chaney Jr. stars as Bruno, the loyal chauffeur taking care of three siblings, played by Jill Banner, Beverly Washburn, and Sid Haig, who inhabit a secluded house and lead an isolated existence. The narrative kicks into high gear when distant relatives and their lawyer visit, initiating a series of macabre events tinged with violent outbursts and unsettling humor.

Despite its limited budget, "Spider Baby" manages to create a consistently eerie atmosphere with strong visual storytelling and an effective score by Ronald Stein, known for his work with Roger Corman. The film's allure lies in its unpredictable blend of genres, keeping viewers engaged with its evolving tone. While it presents gruesome elements typical of horror, the film's comedic undertones elicit an odd charm that sets it apart in the genre. Fans of unusual and cult horror films will undoubtedly appreciate Jack Hill’s quirky yet masterfully orchestrated vision.

Jack Hill's "Spider Baby, or the Maddest Story Ever Told" presents a marvelously unhinged cinematic experience that deftly blends horror with a macabre sense of humor. Arrow Video has honored this cult classic with a Blu-ray release that preserves its eccentric charm and surreal atmosphere of camp dread and taboo-tickling. The high-definition transfer allows the unsettling visuals to pop with renewed clarity, a crucial aspect given the film's mix of black comedy and creepy horror.

The cast's performances are exceptional. Lon Chaney Jr. brings formidable gravitas to his role, while Quinn Redeker's character exudes a quirky surprise that adds another layer of unpredictability. Jill Banner and Beverly Washburn deliver chillingly effective portrayals of the murderous sisters, embodying both menace and innocence. Special mention goes to Carol Ohmart, who puts her all into a physically demanding and visually memorable performance. These actors contribute richly to the film’s unique tone that alternates between dark humor and genuine suspense.

Arrow Video supplements the solid transfer with an impressive suite of special features. The addition of Jack Hill’s early short "The Host," along with a detailed commentary and insightful retrospective, offers fans a deeper dive into the director's creative world. This wealth of extras enhances the overall value of the release, rivaling those of higher-end Criterion Collection editions.

In conclusion, "Spider Baby" is an offbeat gem that is as funny as it is creepy, making it a must-see for fans of strange and unique films. Arrow Video’s release does justice to this wacky, subversive classic, ensuring it remains both accessible and appealing to contemporary audiences. Highly recommended for those ready to embrace its delightful madness.