Tarantula Blu-ray Review

Shout! Factory's Blu-ray presentation of "Tarantula" decidedly excels, rooted in a new 2K scan of the original film elements. This 1080p transfer, encoded using MPEG-4 AVC at an average bitrate of 35,000 kbps, showcases the film in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The resulting visual clarity is impressive. Black levels are consistently deep and contrast well with other shades, providing a three-dimensional depth that elevates the viewing experience. Fine film grain permeates every frame, offering a natural, film-like appearance without succumbing to noise.

The grayscale calibration is nearly impeccable, presenting rich blacks, pure whites, and clean mid-tones. This dynamic range is particularly notable during night scenes, where police cars exhibit dense black paint reflecting moonlight intensely. However, some minor age-related artifacts appear during optical transitions and certain stock footage shots. These imperfections are minor and generally do not detract significantly from the overall high-quality presentation. The sharpness and detail are remarkable, spotlighting fine details such as monster makeup, facial features, and the Arizona landscape in all its glory.

Overall, "Tarantula" on Blu-ray looks fresh and well-preserved. The meticulous restoration work has eliminated most age-related blemishes while maintaining a robust grain structure that keeps the movie’s classic cinematic feel intact. This transfer effectively captures the vintage sci-fi essence with a modern clarity that will surely please both new viewers and longtime fans of this '50s classic.

The audio presentation of "Tarantula" on Blu-ray is delivered in English 2.0 Mono DTS-HD Master Audio, characterized by an outstandingly clean and well-balanced track. With a bit rate of 1583 kbps and a 24-bit depth, this mono mix excels in clarity and coherence. Dialogue is precise and easily intelligible, with neither hiss, crackle, nor audible distortion disrupting the experience. The unique sounds from the tarantula and other sound effects are reproduced vividly, contributing to the film's atmospheric tension. Despite being a mono track, sound effects demonstrate clear separation, enhancing the overall sonic landscape.

Consistent with its era, the track also faithfully showcases its original score, composed mainly of recycled Universal music cues by Herman Stein and Henry Mancini. These cues exhibit a surprising dynamic range; high-frequency elements such as horn sections and trebles are crisp, while lows like drumbeats are delivered with pronounced clarity. The soundtrack seamlessly integrates with the dialogue and sound effects, creating a cohesive auditory experience. Age-related issues typical of such era-specific recordings, including ADR overdubbing noticeable in some scenes, are minimal and do not detract from the overall audio quality. Optional English SDH subtitles are thoughtfully designed in yellow for better visibility against the black-and-white visual presentation.

While atmospherics constrained by their source recordings reveal subtle limitations, sequences occurring in bustling town environments or featuring Clint Eastwood's fighter jet show a considerable audio punch. Overseen by frequent Universal International music supervisor Joseph Gershenson, the eclectic mix of stock music fits snugly within the narrative context of the film. This expertly maintained DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track provides a richly detailed and immersive listening experience, honoring its vintage origins while offering crisp, modern fidelity.

The Blu-ray extras for "Tarantula" offer a robust, engaging insight into this vintage title. Highlights include an audio commentary featuring film historians Tom Weaver, Dr. Robert J. Kiss, and David Schecter. Weaver moderates and narrates, incorporating audio interviews with director Joe Dante, actor quotes, and detailed discussions on the film's production and music cues. Dr. Kiss contributes with an excellent reception history of "Tarantula." The disc's visual extras comprise an unstinting still gallery showcasing Universal's marketing campaign materials, including publicity shots, on-set photographs, and Bud Westmore’s makeup artistry. Additionally, the comprehensive poster and lobby card gallery features an array of posters, sketches, and storyboards offering an insightful look into the ad department's creative process. Overall, these extras provide ample value for fans and historians alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film historians Tom Weaver, Dr. Robert J. Kiss, and David Schecter provide an in-depth analysis.
• Theatrical Trailer: Unrestored full-frame trailer.
• Still Gallery: Slideshow of forty-five images from Universal's marketing campaign.
• Poster and Lobby Card Gallery: Sixty-four images of posters, sketches, and storyboards from Universal's archives.

"Tarantula!" stands out as a quintessential 1950s creature feature film, effectively capitalizing on the era's fascination with radioactive monsters. Directed by genre stalwart Jack Arnold, the story begins in the Arizona desert, marked by unsettling mysteries involving the work of biochemist Professor Gerald Deemer (Leo G. Carroll). Deemer's experiments with a potent nutrient drug designed to address world hunger inadvertently lead to the creation of a colossal tarantula that escapes into the desert, creating terror as it grows exponentially, attacking livestock and humans alike. The tension escalates as town doctor Matt Hastings (John Agar) and Deemer’s assistant Steve Clayton (Mara Corday) confront this mammoth arachnid menace.

The film’s appeal is amplified by its technical achievements, which were ahead of their time. Utilizing practical effects and camera tricks, the filmmakers convincingly integrate a live tarantula into real-world settings, fostering a more believable and menacing portrayal than many contemporaries, such as "The Deadly Mantis" or lesser efforts like "Earth vs. the Spider". Leo G. Carroll excels as the well-intentioned yet reckless scientist, and his interactions with the dedicated townspeople craft an engaging narrative centered around themes of scientific hubris and unbridled experimentation.

While "Tarantula!" might not possess the intricate storytelling or prolonged suspense of "Them!", it remains a compelling piece within its genre. It captures the essence of 1950s nuclear paranoia and isolationism through its depiction of a small Arizona town grappling with an unprecedented threat. The pacing is brisk, with both character-driven scenes and thrilling monster encounters coalescing effectively within its concise runtime. Ultimately, "Tarantula!” is a fun, albeit phony at times, cinematic journey that remains a nostalgic favorite for its well-executed scares and the dedication of its cast, who bring authenticity and fervor to the outrageous premise.

"Tarantula" stands as a commendable entry in the 1950s killer bug and insect film subgenre, demonstrating director Jack Arnold's remarkable skill. The film benefits greatly from the excellent makeup effects by Bud Westmore and the enduringly impressive tarantula puppet by Wah Chang, which still captivates sixty-four years later. Shout! Factory’s Blu-ray release offers a respectable restoration with a clear uncompressed monaural track. However, while the image transfer is good, some damage marks remain. The bonus features are noteworthy, especially the robust commentary by Tom Weaver and contributions from other film historians and enthusiasts, making it an informative collection.

The extras include a wealth of material: an engaging audio commentary, the original theatrical trailer, and extensive still and poster galleries with over 100 images combined. Missing from the Koch Media Region B release are an interview with Jack Arnold, Super 8 and 8mm versions of the film, as well as German-specific openings and trailers. Despite these omissions, the available features add substantial value to the package, ensuring it caters well to fans of 1950s sci-fi cinema.

In conclusion, "Tarantula" delivers an agreeable mix of 1950s charm and creature-feature thrills. Scream Factory's Blu-ray treatment is impressive, providing a clean image transfer, clear audio mix, and engaging additional content. For enthusiasts of classic Universal B-movie sci-fi, this release is both enjoyable and nostalgic. Despite a few minor flaws in the restoration, it remains highly recommended for anyone looking to dive into the fun, if sometimes goofy, monster cinema of yesteryears.