Nightmares Come at Night Blu-ray Review

The 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation of "Nightmares Come at Night" provides a fascinating insight into both the challenges and triumphs involved in restoring a film marked by a troubled history. The transfer, presented in a 1080p HD quality and a 1.66:1 aspect ratio, reflects a dedicated effort to balance fidelity to the original film's texture with the demands of modern high-definition formats. The source material, a 35mm answer print discovered in 2004 and not originally intended for distribution, showcases an array of visual imperfections—from age-related marks like small, fleeting white specks and lengthy vertical scratches to burned-in debris. Despite these issues, the restoration team's painstaking work ensured that the digital transfer remains free from over-filtering and other digital manipulations, preserving the film's natural grain and authentic cinematic feel.

The colors in this high-definition upgrade have been attentively balanced, offering enhanced clarity and a noticeable improvement in detail over previous DVD releases, especially in the depiction of costumes and makeup. The visual restoration was careful not to strip the picture of its original character; grain intensity spikes particularly during flashback scenes—a detail that was intentionally preserved to align with director Franco’s vision. However, the image does occasionally appear soft and pale, alongside moments of unnatural color saturation levels. Despite these challenges, black levels are commendably deep and consistent, adding depth to the visual experience.

Brett Wood's commentary accompanying this release acknowledges the intrinsic limitations faced during the restoration process, shedding light on the meticulous efforts to improve picture quality without compromising the film's inherent aesthetic. This transparency offers viewers an additional layer of appreciation for the complexities of film restoration. Overall, while the restoration couldn't completely erase all signs of wear and age, it significantly elevates the viewing experience, cementing "Nightmares Come at Night" as a visually compelling piece more accessible to contemporary audiences while staying true to its original essence.

Kino's release of "Nightmares Come at Night" on 4K UHD Blu-ray offers enthusiasts two distinct auditory experiences through its uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 mono tracks: the original French version and an English dubbed counterpart. Preference leans heavily towards the French audio option, primarily due to the English dub's noticeable lack of authenticity and its failure to match the quality seen in dubs of similar films like "A Virgin Among the Living Dead" or "The Awful Dr. Orlof". The French track, despite showing signs of age-related wear such as occasional hiss, pops, and crackles, provides a more immersive and genuine auditory experience. These minor imperfections are understandable, given the film's original production constraints, and do not significantly detract from the overall listening pleasure. Clarity in dialogue delivery and the rich texture of Bruno Nicolai's score, which masterfully oscillates between discordant horror motifs and funk-jazz elements, stand out as highlights of this mix.

Both audio tracks exhibit certain technical limitations reflective of the film's era and budgetary constraints, including the presence of background noise and some instances of distortion at higher volumes. The original French track, nevertheless, offers clearer dialogue and a more consistent overall sound than its English counterpart. The sonic aspects of the film, particularly the score and sound effects, are competently handled; despite a general softness in sound effects, there are no jarring moments that disrupt the tension. The dynamic range is somewhat limited by today’s standards but remains faithful to the original sound design, ensuring that moments of silence and intensity are preserved without undue harshness.

In summary, while both audio options have their drawbacks stemming from the film's vintage and financial limitations, the French PCM 2.0 mono mix emerges as the superior choice for audiophiles seeking an authentic auditory experience with "Nightmares Come at Night". Its capacity to effectively convey dialogue clarity amidst a backdrop of an eclectic yet engaging score by Bruno Nicolai is commendable. The English dub, however, is best approached with caution, if not entirely eschewed, due to its incongruent atmospheric impact when compared to the original audio. Optional English subtitles add a layer of accessibility to those opting for the French track, enhancing the viewing experience by mitigating any linguistic barriers.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray extras for "Nightmares Come at Night" offer a comprehensive and insightful look into the world of Jess Franco, with a specific focus on this film's place within his oeuvre. The standout feature is the audio commentary by Tim Lucas, which is both informative and essential for Franco aficionados, examining the film's intricate connections to other works by Franco. The varied range of extras, from the making-of documentary to the homage and technical insights into the film's restoration, enriches the viewing experience, providing a deep dive into Franco's unique cinematic vision. The inclusion of trailers rounds out the offering, making this package a valuable addition to any collector's library.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Tim Lucas offers insightful commentary on Franco's filmography and this film's history.
• Making of Documentary (HD, 20:13): Features film historians and Franco collaborators with intercut footage from a 2001 Franco interview.
• Homage to Jess (HD, 8:24): Tribute featurette that extends warmth to Franco's career and life.
• About the Master (HD, 5:34): Brett Wood provides a technical overview of the 35mm print's Blu-ray transfer.
• Trailers (HD): A collection of trailers for other Franco films.

"Nightmares Come at Night" emerges as a quintessential piece of the Franco catalogue, standing out amidst his vast and varied oeuvre of over 150 films. This 1970 psychosexual thriller captures Jess Franco at a creative juncture, blending his hallmark elements of eroticism, dreamlike atmospheres, and narrative experimentation. Despite its initial obscurity, confined to a brief theatrical showing in Belgium and presumed lost for decades, this film has re-emerged as a fascinating study in Franco's cinematic style, thanks to its rediscovery and subsequent release on DVD and now, in a 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation. The film is characterized by its low-budget constraints, yet it becomes a notable example of Franco’s ability to craft compellingly surreal narratives within these limits.

The story revolves around Anna, adeptly portrayed by Diana Lorys, a former burlesque dancer drawn into a tumultuous relationship with Cynthia, a figure of both allure and mystery as played by Colette Jack. Their affair sets the stage for a journey through unsettling dreams, shadowy figures, and an unyielding sense of disorientation. Franco leverages these elements to explore themes of identity, reality versus illusion, and the psyche's dark recesses. His use of nonlinear storytelling, marked by flashbacks and an unreliable narrator, pushes viewers to question the narrative fabric itself. This film is thus not just an exercise in style but an invitation into a deeply immersive experience that blurs the lines between the tangible and the imagined.

Technically, "Nightmares Come at Night" reflects Franco’s signature approach to filmmaking, with its unvarnished visual aesthetic punctuated by moments of focused erotic intensity. The restoration work on the surviving print, while revealing its age and the conditions of its low-budget production, nonetheless enhances its raw and gritty appeal. The film's reissue not only serves as a testament to Franco’s enduring influence on genre filmmaking but also celebrates his unique ability to infuse his works with a distinctively mesmerizing ambiance. It's a compelling addition for enthusiasts of Euro-sleaze and those interested in the more experimental fringes of horror cinema.

In the realm of Euro-horror and avant-garde cinema, Jess Franco stands out with his surreal storytelling and distinctive visual style, both of which are evident in "Nightmares Come at Night." Though not his crowning achievement, this film, lost for over 35 years and now resurfaced in a 4K UHD Blu-ray presentation by Kino/Redemption, is a testament to Franco's capacity to weave dreamlike narratives that both enchant and perplex. While the plot may meander into realms of confusion and the pacing is deliberate, there's an undeniable allure for those accustomed to Franco's idiosyncratic blend of eroticism and horror. The upgrade from standard definition is significant, highlighting the director's visual artistry and enhancing the viewing experience. The inclusion of a commentary track by Tim Lucas offers invaluable insights into Franco's oeuvre, situating the film within a broader context of his career.

However, prospective viewers should temper their expectations concerning both the film's narrative coherence and technical qualities. "Nightmares Come at Night" caters to a niche audience with a palate for low-budget, unconventional cinema that challenges traditional storytelling norms. While this Blu-ray release represents the best version of the film to date, it's acknowledged that the video and audio quality may not meet the highest standards, reflecting its low-budget origins rather than restoration shortcomings. Extras included beyond the commentary tend to add little substantive value, suggesting a mixed bag for potential collectors.

In conclusion, "Nightmares Come at Night" on 4K UHD Blu-ray emerges as an essential purchase for Jess Franco aficionados and a curiosity for enthusiasts of experimental cinema. Though its technical limitations and esoteric appeal might not resonate with all viewers, this release is significant for preserving and presenting one of Franco's more obscure works. With realistic expectations for its presentation quality and an appreciation for its place in Franco's filmography, it stands as a worthwhile addition to a specialized collection. Those new to Franco's work may want to explore his more accessible films before diving into this dreamy, disorienting experience.