Island of Lost Souls Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "Island of Lost Souls" features a 1080p transfer in MPEG-4 AVC encoding, crafted from an intricate merging of multiple source materials. The original camera negatives are lost; thus, the restoration utilized a 35mm fine-grain master positive, UCLA's 35mm nitrate positive, and a 16mm private screening print. Despite the inherent damage in each source, the meticulous efforts resulted in a well-balanced 1.33:1 image. Clarity is consistently impressive, especially in close-ups, showcasing fine detail in make-up and set design. The scanning was performed in 2K and HD resolutions, and the final product maintains an authentic filmic grain while exhibiting minimal enhancement issues.

The black levels are deep and stable, offering comprehensive shadow details that enhance the film’s moody aesthetic. Criterion’s usage of advanced techniques like MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean ensured thorough removal of dirt, scratches, jitter, and flicker. While occasional contrast fluctuation and minor discoloration occur, they are not distracting. The provided documentation, including contributions from Lee Kline and Ian D. Whelan, underscores the diligent care taken in restoring this classic. The resulting transfer is a visually satisfying representation that both honors the film’s historical context and enhances its visual impact for modern audiences.

Overall, despite the film's nearly 80-year-old origins and some sequences showing their age-related wear, the Blu-ray edition of "Island of Lost Souls" beautifully captures Karl Struss' atmospheric cinematography with clean whites and robust blacks. Details in foliage, architecture, and human features are discernible and sharp enough to admire the craftsmanship involved in its production. The resulting image balances light and dark expertly, maintaining visibility even in dimly lit scenes. Criterion's high-definition transfer genuinely reflects the painstaking restoration process, ensuring "Island of Lost Souls" appears better than it likely ever has on home video.

The Blu-ray release of "Island of Lost Souls" features an English LPCM 1.0 mono track that highlights Criterion's commitment to preserving the historical integrity of the film. Remastered at 24-bit from a 16mm print and a 35mm nitrate print, the audio track meticulously eliminates clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using Pro Tools HD and AudioCube's integrated workstation. Unfortunately, mild hiss occasionally enters the dialog but remains non-intrusive and even adds to the vintage allure of the film. Dialogue clarity stands out, capturing the nuanced performances of Charles Laughton’s arrogant cadences and Bela Lugosi's unique vocal intonations.

Despite being restricted to a single channel, the LPCM mix exhibits robust depth and spatial presence. The audio engineering ensures that dynamic levels are stabilized and optimized, resulting in intelligible and fluid dialogue. Key moments, such as the unsettling howls from Moreau’s operating table and the sharp snaps of his whip, resound with immediacy and detail, enhancing the viewing experience. While there are occasional limitations in mid-range frequencies and slight distortion in higher frequencies, these issues are inherent to the original recording and do not significantly detract from the quality. Overall, this is an admirable audio transfer that upholds the film’s historical ambiance while ensuring a satisfying auditory experience for fans.

Criterion has curated an excellent set of supplements for the Blu-ray release of "Island of Lost Souls," specifically crafted to enrich the viewing experience of this classic horror film. The commentary track by historian Gregory Mank is indispensable, offering a comprehensive examination of the film's production, censorship issues, makeup work, and performances, all delivered with passion and expertise. John Landis, Rick Baker, and Bob Burns provide an engaging discussion on the cast, makeup, and director Erle C. Kenton’s legacy. Noteworthy interviews with David J. Skal and Richard Stanley dive into the film's literary roots and production history, while Devo's Casale and Mothersbaugh reveal the movie’s influence on their music. This collection is rounded out by a stills gallery, original trailer, and a thought-provoking essay by Christine Smallwood in the accompanying booklet.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Audio track by historian Gregory Mank covering production history and cultural context.
• Landis, Baker, and Burns: Discussion on the cast, makeup, and Erle C. Kenton’s legacy.
• David J. Skal: Insights into H.G. Wells' novel and Victorian-era horror.
• Richard Stanley: Analysis of "Island of Lost Souls" and his own experience with "The Island of Dr. Moreau."
• Casale and Mothersbaugh: Interview with Devo band members discussing the film’s influence.
• Short Film: Early work by Devo members featuring “Secret Agent Man” and “Jocko Homo.”
• Still Gallery: Images of the film's makeup and characters.
• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• Booklet: Essay by Christine Smallwood detailing thematic elements.

Erle C. Kenton's "Island of Lost Souls" (1932) stands as a landmark in horror cinema, effectively blending elements of science fiction and gothic horror. Loosely adapted from H.G. Wells' novel The Island of Dr. Moreau, this film is remembered for its atmospheric tension and groundbreaking makeup design by Wally Westmore. Charles Laughton's portrayal of the sinister Dr. Moreau is both menacing and captivating, further enhanced by the eerie shadow play captured by cinematographer Karl Struss. The narrative follows shipwreck survivor Edward Parker (Richard Arlen) who stumbles upon Moreau's island, discovering grotesque human-animal hybrids subjected to brutal experiments.

The film touches on profound themes such as morality, power, and the essence of humanity, making it more than just a straightforward horror flick. Laughton’s Dr. Moreau epitomizes the god-like figure obsessed with control, manipulating nature's laws with terrifying outcomes. Kathleen Burke as the Panther Woman is notably alluring yet tragic, adding layers of emotional depth to the film. Bela Lugosi, though heavily masked by makeup, leaves an enduring impression as the Sayer of the Law.

Technically, the film is outstanding for its time. The exceptional lighting and set design envelop Moreau’s mysterious mansion in foreboding shadows, enhancing the sense of dread and unpredictability. Kenton’s direction masterfully leverages these elements to present scenes that are not only visually striking but also rich in symbolic meaning. The Blu-ray transfer by Criterion does justice to this hidden gem, ensuring that the intricate details and atmospheric qualities shine through, making it a must-watch for aficionados of classic horror and cinema history alike.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Island of Lost Souls" is a remarkable restoration of Erle C. Kenton's classic 1933 horror film, adapted from H.G. Wells's "The Island of Doctor Moreau." This long-awaited edition brings the film's expressive use of light and shadow to high definition, showcasing its atmospheric cinematography and elevating the menacing performance of Charles Laughton. Historically sidelined, the film returns with impressive visual and auditory clarity—an achievement given the age and condition of the original sources.

Additionally, Criterion has complemented the pristine presentation with an outstanding collection of supplemental features. These bonus materials are both amusing and informative, enhancing the viewing experience for both devoted horror aficionados and newcomers. The inclusion of these extras not only provides deeper context but also underscores the film's lasting impact on the horror genre. The enriched package makes this edition an essential addition to any classic horror library.

In conclusion, Criterion has delivered a superb package that not only revitalizes "Island of Lost Souls" but also celebrates its significance in film history. With exceptional video and audio quality, alongside engaging special features, this release is a must-have for enthusiasts of classic horror cinema. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.