The Man Who Could Cheat Death Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded 1.66:1 aspect ratio presentation of "The Man Who Could Cheat Death" offers a satisfying viewing experience, particularly given the age and condition of the original source elements. While the image sharpness isn't optimal, brightness enhancement effectively reveals production details, notably the ornate costuming and macabre make-up work. Detail levels are generally maintained, though textures are not as tactile as they could be. Colors are frequently vibrant with primary hues well-represented, especially decorative reds and potion greens which stand out prominently. Skin tones are largely accurate, albeit some instances of speckling and mild scratches are noticeable.

The 1080p video transfer achieves commendable results, presenting a controlled grain field that adds to the detail fidelity. Facial features, clothing textures, and the period set designs are rendered with satisfactory clarity. While colors occasionally appear bleached and pale, these instances are sporadic. For the most part, colors exhibit significant pop, with reds appearing vivid and elements like Hazel Court's blue velvet dress showcasing excellent screen presence. Black levels can sometimes obscure details, making actors in dark suits blend into the shadows. However, other scenes display robust shadow separation and a pronounced sense of depth. The condition of the source elements is reasonably good with only mild speckling evident, reflecting an overall effective restoration effort.

In sum, this Blu-ray presentation represents the likely pinnacle of what can be achieved with existing materials. While there are areas where the image falls short, it delivers a faithful and engaging visual experience for fans and newcomers alike.

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix of "The Man Who Could Cheat Death" exhibits several age-related constraints, leading to some compromise in clarity. Dialogue, while certainly intelligible, can sound somewhat muffled and lacks the expressiveness initially intended. Additionally, there are noticeable artifacts such as hiss and pops scattered throughout the audio track. The musical score, though understandable in conveying moods, falls short in delivering sharp and deep instrumentation, and sound effects appear slightly fuzzy.

Despite these age-induced limitations, the English DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio mix is commendably functional. Given that the film predominantly features dialogue-driven scenes, the dialogue remains upfront and clear, maintaining prominence without distortion. Although the movie largely unfolds in a few interior settings requiring minimal scene-setting audio work, certain sequences—like the pub scene towards the end—are particularly well-crafted with layered dialogues and ambient sounds that enrich the atmosphere. The scoring complements the film adequately without overshadowing the mix, creating enhanced musical cues during tense moments. Overall, this audio track serves the essence of the film effectively.

The Blu Ray of "The Man Who Could Cheat Death" offers a compelling set of extras that will thoroughly enrich any fan's understanding and appreciation of both the film and Hammer Productions. A notable highlight is the engaging audio commentary by film historian Troy Howarth, who meticulously contextualizes the film within Hammer's broader cinematic efforts. Supplementary interviews with Kim Newman and Jonathan Rigby provide in-depth analyses on gothic horror's resurgence and insight into the specific choices behind the film's casting and narrative. The inclusion of trailers for various Hammer films and competitors further broadens the scope, giving a nostalgic glimpse into the era's marketing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film historian Troy Howarth discusses the film and Hammer Productions.
• Kim Newman Interview: Examination of Hammer Films and the gothic horror genre.
• Jonathan Rigby Interview: Insights into Hammer's release strategy and casting.
• Trailers From Hell 'The Skull': Analysis by Joe Dante.
• 'The Crimson Cult' Trailer
• 'Twice Told Tales' Trailer
• 'Madhouse' Trailer
• 'The Oblong Box' Trailer
• 'Tales of Terror' Trailer

Terence Fisher's 1959 film "The Man Who Could Cheat Death," an adaptation of Barré Lyndon's play, presents a unique blend of body horror and traditional Hammer aesthetic. The screenplay by Jimmy Sangster delves into themes akin to Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein." Anton Diffring stars as Dr. Georges Bonnet, a 104-year-old sculptor and physician who uses a green elixir and human gland transplants to sustain his youth. The narrative eschews conventional horror frights, focusing instead on a dialogue-heavy exploration of vanity, mortality, and desperation.

Despite its slow pace and theatrical roots, the film benefits immensely from its stellar cast. Diffring, initially portraying Bonnet with an air of snobbish detachment, gradually amplifies his performance as Bonnet's quest for eternal life leads him into madness. Hazel Court and Christopher Lee offer strong support, with Lee's role as the reputable surgeon Dr. Gerrard providing a moral counterpoint to Bonnet's descent. Fisher crafts an atmosphere rich in medical urgency and macabre elements, yet avoids explicit gore, emphasizing the psychological over shock value.

At a concise 83 minutes, the film maintains a steady rhythm that underscores the tension between Bonnet's dwindling time and increasing insanity. The combination of horror iconography with philosophical musings on immortality creates an engaging narrative. While not the most suspenseful Hammer Films production, it remains a noteworthy entry in the studio's catalog, offering chilling reflections on human nature. "The Man Who Could Cheat Death" stands out for its ability to strike a balance between disturbing concepts and a compelling character study.

Kino Lorber’s Blu Ray release of "The Man Who Could Cheat Death" captures the grim and gothic essence of Hammer Films. It seamlessly blends elements of 'Frankenstein' and 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', creating an experience that is at once chilling and captivating. The plot centers around a man obsessed with cheating death, delivered with a finely tuned mix of horror and suspense that appeals to classic horror film enthusiasts. The A/V presentation is notably strong, offering crisp images that enhance the overall viewing experience, bolstered by meticulous restoration work.

The technical credits across this Blu Ray are superior, giving the film a rich cinematic presence. Directors and cinematographers have established an intriguing mood, which, while consistently engaging, sometimes lacks escalation, leading to moments that may feel slightly stagnant. Nevertheless, the inclusion of a plethora of interesting bonus features adds substantial value to this release. The supplementary material enriches the context, offering deeper insights and behind-the-scenes looks that classic horror aficionados will certainly appreciate.

In conclusion, "The Man Who Could Cheat Death" maintains the Hammer Film legacy effectively, delivering a blend of fire and panic that compensates for the occasional lulls in excitement. Despite these minor pacing issues, it remains an engrossing piece with significant rewatch value. For fans of gothic horror, and those who delight in the eerie nuances of Hammer productions, this Blu-ray is a commendable addition to any collection. Recommended for a thrilling night under the covers.