Raising Cain Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Raising Cain," courtesy of Scream Factory, delivers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio for both the theatrical and Director's Cut versions. Both cuts share a similar video quality with minor discrepancies in clarity and grain structure. Occasionally, scenes feature a slightly chunky yellowish grain, though this is consistent across both versions despite being situated in different moments within the film. The overall image quality is commendable, although certain sequences—such as those with multiple optical dissolves—exhibit an uptick in grain. Additionally, there are instances of noticeable drops in sharpness levels, contributing to a deliberately hazy softness, a stylistic choice by filmmaker Brian De Palma and cinematographer Stephen H. Burum.

Color and contrast have been markedly improved from standard definition, delivering a more natural yet subdued palette throughout the film. However, the presentation isn't without minor issues; occasional compression artifacts and pockets of dirt do appear, but they are not overtly intrusive. Fine details, particularly in extreme close-ups, are well-rendered, and intentionally graded scenes like the garish yellow tones in the final showdown have been effectively preserved. Shout! Factory avoids heavy use of DNR, allowing for a more natural filmic look, though some minor speckles—blue, white, and black—do pop up sporadically.

Overall, "Raising Cain" boasts a solid transfer that stays true to the original visual style of the film. While it doesn’t reach the vibrancy one might expect from modern releases or higher-definition formats like 4K or HDR, it remains a substantial improvement over standard definition, maintaining the film's integrity and offering an engaging viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Both the Theatrical Cut and Director's Cut of "Raising Cain" feature DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and 5.1 options. In this fairly dialogue-heavy horror-thriller, the audio presentation leverages Pino Donaggio's score, utilizing ambient effects through discrete channels to enhance the surrounding audio experience effectively. Dialogue is rendered with exceptional clarity and prioritization.

Despite its lack of aggressive surround sound demands, the 5.1 track maintains a centered presentation with sporadic directional activity, bolstering the auditory immersion. While explosions and dramatic sound effects are minimal, the frontal and rear channels deliver a balanced output. The 2.0 track aligns well with the film's requirements, ensuring that both formats offer satisfactory listening experiences. Additionally, English SDH subtitles are available, catering to viewers who require them.

The Blu-ray extras for "Raising Cain" offer an extensive deep dive into the film's background, highlighted by insightful interviews and engaging content. John Lithgow's detailed recollections in "Not One to Hold a Grudge" and Steven Bauer's charismatic discussion in "The Man in My Life" both provide unique perspectives on working with Brian De Palma. Editor Paul Hirsch's technical insights in "Have You Talked to the Others?" and Gregg Henry's fun anecdotes in "Three Faces of Henry" further enrich the content. The disc also includes a brief yet informative profile of Peet Gelderblom in "Changing Cain," paired with his spoiler-filled video essay detailing the intricacies of the Director's Cut in "Raising Cain Re-cut." The inclusion of a theatrical trailer and a still gallery help round out this robust and meticulously curated selection.

Extras included in this disc:

Not One to Hold a Grudge: An Interview with John Lithgow The Man in My Life: An Interview with Steven Bauer Have You Talked to the Others?: An Interview with Paul Hirsch Three Faces of Henry: An Interview with Gregg Henry The Cat's in the Bag: An Interview with Tom Bower A Little Too Late for That: An Interview with Mel Harris Theatrical Trailer Still Gallery Changing Cain: Brian De Palma's Cult Classic Restored Raising Cain Re-cut: A Video Essay

Brian De Palma's "Raising Cain" remains a complex, divisive film that reflects the director's unique approach to psychological thrillers. The original theatrical cut offers a linear narrative that centers almost exclusively on Carter Nix (John Lithgow), a child psychologist with a sinister secret—he's a serial killer hosting multiple personalities, including the titular Cain. This version rapidly discloses Carter's fractured mental state, offering a direct, albeit somewhat flat, exposé of his character and motives. Conversely, the alternative "Director's Cut," though not assembled by De Palma himself but by fan Peet Gelderblom from an earlier screenplay draft, reorganizes scenes to initially highlight Jenny (Lolita Davidovich), Carter’s wife. This shift offers viewers an engaging narrative misdirection akin to Hitchcock’s "Psycho," ultimately delivering a more profound impact when Carter's disturbing nature is revealed.

Despite the inherent fascination in comparing these versions, it's evident that the underlying screenplay by De Palma, regardless of its structural configuration, juggles numerous complex themes such as marital infidelity, psychological manipulation, and childhood trauma. These themes are reflected in both cuts through various key sequences and character arcs. Particularly notable is an unsettling scene in both versions where Carter commits his initial murder, devoid of any explanatory backdrop, underlining the time-honored horror-thriller trope of unexplained villainy. De Palma’s stylistic playfulness is evident throughout, with sequences intentionally disorienting the viewer, and John Lithgow’s multifaceted performance arguably holding the entire film together. His near-meta portrayal of Carter and his personalities occasionally breaks the fourth wall, providing an almost Pirandello-esque dimension to the narrative.

Both versions of "Raising Cain" thus stand as distinct yet interconnected explorations of De Palma’s original vision—one as a straightforward psychological thriller and the other as a more layered, suspenseful ordeal. Each version offers a unique lens through which to appreciate De Palma’s craft, profoundly illustrating the transformative power of editing in filmmaking. While the theatrical cut focuses more on narrative clarity and chronological integrity, the Director's Cut engages viewers with its meticulous construction and psychological depth, making it particularly rewarding for those willing to delve into De Palma’s intricate narrative web.

Scream Factory's Collector’s Edition release of "Raising Cain" is a significant and much-needed upgrade from the previous bare-bones Universal DVD. Fans of Brian De Palma will be thrilled with the high-definition upgrade, which presents the film in both its original form and its intriguing new Director’s Cut. The visual and audio enhancements deliver a fresh experience that both genre enthusiasts and devoted De Palma followers can appreciate. The supplemental package is a highlight, featuring numerous high-quality interviews with cast members that provide deep insights into the making of the film, rivaling the exemplary standards set by Criterion.

The content of the film itself remains a mixed bag. While John Lithgow's performance as Dr. Carter Nix and his sinister multiple personalities add significant intrigue, the narrative veers into convoluted territory. Themes such as child abduction, behavior modification, and infidelity clash at times, leading to an overly busy plot that compromises the film’s coherence. Though the serial killer storyline and psychological elements offer substantial thrills, the introduction of too many disparate elements results in occasional moments of unintentional silliness. Nevertheless, "Raising Cain" remains an interesting case study in editing and story structure, especially when comparing the two versions included in this release.

In conclusion, I hadn't seen "Raising Cain" in years and had never before seen the new Director's Cut version, and revisiting the film in its original form as well as introducing myself to it in its supposedly new improved version only helped to solidify my feelings that the film's deficits are in the writing department. There are some great moments here, but this release serves more as a fascinating exploration of narrative construction than as a final, flawless product. Scream Factory's dedication to producing an outstanding package, however, makes this release highly recommended for both fans of the genre and De Palma enthusiasts.