Curse of the Fly Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Curse of the Fly" from Scream Factory marks its North American debut, appearing in its original CinemaScope ratio on an MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-50 disc. The video transfer features solid but not exceptional contrast and grayscale, with black levels and shadow detail standing out positively. However, the transfer is not without flaws, as periodic film artifacts such as thin vertical tramlines are noticeable. With an average video bitrate of 36000 kbps, the visual presentation manages a passable level of fidelity for the 86-minute runtime, but does not excel.

It’s likely that this Blu-ray uses the same master as the previous 2007 DVD release, leading to several issues in video quality. The image suffers from notable ringing and appears unnaturally hardened. The heavy and chunky grain resembles that of an interpositive source, contributing to a somewhat lackluster viewing experience with scratches and dust evident throughout. While there are minor gains in detail owing to better compression compared to DVD, including slight facial texture and discernible makeup appliance mesh, the overall presentation largely remains mundane. Gray scale performance can sometimes hit the mark, yet it falters at other times, with black levels being inconsistent and contrast retracting unless specific effects are in play.

The Blu-ray release of "Curse of the Fly" by Scream Factory features a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono track (1605 kbps, 24-bit) as its sole audio option. The original mono mix is commendably preserved with no noticeable hiss, pops, crackles, or dropouts. Dialogue is mostly clean and discernible, although some segments feel slightly hollow. Composer Bert Shefter's score successfully underscores the action, though occasional harshness in the treble diminishes the overall experience.

While the DTS-HD format typically offers enhanced fidelity, this track struggles with limited fidelity, affecting various elements such as off-key concert piano sounds and scratchy musical themes. Despite these issues, Scream Factory has ensured the optional English SDH subtitles are easily accessible through both the menu and remote.

The Blu-ray of "Curse of the Fly" offers an engaging set of extras that enrich the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of this classic horror sequel. Expert commentary by historians Steve Haberman and Constantine Nasr provides insightful analyses and contextual background on the film's production, director Don Sharp, and key cast members, although they note the limitations due to the scarcity of available production files. Actress Mary Manson recalls her casting experience and her memorable moments on set, while Continuity Supervisor Renee Glynne shares her experiences working at Shepperton Studios and with producers Robert Lippert and Jack Parsons. Additionally, promotional material such as a theatrical trailer and TV spot, albeit unrestored, offer a nostalgic glimpse into the film’s original release period. Finally, a still gallery presents a mix of high-resolution black-and-white images from the set and color posters.

Extras included in this disc:

NEW Audio Commentary with Author/Film Historian Steve Haberman and Filmmaker/Film Historian Constantine Nasr: Reappraisal of the film with contextual insights. NEW Interview with Actress Mary Manson: Manson discusses her casting and filming experiences. NEW Interview with Continuity Supervisor Renee Glynee: Glynne recalls her work conditions and production experiences. Theatrical Trailer: Unrestored trailer with visual and audio artifacts. TV Spot: Upscaled VHS spot advertising both "Curse of the Fly" and "Devils of Darkness." Still Gallery: High-res black-and-white stills and color posters, including behind-the-scenes shots.

"Curse of the Fly" (1965) offers a unique entry in the Delambre saga, diverging from the typical creature feature formula by focusing more on human elements and ethical dilemmas than on monstrous transformations. Released as part of Scream Factory's five-movie box set, "The Fly Collection," this sequel explores compelling themes of familial obsession with science and the consequent moral decay. The film opens dramatically with shattered glass and a semi-nude woman escaping from a mental institution, setting a tone of desperation and urgency. This character, Patricia Stanley (Carole Gray), soon intertwines her fate with Martin Delambre (George Baker), whose family is embroiled in controversial teleportation experiments.

The writing by Harry Spalding, while filled with potential, falters in fully fleshing out character backstories and relational dynamics, particularly between Martin and Patricia. Despite a promising setup, the screenplay lacks depth in exploring Martin's complicated relationship with his previous wife, Judith Delambre (Mary Manson). The film touches on the emotional and psychological ramifications of living under the shadow of relentless scientific experimentation but only scratches the surface. Moreover, instead of showcasing the expected fly transformation, Martin inherits minor characteristics from a house fly due to an experimental mishap, highlighting an ongoing struggle with human frailty akin to needing regular injections for survival.

Though initially dismissed upon its release, "Curse of the Fly" has gained insight as an enriched narrative of mad science and dehumanization through reevaluation. The film depicts the alarming progression of morally questionable experiments over generations. It pulsates with tension as the Delambre family navigates the consequences of their scientific endeavors, culminating in disturbing results like mutilated victims and ethical disasters. Bridging thematic connections to Frankensteinian concepts, the movie delves into a speculative future shaped by a scientific legacy marred by war and human exploitation. Hence, "Curse of the Fly" stands as a perceptive addition to the franchise, focusing on the horrors rooted in human actions rather than monstrous physical transformations.

"Curse of the Fly," the third installment of the "Fly" franchise, presents an intriguing yet flawed continuation of the horror series. In terms of visual presentation, Shout! Factory delivers an above-average transfer, although some viewers may find it lacking in terms of digital cleanup. The enhanced audio quality is noteworthy, providing a rich auditory experience that bolsters the film's suspenseful atmosphere. While the storytelling may not reach the high standards set by contemporary films like "Get Out" (2017), there's a unique dark allure that sets it apart as a more mature sequel compared to its predecessors.

Despite its visual imperfections, the film introduces captivating plot elements and character dynamics reminiscent of Jordan Peele's modern-day horror. It delves into engaging locales and sobering themes that resonate with audiences seeking a deeper narrative. The inclusion of new audio commentary and two recently recorded interviews offer die-hard fans valuable insights, making this Blu-ray release a worthwhile consideration for collections.

In conclusion, "Curse of the Fly" is a mixed bag – it’s a darker, more engaging sequel that stumbles in storytelling yet benefits from a solid Blu-ray presentation courtesy of Shout! Factory. For fans of the series looking to round out their collection, renting before investing in the box set could be prudent. The rare release and supplementary material make it a treasure for dedicated followers, even if it remains an average sequel in the grander scale of cinema.