Funeral Home Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Funeral Home" offers a marked improvement over previous VHS and DVD formats, but remains confined by the technical and cinematographic limitations of its original production. The AVC encoded image in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio reveals limitations such as a flashing effect with color pulsing and periodic distractions from source damage, despite efforts to mitigate these flaws. While detail runs softer due to these constraints, some skin particulars and interior decor can still be appreciated, maintaining a mild level of depth for exteriors. The presentation manages acceptable delineation and passable grain resolution, though brief instances of posterization are noted.

The transfer, possibly sourced from the camera negative although unconfirmed, delivers solid fine detail with mostly pleasing color reproduction. This likely results from an older 2K effort from early distribution prints. Despite its shortfalls, the Blu-ray provides a significant leap in clarity, offering a film-like but somewhat dull visual experience. The largely unfiltered film scan yields decent contrast, steady black levels, although shadow delineation struggles at times. Telecine wobble and scene-specific pulsing are among the more notable distractions. Yet, given the nature of this low-budget Canadian thriller, expectations of a 4K release remain unfeasible as the original elements lack the quality to justify such an upgrade.

Ultimately, while "Funeral Home" on Blu-ray provides a substantially improved viewing experience compared to prior releases, its inherent production constraints restrict its ability to fully shine in high definition, positioning this release as more of a historical preservation effort rather than a visual showcase.

The audio presentation of "Funeral Home" on Blu-Ray is delivered via a 2.0 DTS-HD MA mono mix, which displays several technical limitations reflective of the source material's age. The soundtrack struggles to overcome inherent production constraints, manifesting in a notably muddy auditory experience. Dialogue often suffers from muffling, complicating comprehension and, at times, causing the English SDH subtitles to falter. The mix appears processed and strained, trying to preserve clarity from the available source.

Jerry Fielding’s score is modestly salvageable, though it suffers from an overall hissy and congested recording quality. Sound clarity lacks across the board, with music cues delivering in a blunt, muted fashion rather than with dynamic fluidity. Sound effects present limited dynamics and often come across as disappointing, equating to a flimsy audio backdrop that feels as though it could collapse under the weight of expectation. Despite these challenges, the inclusion of isolated score parts as a secondary track offers some redeeming quality for listeners seeking an alternative auditory experience. Overall, this presentation is utilitarian at its core, managing to deliver only the essentials while revealing the constraints of its vintage origins.

The Blu-ray release of "Funeral Home" by Scream Factory is noteworthy for its comprehensive suite of extras that delve deeply into the film's production history and artistic nuances. The audio commentaries provide valuable insights, with contributions from film historians and music specialists enhancing the understanding of the film's context and score. Interviews with significant crew members, like the cinematographer Mark Irwin and art director Susan Longmire, offer a firsthand account of the creative and logistical challenges faced during the production. Additionally, features on the filming locations and set interactions bring an engaging, nostalgic view of the developmental process of this horror classic, underscoring a collaborative spirit. The overall package not only caters to fans of the film but also serves as an educational resource for aspiring filmmakers.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: With film historians Jason Pichonsky and Paul Corupe.
• Isolated Score & Interview: With music historian Douglass Fake.
• Audio Interviews: Actor Lesleh Donaldson, Ray Sager, and Shelley Allen.
• Secrets & Shadows: Interview with Mark Irwin.
• Dead & Breakfast: Interviews with Susan Longmire and Elinor Galbraith.
• Family Owned & Operated: Interview with Brian Allen.
• Original Filming Location Footage: Includes commentary.
• Theatrical Trailer: Classic promotional video.
• Video Trailer: An additional promotional piece.
• TV Spots: Commercials for "Cries in the Night."
• Radio Spots: Audio ads for the film.
• Still Gallery: Collection of behind-the-scenes images and promotional material.

"Funeral Home," a 1981 Canadian production, delivers an enigmatic yet uneven narrative, attempting to weave elements of "Psycho" into a quaint rural setting. It is directed by William Fruet and penned by Ida Nelson, with performances by Lesleh Donaldson and Kay Hawtrey leading the charge. The film follows Heather's summer spent with her grandmother, Maude, as they transform an old funeral establishment into a bed-and-breakfast. Maude, an ecclesiastical figure tied to memories of her husband’s mysterious disappearance, manages a clientele that includes dubious characters, lending an uncanny undertone to the tale.

Despite its eerie premise, "Funeral Home" ends up delivering more of a low-key mystery than outright horror. The atmosphere is reminiscent of early 1970s thrillers, light on gore and explicit tension typical of its 1980s contemporaries. The film leans heavily on character development and quaint local color rather than shock value. The narrative's slow burn may fail to ensnare viewers seeking intense fright but offers a subtle meeting of mystery and melodrama with limited murder scenes. The most potent chills arrive at the climactic reveal of the killer’s identity in a scene overflowing with dramatic flair.

Although afflicted with pacing issues and budgetary constraints evident in its production scale — notably through accidental visual and linguistic nods to its Canadian origins — the movie does provide some merit through its ensemble cast. Kay Hawtrey’s portrayal as Maude adds a memorable dimension, juxtaposed against Lesleh Donaldson’s youthful curiosity. "Funeral Home" works best as a subdued suspense feature rather than a straightforward slasher, embodying the transitional phase from ‘70s psychological thrills to ‘80s blood-soaked terrors. This restrained entry in the horror genre etches out its place as a curiosity rather than a standout, elevated chiefly by an intriguing, albeit predictable, twist ending.

"Funeral Home" is a niche film that provides an interesting glimpse into early 1980s horror aesthetics but struggles to transcend its time. While Scream Factory deserves commendation for salvaging this film from obscurity and offering a Blu-ray release brimming with special features, the restoration quality leaves much to be desired. The video and audio remain compromised, evident in the aged presentation that fails to meet modern expectations. This release is best appreciated by die-hard fans of the original who wish to experience its charms again in physical format, albeit with tempered expectations regarding technical fidelity.

The narrative, crafted by Ida Nelson and directed by William Fruet, lacks the depth and dynamism expected from a timeless horror tale. Despite a capable cast led by Kay Hawtrey and Lesleh Donaldson, "Funeral Home" becomes bogged down in mundane dialogue and prolonged scenes that attempt to build tension but ultimately deliver minimal suspense. The finale, while more engaging, mirrors other classic horror films too closely and fails to offer a distinctive conclusion. The potential for captivating horror is overshadowed by pedestrian execution and a lack of innovative narrative elements.

Ultimately, "Funeral Home" stands as an artifact of its era, holding appeal for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage horror but limited allure for a broader audience. Given its derivative plot and unremarkable technical restoration, it is advisable for most viewers to explore more vibrant streaming options before considering a purchase. Enthusiasts interested in early Canadian horror will find value in the nostalgic journey, but general audiences may not find enough substance to justify ownership.