6.4 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Squire William Corder is a shallow, evil, loathsome man whose heart is as black as the night. Yet his lack of virtue is concealed beneath a facade that is charming enough to fool the simple people of his village and powerful enough to seduce the pretty young maiden Maria Marten. While at a country dance in the Red Barn, Maria casts aside the love of the gypsy Carlos, a young man whose ragged shirt conceals a heart of gold and finds herself hopelessly drawn to the villainous Squire Corder... and to her doom. Learning that the young girl has become pregnant, Corder brutally murders her in an attempt to conceal his foul deeds...
Starring: Tod Slaughter, Sophie Stewart, D.J. Williams, Eric Portman, Clare GreetHorror | 100% |
Drama | 46% |
Crime | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Original aspect ratio: 1.37:1
English: LPCM Mono (48kHz, 16-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The first film in Powerhouse Films' The Criminal Acts of Tod Slaughter: Eight Blood-and-Thunder Entertainments, 1935-1940, is the classic
tale
Maria Marten, or The Murder in the Red Barn which sets the tone for the four-disc set, giving the viewer a precise understanding of what's
to
come: tales of lust, greed, and murder wrapped up in high melodrama, with solid supporting casts and period studio-bound sets. Based on a true
story, with the original theatrical presentations of the crime playing out even before the trial of the tale's killer had actually reached its conclusion,
Maria Marten, or The Murder in the Red Barn the film begins like a stage production with a master of ceremonies introducing the players to an
excited audience. The last to be introduced is the legendary Tod Slaughter, who, even though he's the diabolical and conniving villain of the picture,
is
met with thunderous applause. It's an interesting conceit and one that is a fitting nod to Slaughter's extensive theatrical career which he enjoyed
for
many years before he transitioned to film. This being Slaughter's first film, it's not entirely unexpected that both his physicality and his manner of
speaking seem more in line with the theater rather than the silver screen. Broad gestures, exaggerated mannerisms, and his deliberate and stylized
vocal delivery all speak to his wanting to be seen and heard by those in the back row.
Per the book included with the set, the original nitrate negative elements were scanned in 4K and restored in 2K resulting in a very sharp transfer. Film grain is present but resolves naturally. Detail is generally good with very precise fine details on clothing, hair, and sets often on display. Some soft shots can occasionally be seen, though, based on framing and composition, these seem to be a directorial choice rather than defects. Blacks can be inky at times and occasionally occlude details, but whites are instead a light grey. While there isn't any significant or distracting damage, there is some debris that pops up from time to time, as do some vertical lines. But on the whole, it is a very good-looking and highly watchable presentation.
As is expected from a film from 1935 music possesses a thin presence that is somewhat lacking in precision and depth. On this Linear PCM 1.0 original mono audio track dialogue is generally clear but some sibilance issues are detectable. Likewise, some very light hiss can be heard, but is truly only noticeable in the film's quietest moments, with music, dialogue, or action usually loud enough to drown it out. It's an adequate and fitting partner for the video presentation of this film from the 1930s.
The on-disc supplemental content located on Disc One includes:
More of a cozy dark drama than a horror film, Maria Marten, or The Murder in the Red Barn is moodily shot and well-crafted, providing the perfect launching point for those unfamiliar with the work of Tod Slaughter and long-time fans alike. Though the violence is bloodless, Slaughter and company effectively create a tangible sense of danger and madness in this brisk but never rushed true-crime story. Perfect for a lazy afternoon or late- night viewing, Maria Marten, or The Murder in the Red Barn comes Recommended.
(Still not reliable for this title)
1940
Indicator Series
1936
1939
Indicator Series
1937
1964
1986
1967
Slipcover Edition Limited to 2,000 | SOLD OUT
1983
1972
1979
1971
2022
Fear / Schizophrenia
1983
1969
1970
Jekyll's Inferno / House of Fright
1960
1958
The Slasher ...is the Sex Maniac! / Rivelazioni di un maniaco sessuale al capo della squadra mobile
1972
Unrated Director's Cut
1969
Slipcover in Original Pressing
2021