7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 2.0 | |
Overall | 2.0 |
A teenage girl runs away from home because police officer/stepfather puts the moves on her. Hitchhiking to California, she's picked up by two guys who are also traveling cross-country. They run across a family of Satanists who keep their dead mother in the attic.
Starring: Melanie Verlin, Lawrence Tierney, John Hall (III), C. Anthony Jackson, Doris HackneyHorror | 100% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.67:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.66:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Music: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 2.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 3.0 | |
Overall | 2.0 |
If you were asked to list one and only one name associated with the now legendary 1968 film Night of the Living Dead, it would pretty much have to be George A. Romero, wouldn't it? After all, even diehard trivia junkies might be hard pressed to correctly identify actors Judith O'Dea, Russell Steiner, Duane Jones, Marilyn Eastman and/or "the rest", as that oft joked about first season theme to Gilligan's Island used to dispense with The Professor and Maryann. Probably even less recognizable would be some of the behind the camera talent involve with the film, though in that regard John A. Russo may have experienced a doubled edged sword in a manner of speaking. Russo is arguably one of the better known folks who had a hand crafting Night of the Living Dead, something that's perfectly appropriate given the fact that the original idea for the film was evidently his and he is in fact credited along with Romero as being a co-writer. But as is evidenced by an interview with Russo included on this disc as a supplement, there was some kind of falling out along the way, and Russo perhaps understandably felt himself left by the wayside in a manner of speaking as Romero continued to enjoy the fruits of what became the Living Dead franchise.
Midnight is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Severin Films with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 1.67:1. The back cover of this release states that this is "now scanned in 4K from the negative of the long rumored uncut version". This is a surprisingly strong looking transfer for such a lesser remembered cult item, though there are some variances in clarity and detail levels, at least some of which can be attributed to the vagaries of location shooting. I was especially struck by the solid black levels throughout, something that's especially noticeable in some vignettes where characters are shot against completely black backgrounds (see screenshot 2). Detail levels are quite good for the most part, though there are some sudden if brief downturns in some of the outdoor material, where color timing can vary a bit and what almost looks like a dupe element might have been used for just a couple of inserts. There's a bit of age related wear and tear which has made it through whatever restoration gauntlet was undertaken, but it's rather slight and nonintrusive.
Midnight features DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. The surround track rather nicely opens up the effective score from Mike Mazzei, while increasing immersive capabilities in the many outdoor scenes. That said, this is not a "wow" audio track with a glut of over the top effects, and as such, the 2.0 track included here may suffice perfectly well for many listeners. Dialogue is rendered cleanly and clearly throughout, and I noticed no damage of any major import. Optional English subtitles are available.
It's perhaps indicative of a certain lack of visceral intensity in this film that during the opening vignette documenting a bunch of Satan worshiping kids killing a helpless captive, I couldn't help but wonder if the young performers' parents were upset about the Devil summoning dialogue the kids had to intone for the scene. It's also probably salient that the character of Bert ends up being at least as disturbing as any of the "real" bad guys. Midnight frankly isn't very scary, and in fact is more than a bit silly at times, but for those interested in "the rest" of the crew of Night of the Living Dead, it may be of some interest. Technical merits are generally solid, and Severin has included some nice supplements, for those who are considering making a purhcase.
2017
Una vela para el diablo | Limited Edition - 1,000 copies
1973
2009
1971
2018
2022
2019
2019
2017
2016
Worry Dolls
2016
2016
Uncut
2013
2012
2012
1986
Collector's Edition
1981
Collector's Edition
1982
2015
2015