Paranoiac Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		3.0

Paranoiac Blu-ray Movie Review

Hammer Films chases a different trend with 1963’s “Paranoiac,” which is an adaptation of the novel “Brat Farrar” by Josephine Tey, reworked to fit a defined “Psycho” mood. The prospect of following Hitchcock doesn’t seem to bother director Freddie Francis, who puts in a tremendous effort to keep the feature stylish in its own way, while managing a slightly different concept of family issues from screenwriter Jimmy Sangster. “Paranoiac” isn’t big on direct shots of suspense, as Francis hunts for a slightly more disturbing atmosphere for the endeavor, which isn’t tightly paced, but offers effects moments of tension and eeriness, handing Hammer a creative success with material that could’ve easily tanked in lesser hands.

Paranoiac Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Previously released by Eureka Entertainment in 2010, "Paranoiac" returns to Blu-ray in 2022, courtesy of Shout Factory. The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a "new 2K scan from the interpositive." The refreshing does raise some questions, as slight horizontal stretching is present throughout the viewing experience, which, according to screencaps, isn't present on the previous release. Detail is otherwise appreciable, with household decoration is open for study, and distances are dimensional. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition, with a few mild scratches.

Paranoiac Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix shows some signs of age, with some fuzziness at times. Dialogue exchanges remain appreciable, handling Reed's sudden outbursts with reasonable comfort. Scoring supports with decent instrumentation, working with swelling suspense cuts and shocking moments.

Paranoiac Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Bruce Hallenbeck.

• "Drink to Deception" (14:48, HD) is an interview with film historian Kim Newman, who explains the ambition within the Hammer Films organization to increase their "profile," going after more commercial projects after hitting it big with horror productions. An adaptation of the book "Brat Farrar" by Josephine Tey, Newman explores the development process, detailing changes to the source material. The interviewee closes with his thoughts on casting and memories of seeing the picture as a boy.

• "A Toast to Terror" (25:23, HD) is an interview with film historian Jonathan Rigby, who delves into work from screenwriter Jimmy Sangster, who was actively seeking to expand female roles in Hammer productions. Casting is assessed, along with director Freddie Francis, and Rigby discusses the music of "Paranoiac," highlighting work from composer Elisabeth Lutyens. Analysis of themes and Sangster's satiric additions are provided, and cuts to content are identified, with a few strange edits in the feature hinting there was something more to the material at one point.

• "The Making of 'Paranoiac'" (27:57, HD) is a 2017 special hosted by Wayne Kinsey, who travels to Bray Film Studios to explore the creation of the Hammer production, touring the area. Hammer's history is detailed, along with the creative participants in "Paranoiac," with interviewees including sound recordist Alan Lavender, script supervisor Pauline Harlow, assistant director Hugh Harlow, screenwriter Jimmy Sangster, and actor Oliver Reed (audio only).

• Still Gallery (5:56) collects publicity shots, film stills, poster art, and lobby cards.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:35, HD) is included.

Paranoiac Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Paranoiac" doesn't wind up with noticeable power, remaining mostly contained to select outbursts from star Oliver Reed, who really lets loose at times, providing some much-needed volatility to the endeavor. Francis doesn't have a driving story to work with, inspiring him to generate moments of mental illness and trickery that keep the feature engrossing, following the knotted tale of deception to some interesting points of confusion, which keep the mystery going. He also offers sharp compositions and camera movement, determined to bring some sense of cinematic life to writing that's often about characters conversing in a static location. "Paranoiac" isn't a genuine nail-biter, but it has a few effective moments of shock, and Francis gets wonderfully agitated performances from his cast, who work well with the mild messiness this game of deception offers.