Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.5

Symptoms Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov September 1, 2016

Screened at the Cannes Film Festival and nominated for the prestigious Palme d'Or Award, José Ramón Larraz's "Symptoms" (1974) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of independent distributors Mondo Macabro. The supplemental features on the disc include an original trailer for the film; Celia Novis' documentary "On Vampyres and Other Symptoms"; the documentary "From Barcelona... to Tunbridge Wells: The Films of Jose Larraz"; exclusive new video interviews with actors Angela Pleasence and Lorna HeilBron, and producer Brian Smedley-Aston; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".

The friend

If José Ramón Larraz had shot Symptoms in black-and-white today most critics would probably compare it to Jack Clayton’s The Innocents. It is equally atmospheric, and even though it is easy to tell that it had a much smaller budget, at times also as spooky as Clayton’s film.

The bulk of Larraz’s film takes place inside a very old house somewhere in the British countryside. The house belongs to Helen (Angela Pleasence, The Godsend), a young woman in her late twenties, who seems to be living alone. An elderly housekeeper occasionally stops by, but Helen does not appreciate much her work. She seems more relaxed when she is alone.

It turns out that Helen actually isn’t the outcast she appears to be because her supposedly good friend Anne (Lorna Heilbron, The Creeping Flesh) arrives in the house and they start spending plenty of time together. Initially it seems like the two genuinely enjoy each other’s company, but when late at night Anne begins hearing strange noises and eventually asks Helen if there is anyone else in the house the warmth between them quickly disappears. Around the same time Helen’s only neighbor (Peter Vaughn, The Remains of the Day) also decides to let the two women know that he is quietly observing them from afar -- and probably for a good reason.

The first two acts create the impression that the story might be quite complex, but the evolution of the relationship between the two women is actually fairly predictable. In the grand scheme of things, however, this hardly matters.

The strength of the film comes from Larraz’s remarkable ability to create a very special atmosphere and then carefully manage one’s expectations. Basically, the buildup to the climax -- where one is forced to consider a variety of different possibilities -- becomes far more exciting than the eventual revelation that explains what has been happening inside the house. This isn’t a new concept, and especially in period horror films, but it takes a director with a clear vision and excellent skills to deliver the desired result.

There are two reasons why Larraz’s concept for Symptoms works as intended. First, the film does not rely on cliched misdirections. (Some of Mario Bava’s films misfire for this very reason. They rely on misdirections that prepare the ‘shocking’ revelation at end and keep rehashing the same overstylized material). Instead, it leaves it entirely to the mind to raise the red flags. Second, the management of light, shadow and color is perfectly in sync with the desired Victorian atmosphere. The visuals are fairly modest -- there is no fancy camera work and the only visual manipulations appear to have been accomplished with the help of a simple filter -- but by not overwhelming the senses and the mind they actually end up being more effective.

Symptoms will likely appeal to folks who enjoy traditional period horror films as well as those who find the moodiness of darker psychological horror films attractive. (For slightly more exotic material delivered in the same impressive fashion, see Victor Erice’s The Spirit of the Beehive).

Symptoms Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, José Ramón Larraz's Symptoms arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Mondo Macabro.

The release is sourced from a very beautiful new 2K restoration. Excluding a few minor density fluctuations the film looks quite spectacular in high-definition. However, I mist make it clear that there are some pretty obvious stylistic preferences that give the film a notably subdued appearance, with the darker/indoor footage in particular having distinctive Gothic/Victorian qualities. My guess is that a filter of some sort was used to reduce the harshness of direct light (see screencapture #4). During the outdoor footage efforts were also made to avoid bright natural light. Detail is excellent, though because of the stylistic preferences depth dose vary. The important thing to note is that there are no traces of problematic digital corrections, which means that all shifts in terms of depth and clarity inherited. Colors are stable and appear natural. Finally, it is easy to tell that during the restoration debris, starches, cuts, and other age-related imperfections were carefully removed. My score is 4.75/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray release. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location).

Symptoms Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English LPCM 1.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

During the intense storm depth is quite good, but overall dynamic intensity is rather modest. There is some sporadic thinness in the upper register, but clarity isn't compromised. This leads me to believe that the intent was to have stronger organic qualities rather than a decent range of enhanced effects. The dialog is clean, stable, and always easy to follow. There are no pops, audio dropouts, or digital distortions to report.

Symptoms Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Trailer - original trailer for Symptoms. In English, not subtitled. (3 min, 1080p).

• On Vampyres and Other Symptoms: A Film by Celia Novis (2011) - this documentary, produced by Celia Novis, takes a closer look at director José Ramón Larraz's persona and arguably his best films, Vampyres and Symptoms. In English and Spanish, with optional English subtitles where necessary. (74 min, 1080p).

• Celia Novis Biography - presented in text-format.

• From Barcelona... to Tunbridge Wells: The Films of Jose Larraz - this archival documentary examines the career of José Ramón Larraz and unusual appeal of his films. Included in it are clips from films and archival interviews with the late Spanish director, producer Brian Smedley-Aston, and actress Marianne Morris (Vampyres). In English, not subtitled. (25 min, 1080i).

• Angela Pleasence Interview - in this brand new video interview, Angela Pleasence recalls how she was cast to play Helen (initially the producers Symptoms wanted Jean Seberg for her role) and discusses her interactions with José Ramón Larraz and contribution to Symptoms. In English, not subtitled. (10 min, 1080p).

• Lorna HeilBron Interview - in this brand new video interview, actress Lorna Heilbron (Anne) discusses her acting career and contribution to Symptoms. In English, not subtitled. (18 min, 1080p).

• Brian Smedley-Aston Interview - in this brand new video interview, producer Brian Smedley-Aston discusses his work in the film business and association with Symptoms. In English, not subtitled. (18 min, 1080p).

• More from Mondo Macabro - more trailers for other Mondo Macabro releases.

Symptoms Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

José Ramón Larraz's Symptoms is a moody, at times incredibly spooky film that is every bit as impressive as his Vampyres. I think that it can also be compared to Victor Erice's period chiller The Spirit of the Beehive, which was released a year before it. Mondo Macabro's Blu-ray release is sourced from a brand new and very beautiful 2K restoration of the film. Also included on the disc are two excellent documentaries with plenty of information about José Ramón Larraz's work and legacy (both have some fantastic material about Vampyres). VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.