Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Bermuda Triangle Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 30, 2021

Considering the potential of a story set inside the Bermuda Triangle, it’s very disappointing to watch Rene Cardona Jr.’s take on the myth. Instead of dialing up the suspense while managing a ship-based tale of familial troubles colliding with the unknown, the helmer mostly manufactures a soap opera with “The Bermuda Triangle,” filling a bloated run time with unexciting events happening to uninteresting people. Sure, there’s a cursed doll in the mix (making this play like an “Annabelle” sequel), but the director oversees a strangely casual chiller that’s more about banal conversations than nail-biting sequences of survival.

John Huston is the big get for “The Bermuda Triangle,” with the filmmaking legend trying his best to stay awake in the feature, leaving more heated exchanges to the more active supporting cast, which includes Hugo Stiglitz, Claudine Auger, and Andres Garcia. Thespian emphasis is appreciated here, but “The Bermuda Triangle” isn’t in a hurry to get anywhere with its tale of a ship entering an oceanic phantom zone. A few spooky events occur, but Cardona Jr. doesn’t build suspense. In fact, he seems to be actively avoiding it for the most part, with a good chunk of the movie dedicated to diving sequences, which involving the helmer’s signature move: killing creatures (in this case, sharks) on film.

The Bermuda Triangle Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a 4K scan of the 35mm original negatives. With most of the movie set at sea, blues tend to dominate the palette, with skies and oceanic exploration. Ship interiors offer more varied hues with decoration and costuming, including Michelle's red bikini. Detail captures decorative additions, and facial surfaces are textured, with bushy beards, age, and youth explored. Horizons are dimensional. Delineation is satisfactory, dealing well with nighttime events. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in good condition, with some light scratches and visible reel changes.

The Bermuda Triangle Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix offers a comfortable listening experience with one major hiccup, finding "Reel 3" presented much louder and with compressed sound, possibly exposing another source used on this section of the picture. Beyond that, dialogue exchanges are acceptable, with distinct dubbing. Music isn't crisp, but it supports the limited mood of the endeavor. Sound effects, including atmospheric changes and underwater visits, are appreciable.

The Bermuda Triangle Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Triangle of Fear" (22:09, HD) is an interview with producer Angelo Iacono, who delves into the power of the Bermuda Triangle legend, playing up its mysteries to inspire the film, which enjoyed some additional promotion when a plane actually crashed in the Triangle right when the feature was set for release. The boat used in the picture is detailed, along with use of a Naval ship. Casting is examined, finding Iacono pleased with his deal-making, repeating how little the cast was paid for their efforts. Choices in dolls and music are analyzed, and a few production achievements are shared.

• "Escaping the Triangle" (18:45, HD) is an interview with Rene Cardona III, who was an actor in the film and worked as an underwater still photographer. Story inspirations are recalled, with Cardona Jr. interested in the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle, coming up with the cursed doll idea to help manufacture a story. Boat life is remembered, along with the presence of John Huston, with Cardona III peppering the legend with questions. Shot back-to-back with "Cyclone," "The Bermuda Triangle" shares similar technical achievements with the other picture, and the interviewee details his father's directorial approach. The successful release of the movie is also recalled, with Cardona III still holding out hope for a sequel.

• Collection of Foreign Titles and Credits (5:30, HD) are offered.

• Still Gallery (2:16) collects poster art and film stills.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Bermuda Triangle Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There's about 45 minutes worth of story in the 112 minutes of "The Bermuda Triangle," which has the novelty of a John Huston performance and the premise of a tangle with the Devil's Triangle. Cardona Jr. doesn't offer nearly enough screen tension to make this a satisfying journey, dragging through a premise that demands more eeriness and intensity.