The Black Castle Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Black Castle Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 16, 2020

Sir Burton (Richard Greene) is a man concerned for two friends who’ve disappeared, electing to travel to the castle of Count Von Bruno (Stephen McNally) to investigate what happened. Encountering the villainous Von Bruno, Sir Burton focuses on the man’s wife, Countess Elga (Rita Corday), looking to protect her when she begins to expose her husband’s dangerous ways, also encountering Dr. Meissen (Boris Karloff), who’s sympathetic to Sir Burton’s cause, and Gargon (Lon Chaney, Jr.), the master’s top brute.

1952’s “The Black Castle” is a true buffet experience when it comes to gothic horror. There’s something for everyone here, and the production isn’t afraid to throw anything at the screen to see what sticks. Sir Burton’s a swashbuckler, adding some swordplay to the picture; he tries to warm up Countess Elga, offering romance; Von Bruno is a real villain, wearing an eye-patch while overseeing a castle filled with dangers, including a pit of crocodiles; animal antics include some panther wrestling; and thespian needs are met with a fine cast, including Karloff in a supporting role. Director Nathan Juran (already a respected art director) also expands the visual potential of the endeavor, filling the frame with gorgeous sets and scary movie moods, making a period piece with a slight haunted house vibe.

The Black Castle Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Offered as a "New 2K scan of a fine-grain film element," "The Black Castle" looks striking during the AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Detail is compelling throughout, providing textures on set design achievements and costuming. Facial surfaces are also vivid, with close- ups retaining skin particulars and fine hairs. Delineation preserves frame information. Source is in strong condition, with some speckling and mild judder.

The Black Castle Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA mix requires some additional volume boost to get it up to expectations, and dialogue exchanges retain fuzzy highs throughout. Intelligibility isn't threatened, keeping dramatic offerings reasonably clear, and performance choices are understood. Scoring supports as necessary with adequate instrumentation, providing an orchestral push for suspense needs. Pops and mild hiss are detected.

The Black Castle Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Tom Weaver.

• "Universal Horror Strikes Back" (13:49, HD) is an appreciation piece from critic Kim Newman and author Stephen Jones, who explore the next phase of Universal productions as the company makes its way through the 1940s. It's not exactly a joint effort, as Newman barely lets Jones get a word in, but the interviewees detail the evolution of British style in American productions, track company history and genre trends, discuss radio inspirations, examine casting achievements, and offer praise for cult icons of fright.

• Image Gallery (2:27) collects publicity shots, film stills, poster art, and lobby cards.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Black Castle Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Black Castle" isn't a thrill-a-minute effort, but there's a noticeable push to provide excitement whenever possible, presenting crisp heroes vs. ghoulish villains. Simplicity is acceptable, but the technical achievements provided here are exceptional, delivering a chiller with some serious production heft, temporarily breaking Universal out of their low-budget bad habits.