The Black Cat Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.0

The Black Cat Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf December 19, 2019

Henrietta (Cecilia Loftus) is an old woman who refuses to die. While nearing the end of her life, Henrietta is joined by her family, including Montague (Basil Rathbone), inside her mansion, with the gathered relatives waiting for her expiration to get their hands on their inheritances. When the matriarch is murdered, the money goes to her housekeeper, Abigail (Gale Sondergaard), leaving the family unsettled. Joining the gathering are antique dealers Mr. Penny (Hugh Herbert) and Smith (Broderick Crawford), with the men leading the charge to find out who killed Henrietta.

1941’s “The Black Cat” is the rare production that actually opens stronger than its finishes, with director Albert S. Rogell doing a fine job creating an atmosphere of impatience as the family reunites for the death of Henrietta, which hasn’t happened yet. There’s a predatory mood that promises a lurid thriller to come, and Loftus is just perfect as the wheelchair-bound senior citizen, playing the knowing character with ideal venom (and thick glasses). Unfortunately, whatever evil business that finds its way into “The Black Cat” is often shooed away by lightness, as comedic elements with the two outsiders, Mr. Penny and Smith, intrude on any developing wickedness. It’s not a funny endeavor, doing much better with weird events, near- misses involving poison, and the eventual maze of the mansion, which is home to secret rooms.

The Black Cat Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.36:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a much older master of "The Black Cat." Filtering is present, diluting fine detail, which struggles during the viewing experience. Set design elements are appreciable, along with the basics in character design and dress, but facial particulars are limited, without real texture. Delineation is acceptable, with the picture dealing almost exclusively with shadow play and dimly lit rooms. Mild scratches and speckling are detected, along with some judder.

The Black Cat Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix delivers a stable listening experience, emphasizing dialogue exchanges, which secure intended performance choices and dramatic escalations. Feline additions are easily understood as well. Scoring carries comfortably, with clear instrumentation. Sound effects aren't defined sharply, but atmospheric changes and household secrets are appreciable. Hiss runs throughout.

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

• Commentary features film historian Gary D. Rhodes.

• Image Gallery (4:20) collects film stills, publicity shots, poster art, and lobby cards.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:49, SD) is included.

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

Interestingly, the toxic family scenario was recently recycled for Rian Johnson's "Knives Out," showcasing the durability of the concept and exposing the formula of the hit film. "The Black Cat" doesn't get nearly as twisty, but it has the potential to do so. It just doesn't want to spin wildly, preferring to remain palatable with bland jokes and broad personalities. Performances do what they're supposed to, but the writing doesn't reach dizzying whodunit heights.