The Caller Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Caller Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf September 7, 2020

1987’s “The Caller” is a movie that’s not easy to describe. Doing so in any meaningful way might slip into spoiler territory, as the screenplay by Michael Sloan loves its slow build to a surprise. Think of it as an extended episode of “The Twilight Zone,” with Sloan trying to find his way through a tale of confrontation and paranoia without unleashing the weirdness of it all too soon, keeping director Arthur Allan Seidelman on his toes dreaming up ways to turn mysterious antagonisms between two characters into a feature-length story.

“The Caller” isn’t ambitious, it’s merely secretive, offering time with The Girl (Madolyn Smith) and The Caller (Malcolm McDowell) as they meet at a cabin in the woods. They both possess some type of knowledge about the situation, but Sloan portions out reveals in small bites, stretching a single idea into a cat’s cradle of accusations, intimidation, and violence. Only the writer really knows what’s going on, and while Sloan is aiming for a final destination, he’s a little light on interesting events, with “The Caller” basically a filmed play, and rarely does it work itself up into an engrossing fury.

The Caller Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Dealing with a limited production scope, the AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) production has little trouble finding cinematographic textures. "Newly scanned and restored in 2K from its 35mm interpositive," "The Caller" offers strong detail throughout the viewing experience, which is mostly limited to time inside the cabin. Woodsy interiors and decorative additions are easily surveyed, and clothing is fibrous, with Smith making various costume changes during the film. Facial surfaces are exact, with wrinkles and fine hairs. Exteriors are dimensional. Colors are bright and secure, doing well with outfits and makeup. Lighting extremes also deliver, including an ominous red glow in the background of some forest shots. Skintones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory, protecting shadowed events. Source is in strong condition with some mild scratches.

The Caller Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix delivers dramatic power with dialogue exchanges, which largely retain emotional range and intensity. Scoring cues offer full synth support, managing moods without intruding on the performances. Sound effects are direct. Around the 55:00 mark, there is a noticeable dip into a muddier sound, possibly due to damage. The issue is short, lasting a few scenes before returning to previous sharpness.

The Caller Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "Boiling Over" (15:10, HD) is an interview with director Arthur Allan Seidelman, who recalls how he came into contact with the original script, responding its unique nature. The helmer explores the enormous creative challenges he encountered while making the film, laboring to plan out set design choices and create shots, also working in Rome with a largely Italian crew that couldn't always communicate with him with the speed he desired. Casting is celebrated, reinforcing the professionalism of the two stars, and Seidelman's quest to maintain the mystery of the story is detailed. Technical achievements from effects designer John Carl Buechler are fondly remembered, as is the editing effort from Bert Glatstein. The interviewee closes with an appreciation of a "thinking man's horror movie," sharing happiness that it lives on with this Blu-ray release.

• Interview (9:35) is an audio interview with writer Michael Sloan, who details the genesis of the screenplay and his move from television, working on "The Equalizer," to the big screen. Casting is recalled along with his involvement with the production, traveling to Rome for a few weeks to have his say. Creative challenges are recalled, facing a mission to do something with only two characters. Sloan shares his feelings on horror and explores the troubled release of "The Caller," though he's delighted there's renewed interest in the endeavor. He also remembers his first impression of the feature after it was completed.

• Still Gallery (:47) collects film stills and publicity shots.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Caller Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Everything leads to the climax, which is meant to be a grand payoff for all the confusion. A resolution is there, but "The Caller" ultimately connects through performances from Smith and McDowell, who offer wonderful commitment to material's uneven unreality, tasked with carrying a story that's not always in motion.