The Face at the Window Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		3.5

The Face at the Window Blu-ray Movie Review

A suspenseful thriller well worth seeking out.

The Face at the Window is an interesting old-school British horror film produced in the 1930's. The film might seem surprisingly shocking to viewers when one considers the time-period of the film's production. An early slasher film, the horror-thriller is based on the play by Brooke Warren. An interesting experiment in genre filmmaking that is worth one's time, fans of thrillers won't want to miss it.

Set against the backdrop of Paris, France circa 1880, The Face at the Window explores the curse of the dangerous wolf-man, a ruthless killer who is hunting the grounds for victims to slash and murder as he stabs them directly after seeing him. Scared by the possible danger of death by the vicious “wolf-man” serial killer, Lucien Cortier (John Warwick) and Cecile de Brisson (Marjorie Taylor) attempt to survive the dangers that lurk around every corner. Making matters even more complicated are the romantic advances of Chevalier Lucio del Gardo (Tod Slaughter) towards the beautiful Cecile. Can Lucien and Cecile survive the days of the wolf-man and find true happiness together? Or will murder be in their future?

The performances in the film are compelling. Most especially, the lead performance by Tod Slaughter manages to make a splash in all the right ways. Slaughter is an interesting choice for the lead role. The supporting actors also bring something special to the table: John Warwick and Marjorie Taylor. Each of the performers manages to give the filmmaking a sense of added vibrancy that makes the storytelling more compelling. Warwick and Taylor seem to practically bounce off of each other throughout the film. Even subtle elements of their performances manage to make the film feel more alive and invigorating.

The art direction by Philip Bawcombe (The Face Behind the Scar, The Crimes of Stephen Hawke) is another impressive component of the production. The production sets and designs are elaborate and vividly realized. There is a sense of the art director investing a great deal in to crafting the landscape explored in the story. Bawcombe demonstrates unique craftsmanship throughout the production.

"Blu-ray.com says it has a 4K restoration. AMAZING."

The cinematography by Hone Glendinning (White Ensign, The Ticket of Leave Man) is lush and vividly realized. The black and white cinematography is a good match for the Gothic storytelling. Throughout the entire production, the slasher horror-thriller element is heightened by the darker cinematographic approach. The lighting manages to convey the mood of each scene: delving even further in to the dark recesses of the dangerous serial killer. The end result is a film that is even more potent and impressive.

The music score composed by Jack Beaver (Wings Over Africa, Second Bureau) adds tension and drama to the entire mix. The score heightens the suspenseful scenes while delivering on the base premise surrounding the filmmaking. The score is sometimes quietly complex in adding to the production. Beaver did a commendable job and the end results are worthwhile.

The screenplay by A.R. Rawlinson (The Black Rider, Operation Conspiracy) is a decent one that has a interesting premise that is well executed. As the story unfolds, the characters become one of the main elements of the filmmakiing. There is a sense that the storytelling is like a book, turning page-by-page until the conclusion. This is also in part due to the editing by Jack Harris (The Phantom Fiend, Brief Encounter).

Directed by George King (The Ticket of Leave Man, Little Stranger), The Face at the Window is an entertaining thriller that should appeal to fans of old-school genre films. King proves to be a quality filmmaker. While perhaps not an outright classic, The Face at the Window is a worthwhile film that deserves a second-life on home media. Worth checking out.

The Face at the Window Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, The Face at the Window is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The release has received a brand new 4K remaster. The presentation is superb. The black and white cinematography shines throughout the entire scan of the film. There are only minor instances of dirt and slight scratches on the print. Otherwise, the transfer looks organic and filmic. This is another shining example of how a 4K remaster can make all the difference: the scan looks superb and truly delivers.

The Face at the Window Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Blu-ray includes a DTS HD Master Audio mono soundtrack. The audio presentation was a nice match in quality to the video-presentation and helped to further enhance the viewing experience. The lossless sound mix preserves the original sound in a effective way and never seems overly processed. Dialogue reproduction is exceptional. The track is clear and dynamic without sounding overly harsh. There are no egregious issues to report with regards to hiss, crackle, clicks, and other audio related detriments.

Please Note: Optional English subtitles are provided.

The Face at the Window Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Audio Commentary by Film Historian/Author Jean-Claude Michel

Poster and Image Gallery (HD, 7:06)

The Blu-ray release also includes a selection of trailers promoting other releases available from distributor Kino Lorber: Supernatural (SD, 2:04), The Undying Monster (SD, 1:05), The Lodger (SD, 2:16), The Spiral Staircase (SD, 2:01), and The Queen of Spades (HD, 2:51).

The Face at the Window Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There is something compelling about the drama and horror that unfolds in The Face at the Window. The filmmaking is complex and compelling throughout. The lead performance by Tod Slaughter makes the film even more unique. The direction is tightly woven. The concluding act of the film amps up the suspense, too. Audiences will want to check out this underrated classic. The Blu-ray features a 4K restoration that is sure to please fans of the film. A well-done disc by Kino Lorber. Recommended.