6.5 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
In 19th century London, a woman weds a doctor with necrophiliac tendencies whose first wife died under mysterious circumstances—and might be coming back from the grave to torment her successor.
Starring: Barbara Steele, Robert Flemyng, Silvano Tranquilli, Maria Teresa Vianello, Harriet MedinHorror | 100% |
Foreign | 80% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Riccardo Freda's "The Horrible Dr. Hichcock" a.k.a. "L'orribile segreto del Dr. Hichcock" (1962) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of independent distributors Olive Films. There are no supplemental features on the disc. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-A "locked".
Is it a ghost?
Presented in an aspect ratio of 178:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Riccardo Freda's The Horrible Dr. Hichcock arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Olive Films.
The current master that was used to produce the release is clearly not in optimal condition. There are some pretty rough spots on it that make it obvious that Paramount probably has not bothered to upgrade it since the DVD era, possibly even earlier. Unsurprisingly, there are various density fluctuations, even some light color fluttering. Tiny specks, scratches, and some dirt spots can be seen as well. But there is some good news. While the film does look dated, there are absolutely no traces of recent compromising digital corrections. What this means is that even though there are various fluctuations in terms of clarity, definition and color stability/saturation, certain organic qualities are retained. This makes quite a difference because when projected the film actually has a 'vintage' look of sorts that is unquestionably preferable next to the harsh digital look a lot of releases of older films that have been sourced from old masers have. (The bulk of Universal's releases of catalog titles sourced from old masters are a prime example). My score is 3.25/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-A "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free player in order to access its content).
There is only one standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.
The dialog is clear and easy to follow, but there are some stability issues in the mid/high registers. During the music excerpts there is also light distortion; some buzz can be heard as well. Depth is lacking, though certain areas where there is mostly dialog and hardly any sound effect fare much better. Overall balance can be improved as well.
Most unfortunately, there are no supplemental features to be found on this Blu-ray release.
Ricardo Freda's body of work is quite impressive so fans of European genre films should not need my recommendation to take a look at his film The Horrible Dr. Hichcock. I think that it is very much on par with some of Mario Bava's early films, perhaps even better, and Barbara Steele looks beautiful in it. The film can certainly look stronger in high-definition, but the current presentation is free of compromising digital corrections. The Blu-ray is priced right, so if you like these types of films consider picking up a copy for your collection. RECOMMENDED.
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1962
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