Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.5
Overall		3.5

The Mad Ghoul Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 25, 2019

And you thought college tuition was murder? 1943’s “The Mad Ghoul” brings terror to a campus setting, examining the evil ways of a professor (George Zucco) who’s harnessed the power of ancient gas, using the lethal substance to control one of his adoring students (David Bruce), forcing the zombified young man to kill to remain alive. “The Mad Ghoul” is something of a monster movie, playing with what are now common undead cliches, with director James Hogan working to locate the noir-ish angles of the material, adding style to a periodically lumbering chiller.

Zucco makes for an excellent madman in the feature, using educational refinement to hide a sinister side to his character, making for a satisfying heavy in a movie that needs him. “The Mad Ghoul” delivers plenty of scenes of wicked influence, showcasing the sapped student’s mindless need to acquire hearts to return to life, but the screenplay doesn’t remain on such macabre events. The pains of love compete for screentime, as the college kid is sweet on an opera singer who’s lost her passion for her boyfriend, trying to find a way out of the relationship. The subplot is certainly active, introducing complications to the performer’s romantic future, but a balance between melodrama and horror isn’t found, leaving “The Mad Ghoul” less interesting when it takes time to deal with the needs of the heart.

The Mad Ghoul Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Shadow play is common in the AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation, and delineation remains satisfactory, doing well with limited lighting. Detail is comfortable, picking out particulars in costuming and close-ups, delivering a feel for facial surfaces. Sets are open for inspection as well. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in decent condition, with mild scratches and speckling.

The Mad Ghoul Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix runs a little hot with scoring selections, with slightly distorted highs found during the main titles and some of the musical performances found in the picture. Dialogue exchanges remain clear, offering secure emotionality and proper emphasis. Sound effects are snappy, with occasional gunfire. Hiss is present throughout the listening event.

The Mad Ghoul Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Thomas Reeder.

• Image Gallery (5:51) collects film stills, publicity shots, poster art, lobby cards, and a newspaper ad.

• Press Kit (1:01) includes pages from the Universal release.

• And a Trailer has not been included.

The Mad Ghoul Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

With plenty of shadowy cinematography and police interest, "The Mad Ghoul" does come together quite nicely at times, also showcasing appealing makeup effects and a periodic sampling of grisliness. Overall, it's disjointed, trying to remain inviting to all audiences, but it's best when serving just one, playing up the macabre premise and its capacity for extended gruesomeness.