The Premature Burial Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		2.5
Overall		3.0

The Premature Burial Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 15, 2015

Finding tremendous success with his Edgar Allan Poe adaptations, director Roger Corman created what’s known as the “Poe Cycle,” representing eight motion pictures detailing all manner of ghoulish events created by the author. The only one not to star Vincent Price is 1962’s “The Premature Burial,” which brought in Ray Milland to provide requisite screen torment, this time portraying with man with a fear of being buried alive. It’s customary work from Corman, who labors to beef up a short story to feature-length standards, drenching the effort in spooky atmosphere and heightened performances.

The plot is ridiculous, with Guy (Milland) suffering from an ailment that traps him into a death-like state, fearing that such a stiff appearance will lead to a burial he can’t escape from. Of course, there are a few ways to avoid being buried alive, especially when Guy spends much of the film explaining his phobia to everyone he meets. But there wouldn’t be a movie without the struggle, putting Corman in a difficult position to make dry exposition and tepid accusation thrilling. “The Premature Burial” doesn’t quite succeed as a chiller, but Milland is terrific in the lead role, managing to sell panic and menace with remarkable fluidity.

The Premature Burial Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation is mostly wrapped in atmosphere, with soft cinematography and copious amounts of fog contributing to a dilution of sharpness, through fine detail isn't completely wiped away. Textures are passable on period costuming and estate particulars, and facial features are adequately defined in close-up. The set-bound production isn't one for depth. Grain runs slightly noisy. Colors are healthy and true, with a major push of red to bring costuming and menacing hues to life. Delineation is comfortable, never solidifying. Print is in decent shape, with a few spots of discoloration, scratches, and speckling.

The Premature Burial Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is basic but enjoyable, with a concentration on atmospherics keeping horror elements alive. Dialogue exchanges are tight and crisp, providing a comfortable range of reaction when conversations transform into hysteria and eventually screaming. Scoring is pronounced but respectful, never steamrolling over the dramatics. Hiss is minimal.

The Premature Burial Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Interview (9:48, HD) with Joe Dante is more of an appreciation, with the director sharing memories of seeing the movie as a child and identifying the picture's odd position in Corman's "Poe Cycle."

• Interview (9:37, SD) with Roger Corman recounts distribution oddities for this, his first Poe-centric work without American International Pictures. Talk of casting strengths is also included.

• "Trailers from Hell" (2:39, HD) returns to Corman, who hurriedly discusses the making of "The Premature Burial."

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:31, HD) is included.

The Premature Burial Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Corman fills the frame with fog, works in some eerie events that highlight whistling, and visits an extended green-tinted nightmare. The working parts are fine, but as a whole, "The Premature Burial" lacks suspense, finding Corman straining to pad the effort between twists and heated exchanges. While the gothic atmosphere is diverting, "The Premature Burial" is mostly enjoyable in fits, not as a consistent horror event.