Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

The Raven Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 25, 2019

Much like 1934’s “The Black Cat,” 1935’s “The Raven” takes inspiration from the world of writer Edgar Allan Poe, refusing any direct adaptation to simply embrace the author’s macabre imagination. However, “The Raven” goes to the next level of celebration, turning its lead character (portrayed by Bela Lugosi) into a demented fan of Poe’s, building recreations of torture machines to use on unsuspecting dinner guests. It’s the rare picture that actually pulls real-world creativity into its own fictional realm. Such a boost of madness is enough to keep the feature interesting when, at times, it feels like the production doesn’t really care about storytelling details.

Reuniting after their work on “The Black Cat,” Lugosi and Boris Karloff don’t stray far from their monster movie origins with “The Raven,” finding the latter actor basically reprising his work as Frankenstein’s Monster, portraying a criminal submitting to disastrous surgery executed by a mad doctor, leaving him with a partially paralyzed face. Karloff’s makeup doesn’t hold up in tight close-ups, but the performance certainly delivers precise claustrophobia and rage. Karloff’s matched well by Lugosi, offered a lead role that finds him carrying the manic emotions of the screenplay, doing his best to sell the horrors of a melting mind, with torture the only cure for such ghastly curiosity.

The Raven Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Billed as a "New 2K scan of the original film elements," "The Raven" enjoys a soft but appreciable AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Detail is satisfactory, delivering enjoyable facial surfaces, which identify encroaching madness and makeup achievements, finding disfiguring work on Karloff open for intimate study. Costuming retains silky textures and formal stiffness. Interiors also retain depth, with regal decoration and torture dens on view. Delineation is secure, without elements of crush, preserving clothing and evening events. Grain is thick and film- like. Source is in good shape, with some mild speckling and scratches.

The Raven Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides a comfortable understanding of performances, finding dialogue exchanges mostly clear and clean. A few limitations are encountered during the listening event, but intelligibility is never threatened. Scoring is acceptable, filling changed in mood and suspense needs when necessary. Atmospherics are adequate, delivering a feel for hard rainfall.

The Raven Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary #1 features author Gregory William Mank.

• Commentary #2 features author Steve Haberman.

• "A Good Game: Karloff and Lugosi at Universal: Part 2 – 'The Raven'" (17:25, HD) features authors Gary D. Rhodes and Gregory William Mank, who build on their informational offering from "The Black Cat" to detail the next stage of Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff's career. It turns out, Karloff had very little interest in making "The Raven," showing disdain for the material, but he was smart enough to keep Universal suits happy with his contractual work. For Lugosi, the picture provided a chance at a lead role, offered the rare shot to command the work, while both men were aware of the project's monster connections. Status issues and special billing are examined, along with Hays Code control, which kept a very close eye on the screenplay. Character details are explored, and the personal relationship between the stars is highlighted. The interviewees close with an overview of "The Raven" (focusing on Lugosi's professional opportunity) and share their favorite scenes.

• Audio Recording (13:22) presents Bela Lugosi reading Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart."

• Still Gallery (8:18) collects film stills, BTS snaps, publicity shots, poster art, lobby cards, theater displays, and newspaper ads.

• A Trailer is not included.

The Raven Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Raven" isn't a refined picture, with the writing making it up as it goes, limiting logic to play into more cinematic interests of evil men and screaming victims. The Poe elements are amusing, giving the material a certain ghoulishness that's most welcome, and it's hard to deny Lugosi's commitment to the effort, cackling and quaking with true purpose. "The Raven" is more fun than polished, presenting an agreeable genre distraction that grows weirder as it goes. And when the feature starts to lose its way, there's Lugosi and Karloff there to make sure screen pain and intimidation are taken care of.