Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Shadow of the Cat Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 16, 2020

After masterminding the murder of a wealthy old woman, her husband, Walter (Andre Morell), has plans to claim her entire fortune, sharing the loot with his accomplices. Unfortunately for the spouse, the house cat, Tabitha, witnessed the crime, and she’s hungry for revenge, taking out the mansion crew one-by-one while Walter frantically tries to hide evidence of his wrongdoing from the dead woman’s niece, Beth (Barbara Shelley).

Hammer Films provides a nutty tale of vengeance with 1961’s “The Shadow of the Cat,” which pushes a homicidal feline as the hero of the picture, taking out those who conspired to kill her original owner. The premise reads wackier than the actual movie, which only works itself into a frenzy on select occasions, preferring to make a bigger deal about something damning hidden in the attic, along with Beth’s experiences with her twitchy relatives. The cat footage is most entertaining (if one doesn’t think too deeply about animal treatment standards of the early 1960s), watching the good guy(?) elude capture and plan murders, preying on the weak health of the conspirators.

The Shadow of the Cat Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.67:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a "New 2K scan of the fine-grain element," examining the technical achievements of the film, which offers dimensional sets and ornate decoration, while costuming retains appealing texture for period clothing. Facial particulars are distinct, along with feline fur. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in fine condition, without pronounced areas of damage.

The Shadow of the Cat Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix delivers a reasonably clear listening event. Highs get fuzzy at times, but dialogue exchanges are appealing, with clear dramatic choices and accents. Scoring is supportive without overwhelming the performances, offering a louder presence on the track with decent instrumentation. Periodic popping is detected.

The Shadow of the Cat Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Bruce G. Hallenbeck.

• "In the Shadow of Shelley" (24:29, HD) is an interview with Barbara Shelley, who recounts her entry into the film business, working in Italy before returning to England to make her mark in horror. Shelley is an elderly woman now, but her memory remains strong, detailing her time on pictures such as "Cat Girl," "Blood of the Vampire," "The Gorgon," "Dracula: Prince of Darkness," "Rasputin: The Mae Monk," and "Quatermass and the Pit."

• T.V. Spot (1:03, SD) offers one commercial for the double bill of "The Shadow of the Cat" and "Curse of the Werewolf."

• Image Gallery (3:41) collects publicity shots, film stills, poster art, and lobby cards.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this release.

The Shadow of the Cat Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Shadow of the Cat" is serviceable entertainment with some macabre elements and decent performances to keep it interesting. Expectations for something wilder won't be met, as the endeavor is a true Hammer Films production, only getting worked up between long bouts of conversations and exposition.