The Veil Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

The Veil Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 21, 2026

1958’s “The Veil” is known as the show that never aired. Only one episode of the program managed to be seen at the time, with production complications preventing the whole thing from finding release. Over the years, efforts have been made to bring to the show to the public, trusting in the appeal of an anthology series about the supernatural, hosted and starring Hollywood legend Boris Karloff, who worked his natural way with screen intimidation to offer viewers a peek at what “lies behind the veil.” The episodes basically all touch on the same idea, delivering chilling tales of ghostly encounters, soaking up the bewilderment of characters seeking answers to the unexplainable. And there’s Karloff at the center of it all, sharing intros and outros in front of a roaring fire, presenting the bizarre (albeit in mild form) with ideal thespian emphasis, also contributing fine performances for a series that contains a lot of capable acting. “The Veil” has its high and low points, but it’s largely consistent with weirdness and drama, creating an interesting “weekly” journey into the mysteries of the world and the desperation of agitated characters.

Disc 1

“Food on the Table” (26:27): Captain Elwood (Boris Karloff) has recently returned from Florida, bringing along with him a ship filled with snakes. Taking a break before his next voyage, Elwood deals with his wife, Ruth (Kay Stewart), who’s coming to terms with the idea that her husband married her strictly for the money. When Elwood learns that another woman has inherited a fortune, he brings Ruth along on his next trip, planning to make it her last.

“The Doctor” (25:33): In Italy, Dr. Carlo (Boris Karloff) oversees the health needs of his small village. He welcomes a return visit from his son, Dr. Angelo (Tony Travis), hoping the big city medical professional might stay. When an emergency occurs involving a small child, Dr. Angelo takes over when Dr. Carlo is away. However, he hasn’t earned the trust of the locals, putting the patient in jeopardy.

“A Chapter of Genesis” (26:27): When their father passes away, warring brothers John (Lee Far) and James (Peter Miller) each produce different wills, with James offering updated paperwork that leaves the family farm to him. Preparing to sell the land and send his mother to an “old folks home,” Jamie is determined to push his sibling out of the family. After being visited by the ghost of his father, John looks to decode a biblical message left behind that could change the legal battle with his brother.

“Summer Heat” (26:29): On a humid summer night, Edward (Harry Bartell) returns to his apartment for dinner. As he prepares his food, he spies a crime being committed across the street inside another apartment, with a burglar killing a woman who interrupts his mission. Calling for help, the police arrive to find the apartment completely empty. Edward is sent into the care of Dr. Mason (Boris Karloff), trying to make sense of the situation, but he’s soon called into duty when his vision becomes a reality.

“Vision of Crime” (26:26): While on a ship at sea, George (Robert Hardy) witnesses his brother’s murder in a bowl of water. Returning home, George begins to investigate the situation, believing the police suspect the wrong man for the crime. Trying to make sense of what he’s seen, George also reunites with his brother’s wife, Julie (Jennifer Raine), who’s ready to move past the loss and start a new life.

“Girl on the Road” (26:27): John (Tod Andrews) spots a motorist in distress while heading along the highway. He meets Lila (Eve Brent), who’s run out of gas at Lookout Point, and John is more than happy to help, eventually talking her into a drink at a local bar. While things seem to be going well, Lila grows nervous when the name “Morgan Debs” is brought up, and soon she’s completely gone. Investigating the situation, John learns more about the mystery man and his connection to the missing woman.

Disc 2

“Jack the Ripper” (26:23): Walter (Niall MacGinnis) is wrestling with visions of murder, embracing his clairvoyant abilities when violent incidents continue to occur in town. Recognizing the work of serial killer Jack the Ripper, Walter joins local law enforcement to understand what’s happening and prevent additional losses of life.

“Whatever Happened to Peggy?” (25:01): Ellie (Frances O’Farrell) is greatly upset after her daughter, Ruth (Denise Alexander), loses her memory, seemingly becoming a different person. Dr. Madison (Whit Bissell) suggests the girl visit Ira (Boris Karloff) and Martha (Olive Blakeney), who realize that Ruth has assumed the identity of their deceased daughter.

“The Return of Madame Vernoy” (26:28): In India, Rama (Julius Johnson) is eager to marry his love, Santha (Lee Torrance), only to learn she’s experiencing a return to a past life, ready to reunite with her husband and child. Returning to her “home,” Santha reconnects with her son, Krishna (George Hamilton), and spouse, Armand (Jean Del Val), putting Professor Charles (Boris Karloff) on the case to solve the identity mystery.

“Destination Nightmare” (26:25): Pete Jr. (Ron Hagerthy) is a pilot looking to prove himself in the sky, but during his latest mission, he’s hypnotized by a strange, ghostly presence. His father, Pete Sr. (Boris Karloff), is greatly concerned, but also holds a story about his time in World War II, sharing a plane with a doomed man named Wally. Peter Jr. is determined to understand what’s happening, daring to return to the skies to solve the mystery.

“Truth in the Crystal Ball” (26:28): Edmond (Booth Coleman) has been dumped by his girlfriend, Marie (Roxane Berard), and she gives him the parting gift of a crystal ball. Edmond seeks wisdom and comfort from his Uncle Andre (Boris Karloff), but he finds something incredible in the crystal ball, which gives him access to Marie’s secret infidelities, driving him to the brink of sanity.

The Veil Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The image presentation for "The Veil" is listed as "newly and restored in 4K from the 16mm and 35mm original archive elements." Some brief elements of damage are present, but the series looks strong for its age, offering reasonably compelling detail on the cast and their varied skin particulars. Costuming also delivers interesting textures with different time periods. Sets are open for inspection, lively with decorative additions. Exteriors are rare, but maintain depth. B&W cinematography remains balanced, with capable delineation throughout the show. Grain is fine and film-like.

The Veil Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix provides a straightforward listening event for "The Veil." Dialogue exchanges are clear, preserving dramatic emphasis, running into mild sibilance issues on occasion. Music offers decent support, with appreciable instrumentation. Sound effects are understood.

The Veil Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc 1

• Commentaries featuring film historian Tom Weaver are available on episodes "Summer Heat," "A Chapter of Genesis," "Vision of Crime," and "No Food on the Table."

Disc 3

• "The Vestris" (29:24) is the "Telephone Time" version of the episode.

• "The Vestris" (25:51) includes an "exclusive" Boris Karloff intro and outro.

• "Carrying on the Legacy" (6:53, HD) is an audio interview with Boris Karloff's daughter, Sara Karloff, who's dedicated her life to "protect and carry on the legacy" of her father's career. Professional interests for the actor are highlighted, embracing television work, which offered a variety of roles, helping to challenge the thespian and provide a chance to lean into his horror history. Boris's experience in theater is analyzed, and tidbits from his personal life are offered, though he largely stayed quiet about his professional achievements. The interviewee spends a little time discussing "The Veil," noting the show, with its twists and turns, wasn't for "dummies."

• "The 11th Episode" (19:26, HD) is a video conference interview with Barbara Bibas Montero, daughter of "The Veil" creator, Frank P. Bibas. Biographical information is provided, including service during World War II, returning home to pursue his love of filmmaking, beginning his industry rise in the world of commercials. Time on "The Veil" is inspected, put through an "accelerated" production schedule to churn out episodes, while fond memories of star Boris Karloff are provided. Career interests and issues for Frank after "The Veil" are also highlighted. Montero also shares news of her effort to bring the series back with new episodes.

• "House of Death" (25:33) is listed as a "long-thought-lost horror-esque episode of "Schlitz Playhouse, starring Boris Karloff and directed by William Asher."

The Veil Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Veil" has its creative peaks, with the best episodes providing a simple ride of the strange, following characters as they investigate impossible visions and odd encounters. Stretchmarks are found on a few tales ("The Doctor" is a notable example) that don't put in the effort to really rattle viewers with bizarre happenings, but, for the most part, there's a lot to enjoy here, especially for an anthology show. And "The Veil" has Karloff, who brings gravitas and his own special camera presence to the endeavor, keeping it flavorful as he pops up in all but one story ("Jack the Ripper" was produced independently), maintaining a steady hand with various takes on the unexplainable, boosting its genre appeal.