Tragic Ceremony Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

Tragic Ceremony Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 8, 2022

I’m sure there was a game plan for 1972’s “Tragic Ceremony,” but the final cut of the picture plays like a handful of different ideas competing for screen time. The production aims to be a chiller, dealing with satanic power and mass death, but the film is mostly about The Hang, spending extended time with the characters as they deal with interpersonal issues, with violence occasionally breaking out. “Tragic Ceremony” isn’t an offering of slow-burn suspense. The feature simply parks for long stretches of screen time, occasionally working up the energy to deliver bits of chaos.

“Tragic Ceremony” offers an interesting post-Charles Manson view of hippie troublemaking, but the writing isn’t entirely committed to the story of young people and the satanists they encounter. Instead, there are vague ideas on supernatural horror, class resentment, and police procedure. The film is in no hurry with anything it offers, killing pace, but blasts of excitement are found when deaths start to occur, allowing special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi a chance to showcase some interesting work, and there are broad displays of bloodshed to help snap the movie to attention.

Tragic Ceremony Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is sourced from a 2K scan of the 35mm original camera negative. Refreshed for its return to public view, "Tragic Ceremony" retains an ideal film-like appearance, with heavy grain. Detail reaches as far as it can, offering appreciable skin surfaces and period costuming. Gore zone visits are nicely textured. Colors are distinct, with blood reds and natural skin tones. Car paint jobs and outfits also deliver compelling primaries. Delineation is satisfactory. Source is in good condition.

Tragic Ceremony Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix deals with some mild sibilance issues at times, but dialogue exchanges are comfortable, offering a heavy dubbed presence with argumentative performances. Scoring supports with passable clarity, and atmospherics are acceptable.

Tragic Ceremony Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Samm Deighan.

• "Camille's European Adventures" (13:10, SD) is an archival interview with Camille Keaton, who discusses her early move to Italy in the 1970s, hoping to follow Clint Eastwood's career path. "What Have You Done to Solange?" was Keaton's first role in the industry, and she walks through highlights of her career, spending some time on "Tragic Ceremony," sharing stories about her co-stars. Memories are provided, and Keaton details her love of Italian life at the time, with commitments eventually bringing her back to America.

• Still Gallery (3:38) collect images of star Camille Keaton, displaying modeling shots, publicity stills, and various video covers and poster art.

• A Trailer has not been included on this release.

Tragic Ceremony Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Tragic Ceremony" isn't big on storytelling, delivering a mushy pile of genre elements that lead to an appropriately weird ending. The movie isn't entirely clear with its ideas, but there are clues scattered throughout that somebody, somewhere once had a vision for the feature.