THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN (1971): The Best from Sci-Fi’s True Golden Age

Starring Arthur Hill, James Olson, David Wayne, Kate Reid, Paula Kelly, George Mitchell, Ramon Bieri, Carl Reindel. Directed by Robert Wise. (1971/131 min).

ON BLU-RAY FROM ARROW VIDEO

Review by Mr. Paws😸

In this writer’s opinion, the golden age of cinematic science-fiction was the decade between 2001: A Space Odyssey and Star Wars. This was the genre at its darkest. Distressing dystopias, cantankerous technology, apocalyptic annihilation...civilization was collectively screwed. And more often than not, these dire consequences were largely our fault.

Growing up on these movies, I found them both terrifying and fascinating. But I drew some comfort in the knowledge that it was merely science-fiction. Surely, none of these horrors could ever come to pass. Right? Right?

1971’s The Andromeda Strain is not only the best science-fiction film from this era, what makes it unnerving even today is that, despite its extraterrestrial threat, everything seems totally plausible. A satellite crashes in a small desert town, carrying a lethal microscopic organism that swiftly kills everyone, save for an old man and a baby who are seemingly immune to its effects. They are taken to an underground facility, code-named Wildfire, where a small team of scientific experts attempt to identify what they think might be some kind of virus.

"It could use a few throw pillows."

Much of the film takes place in Wildfire, depicting the methodical, painstaking process. The implications are dire. The germ – given the name, Andromeda – is not-only instantly lethal, it’s growing exponentially. What makes the scenario especially ominous is that the crew assembled are the best in their fields, and even they are mostly dumbfounded since Andromeda's existence is contrary to any known organism. Even worse are the simple "shit-happens" moments, when everything is nearly undone by human error or faulty machinery. We've all been there and its scary to realize it can even happen when stakes are at their highest.

Based on an early Michael Crichton novel, The Andromeda Strain is masterpiece of controlled tension. Aided considerably by impressively antiseptic production design – namely, the Wildfire facility – director Robert Wise wisely eschews melodramatics, a traditional music score and any real characterization in favor of the authenticity of its concept. Everything we see and hear is believable, including Andromeda itself. It’s a scary-ass bug to begin with, but the more were learn about it, the more malevolent it becomes.

The arcade's toughest claw machine.

The Andromeda Strain is also proof that G-rated movies could be pretty hardcore back in the fun-loving 70s, exposing impressionable youth to nudity, buzzard-chewed bodies, lab animals’ agonizing death-throes and a corpse’s wrist being surgically slit-open. So either the MPAA thinks today’s children are a bunch of pampered pussies or the organization never knew what the fuck they were doing in the first place. Probably a bit of both.

Despite its age, length and complete lack of traditional action, The Andromeda Strain remains an exemplary example of golden-age science-fiction. Perhaps the best example, since death-from-within is still a real apocalyptic possibility, making its concept more contemporary than wondering what Soylent Green is made of. It has been released on Blu-ray before, but this version from Arrow Films gives it a considerable facelift with a nice 4K scan restoration, remastered audio and a few nifty new extras to go along with some substantial vintage features. An all-around great release and highly recommended for anyone who loves smart, plausible science-fiction.

EXTRA KIBBLES

NEW: “A NEW STRAIN OF SCIENCE FICTION” - Running 30 minutes, critic Kim Newman discusses the film and its place in the history of the virus-related science fiction.

NEW: SUPPLEMENTARY BOOKLET – Includes an essay, “Secret Spine-Chiller: The Other Side of Robert Wise,” by author Peter Tonguette; “A Discussion Guide for Teachers and Students,” a promotional study guide that was sent to high schools back in 1971; Cast & Crew Credits; Restoration Credits.

NEW: REVERSIBLE COVER ART – Includes all-new and vintage artwork. We think the new cover is pretty damn cool.

NEW: CINESCRIPT – The entire shooting script, which can also by accessed as a PDF.

NEW: IMAGE GALLERY – With photos and promotional artwork.

"THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN: MAKING THE FILM” - A 30 minute making-of featurette from the 2001 DVD release. Features director Robert Wise, screenwriter Nelson Gidding, author Michael Crichton and special effects creator Douglas Trumbull.

"A PORTRAIT OF MICHAEL CRICHTON” - Interview with the author from 2001.

AUDIO COMMENTARY – By Bryan Reesman

TRAILER, TV & RADIO SPOTS

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEE-OW! LIKE TAUNTING A MOUSE TO DEATH

The Curiosity Factor of THE TRIGGER EFFECT and BODY COUNT

THE TRIGGER EFFECT 

Starring Kyle MacLachlan, Elisabeth Shue, Dermot Mulroney, Richard T. Jones, Michael Rooker. Directed by David Koepp. (1996/93 min).

BODY COUNT

Starring David Caruso, Ving Rhames, Linda Fiorentino, John Leguizamo, Donnie Wahlberg, Forest Whitaker. Directed by Robert Patton-Spruill. (1998/85 min).

ON BLU-RAY FROM MILL CREEK ENTERTAINMENT

Review by Tiger the Terrible😾

When movies are re-issued together as double features, they’re usually of the same genre or a particular actor appears in both. So the pairing of The Trigger Effect and Body Count was initially perplexing. One is a quasi-disaster film about a widespread blackout, the other follows a crew of criminals after an art heist.

But upon further review, I realized these films actually have a few things in common:

• Both boast impressive casts. Not necessarily A-listers, but with pretty decent resumes.
• Both were released virtually unnoticed in the 90s. In fact, Body Count never got a theatrical release.
• Despite being over 20 years old, both are only-now being released on Blu-ray.

Regarding the first point, I suppose the curiosity factor might be relatively high. But even fans of any of these actors might have a hard time sitting through either film.

"Damn...no Twinkies."

The Trigger Effect’s premise is promising...how a massive, lengthy blackout causes society to breakdown. However, the story is distressingly episodic, jumping from one crisis to another before any of them has a chance to get interesting. The Twilight Zone explored the concept far better in a fraction of the time. Of the cast, Michael Rooker comes off best, providing the film’s only moments of genuine intensity. Too bad he’s regulated to just a few scenes.

"He didn't wash his hands. So I shot him."

Despite boasting a better cast, Body Count is an irredeemable mess. Haphazardly assembled and erratic in tone, it fails as both a thriller and a black comedy, though it desperately wants to be both. Not only that, the narrative is consistently undone by stupid characters whose actions often defy explanation or logic. Ving Rhames is good, but David Caruso and John Leguizamo seem to be competing to see who can give the most irritating performance. It quickly becomes obvious why this one went straight to video.

Even at a bargain price, this double feature is a hard sell. There’s a reason both films remain obscure and even the curiosity factor isn’t enough to make either of them worth enduring. Everyone involved on both sides of the camera have done far better work.

EXTRA KIBBLES

TRAILERS FOR BOTH FILMS

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEH...

CAPTAIN MARVEL and a Tale of Two Origins

Starring Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Jude Law, Djimon Hounsou, Lashana Lynch, Annette Benning, Gemma Chan, Lee Pace, Clark Gregg. Directed by Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck. (2019/124 min).

On BLU-RAY FROM DISNEY / MARVEL

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😺

When it comes to superhero movies, I suppose kicking franchises off with an origin story is almost unavoidable. After all, not everyone’s a comic book reader, so explaining what compels a guy throw on a cape for the public good makes narrative sense (though Tim Burton’s Batman never bothered and it turned out just fine).

Even if that has a tendency to render a lot of superhero films somewhat predictable, Marvel has done a pretty remarkable job introducing everyone populating their cinematic universe. And rather ingeniously, Captain Marvel actually gives us two origin stories.

First, of course, is the story of Vers/Carol Danvers (Brie Larson), whose circumstances leading to her emergence as the titular character are more interesting than those of Doctor Strange or an umpteenth reboot of Spider-Man. After a rather mundane opening act – a flashy-but-rote clash between the Kree and Skrulls – once Vers arrives on Earth in 1995, the story really takes off. She already has her considerable powers and stands-out like a sore thumb, leading to some amusing moments and frequent clashes with the shape-shifting Skrulls. Larson’s confident performance is enjoyable, displaying just the slightest bit of superiority over us puny humans (at least until she begins to remember where she came from).

Saving the day is difficult when you miss your train.

Vers also meets Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Captain Marvel’s other origin story. At this time, Fury is just another S.H.I.E.L.D. agent (made plausible by some Oscar-worthy CGI that makes Jackson look 25 years younger). One long-standing criticism I’ve had of the entire MCU is that, with the possible exception of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Fury has never been given anything interesting to do. Here, Fury arrives early and does a lot more than provide exposition. Jackson is great, of course, like he's been unleashed to make Fury funnier and more charismatic than we've previously seen, especially once he befriends Goose the Cat. How he came to need an eye-patch provides one of the film’s biggest laughs.

Damn late fees.

Elsewhere, Captain Marvel tells an interesting story that not-only fits comfortably within the MCU, but provides a few welcome, surprising twists. Speaking of which, can we give another tip-of-the-hat to Ben Mendelsohn, once-again stealing every scene he's in? As Talos, not only does he make a terrific initial adversary, he’s personable and often very funny, no small feat considering he’s covered in alien make-up for most of the film.

Of course, Captain Marvel has plenty of the action and visual fireworks we've come to expect from the MCU (as well as a few moments of wonky CGI). But like the Ant-Man films, it never threatens to collapse under the weight of its own spectacle. As origin stories go, this is one of Marvel’s better recent ones.

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - “Becoming a Superhero” (mostly about Brie Larson preparation for the role); “Big Hero Moment” (a little character history); “The Origin of Nick Fury” (title tells all); “The Dream Team”; “The Skrulls and the Kree”; “Hiss-Sterical Cat-titude” (my favorite of the featurettes, amusingly presented like a 90s' era promo spot)

OPTIONAL INTRO BY THE DIRECTORS

AUDIO COMMENTARY – By Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck

GAG REEL

6 DELETED SCENES

DIGITAL COPY

KITTY CONSENSUS:

PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS

THE POOP SCOOP: The Duality of US: 2 New Special Feature Clips

The terrifying Tethered come home, with Jordan Peele's Us now available on Digital and coming to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on June 18. Here are two special feature clips that comprise the "Duality of Us" featurette - a fascinating look behind the creative curtain to gain further insight into the mythology and symbolism of the film, as well as a look into Jordan Peele's mind as a satirist and horror filmmaker.

NEW CLIPS:

 
A look into Us' emphasis on duality and the various roles of the Wilson Family with the "Duality & Family" clip:

  

Dive into Jordan Peele's take on the harsh realities that Us confronts with the "Privilege" clip:

 

THE POOP SCOOP: A Shark Sequel, a Horror Classic and More

CLICK THE IMAGE TO VIEW THE NEW TRAILER.

47 METERS DOWN: UNCAGED in Theaters August 16.

The film follows the story of four teen girls diving in a ruined underwater city, who quickly find themselves in a watery hell as their fun outing turns into heart-stopping fear when they learn they are not alone in the submerged caves. As they swim deeper into the claustrophobic labyrinth of caves they enter the territory of the deadliest shark species in the ocean.

GREMLINS arrives on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on 10/1.

For its 40TH Anniversary, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that 1984’s Gremlins will be released on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack and Digital on October 1. Directed by Joe Dante (Innerspace, The ‘Burbs) and written by Chris Columbus (The Goonies, Young Sherlock Holmes), the film stars Zach Galligan as Billy Peltzer, Phoebe Cates as Kate Beringer, and Hoyt Axton and Randall Peltzer, along with the voices of Frank Welker as Stripe and Howie Mandel as Gizmo. Includes an Ultra HD Blu-ray disc with the feature film in 4K with HDR and a Blu-ray disc with the feature film and special features.

 

Brian De Palma’s DOMINO arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital), DVD, and Digital July 30.

Experience legendary director Brian De Palma’s (Scarface, The Untouchables, The Black Dahlia, Mission: Impossible) brand-new, fast-paced action-thriller when Domino arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital), DVD, and Digital July 30 from Lionsgate. This film is currently available On Demand. Featuring spectacular international sets from Scandinavia to Spain, the film stars Primetime Emmy nominee Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (2018, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, TV’s “Game of Thrones”), Carice van Houten, and Primetime Emmy winner Guy Pearce (2011, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries, TV’s “Mildred Pierce”).

 

The Classic DEAD OF NIGHT on Blu-ray 7/9.

A group of strangers, mysteriously gathered at an isolated country estate, recount chilling tales of the supernatural. First, a racer survives a brush with death only to receive terrifying premonitions from beyond the grave. Then a teen’s innocent game of hide-and-seek leads to an encounter with the macabre. Next, a young couple purchases an antique mirror that unleashes a horrific power from its past. In a lighter vein, two competitive golfers play for stakes that may haunt the winner forever. Finally, a renowned ventriloquist descends into an abyss of madness and murder when his dummy develops a mind of its own. But even after these frightening tales are told, does one final nightmare await them all? Britain’s venerable Ealing Studios brought together four brilliant directors, Charles Crichton (The Lavender Hill Mob), Basil Dearden (The Mind Benders), Alberto Cavalcanti (They Made Me a Fugitve) and Robert Hamer (It Always Rains on Sunday) to create this classic chiller that remains one of the most influential horror films ever made. This is the uncut and complete UK version of Dead of Night, now newly restored in 4K from original archival materials for the first time in decades.

THE BUSTER KEATON COLLECTION Volume 1: Two of Buster's Best

THE GENERAL – Starring Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Glen Cavender. Directed by Buster Keaton & Clyde Bruckman. (1926/79 min).

STEAMBOAT BILL, JR. - Starring Buster Keaton, Ernest Torrence, Marion Byron, Tom McGuire. Directed by Buster Keaton & Charles Reisner. (1928/71 min).

ON BLU-RAY FROM COHEN MEDIA GROUP

Review by Mr. Paws😸

In a recent review of Cohen Media Group’s The Great Buster: A Celebration, I briefly mentioned the only problem with that terrific documentary was it left the viewer wanting more. Well, “more” has finally arrived with The Buster Keaton Collection Volume 1, which features masterful 4K restorations of two of his most iconic films.

Did Keaton invent the action-comedy? Quite possibly. One thing is certain...1926’s The General is a near-perfect early example and arguably his best film. Set during the Civil War, it’s essentially one long locomotive chase with Keaton as its comic centerpiece. Not only is it a remarkable physical performance, his dour reactions to the surrounding mayhem are just as funny today as they were in the 20s. Some of the action set-pieces are still jaw-dropping, especially when we keep in-mind Keaton did all of his own stunts and no special effects were involved, not even during the spectacular climactic train crash. The General is silent filmmaking at its absolute best and remains massively entertaining today (once you get past the Confederate Army portrayed as the good guys).

When visiting Cottage Grove, for God's sake, take the bus.

Though it doesn’t quite reach the comic heights of The General, the decidedly more restrained Steamboat Bill, Jr. is another charmer. As the nebbish William Canfield Jr., Keaton’s considerable comic gifts are still here in abundance. But this time, other actors have their share of amusing moments, especially Ernest Torrence as William’s burly, beleaguered father. While the film includes Keaton’s most iconic gag (when a house’s facade falls around him), the hat shop scene remains my personal favorite. A subtle example of flawless comic timing, Keaton and Torrence play it perfectly. At the same time, what we learn about their characters in this seemingly inconsequential scene is quite revealing.

Never buy a home from IKEA.

These films have been released individually on Blu-ray before by another company, but not having seen them, I can’t compare the audio or video quality. This set is light on bonus features, but the 4K restoration is stunning and both films feature the wonderful orchestrated scores Carl Davis composed in the 80s. The Buster Keaton Collection Volume 1 is a must own for action fans, lovers of classic comedy and, of course, any self-respecting cinephile.

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTES - “Reflections on The General”; “Buster Keaton: The Luminary” (both are short featurettes with interviews from some of the same people who contributed to The Great Buster: A Celebration, including Quentin Tarantino, Leonard Maltin and Bill Hader).

RESTORATION TRAILERS FOR EACH FILM

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEE-OW! LIKE BEING TURNED LOOSE IN A BIRD SANCTUARY.

Before The Matrix, There was MINDWARP and BRAINSCAN

MINDWARP

Starring Bruce Campbell, Marta Alicia, Angus Scrimm, Elizabeth Kent. Directed by Steve Barnett. (1991/96 min).

BRAINSCAN

Starring Edward Furlong, Frank Langella, T. Ryder Smith, Amy Hargreaves. Directed by John Flynn. (1994/96 min).

On Blu-ray from MILL CREEK ENTERTAINMENT

Review by Stinky the Destroyer😼

Both of these titles have been previously released on Blu-ray by other companies, quite recently, in fact. While each is sort-of watchable for different reasons, neither is worth the asking price (38 bucks on Amazon for Mindwarp? Really?). But as a bargain-bin double feature, why not?

It’s fitting that these two would be paired up. Conceptually, both are crude early examples of the ramifications of virtual reality; both lean more towards horror than pure sci-fi; both are undone by twist endings that were old-hat shortly after The Wizard of Oz was released.

"I bagged this with my Boomstick!"

In the low-budget Mindwarp, the world is a radioactive wasteland. Most  survivors live underground, plugged into machines that simulate any idyllic life they can imagine. As punishment for infiltrating the minds of others, Judy is exiled to the surface, where she meets Stover (Bruce Campbell, doing the whole Mad Max thing). Soon after, they are captured by a tribe of mutant cannibals led by an evangelical madman (Angus Scrimm).

Though its concept pre-dates The Matrix by eight years, Mindwarp will be of primary interest to gorehounds and Campbell fans. There’s certainly plenty of bloody carnage (some of it actually convincing), but Campbell is wasted in a role that requires him to play it straight. Aside from a subtle, unspoken reference to Evil Dead II, the entire film is too serious for its own good. On the other hand, it’s always nice to see Scrimm outside of the Phantasm franchise.

"Do I have shumfing schtuck on my teef?"

Brainscan features Edward Furlong - during his brief heartthrob heyday following Terminator 2 – as Michael Bower, a teenage misfit who finds respite through computer games. But he gets more than he bargained for with Brainscan, a VR game where he’s egged-on to commit murders by its host, Trickster (T. Ryder Smith). In a twist that will surprise absolutely no one, the murders turn out to be real and Michael is the unwitting killer.

It’s predictable to a fault and Trickster is an obvious attempt to create a horror icon akin to Freddy Kruger. Still, Brainscan manages to be fairly engaging. Smith has some funny, scenery-chewing moments. Furlong is yet-another troubled teen, but at-least he’s convincing in the role. While the special effects are terribly archaic, the film has a killer soundtrack featuring songs from numerous hard rock artists.

No bonus features are included on the disc, nor is the video or audio quality anything to write home about. Just two 90s’ relics offered at a cheap price. Neither are classics – or even cult classics – but budget-conscious horror fans could do a lot worse. 

KITTY CONSENSUS:

NOT BAD. LIKE CAT CHOW. 

SCREWBALL: A Performance Enhanced Documentary

Featuring Anthony Bosch, Porter Fischer, Jerome Hill. Directed by Billy Corben. (2018/105 min).

On DVD from MPI MEDIA GROUP

Review by Fluffy the Fearless😺

In the grand scheme of things, the doping scandal that brought down Alex Rodriguez and several other players had little impact on most of our lives (save for a few interesting weekends on SportsCenter). So as someone who couldn’t care less about baseball and didn’t really follow the story as it unfolded, I appreciated the snarky, comedic approach Screwball takes while still presenting all the facts and everyone involved.

And it’s a sure bet ol’ A-Rod doesn’t have this film in his collection.

Though technically a documentary, Screwball is structured almost like Goodfellas. Numerous shady figures are part of the story (including some with possible links to organized crime), but the three principle players are Tony Bosch, a so-called “doctor” who lived large and made a fortune providing PEDs to various athletes, Porter Fischer, a comically meat-headed rube who eventually blew the whistle on Bosch’s entire enterprise, and as the most prominent athlete nailed in the scandal, Rodriguez himself. Bosch and Fischer narrate most of the story, while A-Rod has understandably chosen not to participate. He is still prominently featured through archival footage from various news programs and interviews. That, along with comments from Bosch, paints him as an eccentric, narcissistic jackass.

The doctor is in...time-out.

But ultimately, no one involved is portrayed all that positively, including the MLB itself. Despite going to great lengths to justify their roles, Bosch still comes across as a sleazeball, Fischer, a dim bulb. Director Billy Corben is more concerned about creating an entertaining film than letting anyone off the hook, and does so brilliantly. Not only is the film fascinating, it’s often hilarious, particularly the dramatic re-enactments in which everyone is portrayed by child actors, looking and dressing like their adult counterparts. I’m not sure what purpose it ultimately serves, but it’s a wonderfully creative touch.

Best of all, the viewer doesn’t have to know a single thing about baseball or the PED scandal to enjoy it. Screwball is a quick-paced documentary with a narrative as compelling as a fictional crime film. And it isn’t one director’s subjective take on the story; the facts presented are indisputable. That it’s also surprisingly funny is simply the icing on the cake. A rare documentary worth multiple viewings, this one is highly recommended.

EXTRA KIBBLES

TRAILER

KITTY CONSENSUS:

MEE-OW! A HOME RUN.

Prrrfect Trailers: IT'S ALIVE

IT’S ALIVE

Released October 18, 1974

Starring John P. Ryan, Sharon Farrell, James Dixon, William Wellman Jr, Andrew Duggan, Guy Stockwell.

Directed by Larry Cohen

First released in 1974, Larry Cohen’s It’s Alive came and went unnoticed. But when re-released in 1977, it became a cult classic, largely due to this ingenious teaser trailer, which was far scarier than the movie itself.

The PAUL LENI Legacy

THE MAN WHO LAUGHS (1928) and THE LAST WARNING (1929)

Review by Mr. Paws😸

Paul Leni was part of the German Expressionist movement with a unique – and bleak – aesthetic style. After coming to America, he only made four films before his untimely death at the age of 44. However, his visual flair was a major influence on subsequent filmmakers, particularly early horror directors. Two of those films are now available on Blu-ray for the first time.

THE MAN WHO LAUGHS

Starring Conrad Veidt, Mary Philbin, Olga Baklanova, Brandon Hurst, Cesare Gravina. Directed by Paul Leni. (1928/110 min).

On Blu-ray from FLICKER ALLEY

Opening like a brooding horror film, The Man Who Laughs drips with foreboding atmosphere even before the titular character shows his terrifying face. The first act is particularly unnerving, where King James II kills a Lord who slighted him, then orders the face of the man’s young son, Gwynplaine, to be disfigured by comprachinos (child buyers), giving him a permanent psychotic grin. Left for dead after the comprachinos are banished from England, Gwynplaine saves a blind baby from freezing to death before both are rescued and raised by Ursa, the kindly owner of a traveling carnival. As an adult, Gwynplaine (Conrad Veidt) becomes the star attraction billed as The Laughing Man.

But contrary to much of its imagery, the story unfolds as a romantic drama with Gwynplaine falling in love in Dea (Mary Philbin), the blind girl he once saved. She loves him, too, but because of his grotesque appearance, Gwynplaine doesn’t feel he’s worthy. Then insatiable duchess Josiana (Olga Baklanova) enters the picture with a fetishistic attraction to him, later complicated when reigning Queen Anne learns Gwynplaine is alive and the rightful heir to his father’s wealth, which Josiana is currently enjoying.

Gwynplaine reads a naughty bit.

The plot is sort-of a cross between The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Freaks, but nowhere nearly as dark...or as compelling. The film is sometimes too meandering for its own good. Visually, however, The Man Who Laughs is very engaging. The atmospheric cinematography and production design give it a beautiful gothic look. Then there’s Gwynplaine’s disturbing grin (supposedly inspiring early incarnations of The Joker), which is potential nightmare fuel. Even so, it’s a credit to Veidt – acting almost entirely with his eyes – that Gwynplaine is sympathetic and endearing.

On Blu-ray, it’s hard to believe we’re watching a 90 year old film. Flicker Alley has beautifully restored it with a 4K remaster, enhanced by a brand new music score.

KITTY CONSENSUS: PURR-R-R

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTE - “Pail Leni and The Man Who Laughs” (video essay by John Soister.

IMAGE GALLERY – Production stills and promo material

OPTIONAL AUDIO TRACK – Of the original film score

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET – Essay: “Celebrating Universal’s Masterpiece,” by author Kevin Brownlow; Essay: “The Man Who Laughs Experience,” by new score composer Sonia Coronado; Film & Blu-ray production credits.

REVERSIBLE COVER – New and vintage artwork.

DVD COPY

THE LAST WARNING

Starring Laura La Piante, John Boles, Montagu Love, Roy D.Arcy, Margret Livingston, Burr McIntosh. Directed by Paul Leni. (1929/87 min).

On Blu-ray from FLICKER ALLEY

The remaster of The Last Warning isn’t nearly as impressive, probably due to the lack of a decent print to work with. But it, too, has its share of darkly atmospheric moments. The story itself is also more interesting, though  does end up resembling a Scooby Doo mystery.

In this one, famous actor John Woodward is murdered on stage while performing. After his body disappears during the investigation, the theater is closed. Five years later, Arthur McHugh (Montagu Love) decides to resurrect the play using the same surviving actors, including leading lady Doris Terry (Laura La Plante), the object of affection by Richard Quayle (John Boles). But it isn’t long before mysterious events happen, along with ominous warnings that promise death if the show goes on. Many of the cast and crew are suspects, some of whom believe Woodward’s ghost is the culprit.

This particular spider is set for life.

For the most part, The Last Warning is a fun film, delivering some story surprises and a few remarkable visual touches (the theater’s “face” is particularly creepy). It’s faster paced than The Man Who Laughs, the tone a little less serious. Unfortunately, the remaster for this one couldn’t do much about the dilapidated picture quality, which is often murky and filled with scratches and blemishes. The new score, however, is terrific.

KITTY CONSENSUS: NOT BAD.

EXTRA KIBBLES

FEATURETTE - “Pail Leni and The Last Warning” (video essay by John Soister.

IMAGE GALLERY – Production stills and promo material

SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKLET – Book Excerpt: “Of Gods and Monsters,” by John Soister; Essay: “Notes on the Score,” by new score composer Arthur Barrow; Film & Blu-ray production credits.

REVERSIBLE COVER – New and vintage artwork.

DVD COPY

Though neither is a horror film, Leni’s visual aesthetic was a huge influence on the genre. From a historical perspective, The Man Who Laughs is essential viewing for fans of the genre’s history, as it establishes a look that would be imitated for decades. The Last Warning isn't as visually compelling but has a more entertaining story. If forced to choose, I'd pick the former, mainly because it the Blu-ray transfer is far better.