Distributor: Shock (Australia) |
"Even if you know the ending, the films incredible performances and atmosphere makes it the best adaptation of it to date" | Holmes returns back into the film about halfway through and teams back up with Watson to keep him up to date with his investigations. The interesting aspect of the film is that everyone is a potential suspect and it keeps you guessing to the end. Even if you know the ending, the films incredible performances and atmosphere makes it the best adaptation of it to date. |
The film was obviously shot on Hammer studios, with beautiful sets and costume design. There is fog and fantastic lighting effects that give it an incredibly eerie atmosphere. The film also contains a large amount of blood, which was considerable shocking for a 1959 audience. Before you watch the newer films and Tv series do yourself a favour and watch this original classic to get a gothic slice of Hammer and detective fiction at its finest.
Video:
The Hound of the Baskervilles makes it debut on blu ray in glorious HD, make note this is the only Blu-Ray release of it in the world. Shock presents to us a world first exclusive for Australians, making it a very special release. The film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.66: 1, and for a film from 1959 it looks incredible. The colours are extremely rich and vibrant, adding to atmosphere. The night scenes on the moors are a rich blue, and stun ning green lighting in the film really does stand out. The film was shot on colour for a reason, the indoor lets look very colourful with reds standing out. I owned a previous MGM DVD from 2005 and the colours look quite washed in comparison. There is extreme clarity and detail in the print, looking closely you will be able to see detail in the sets and characters clothing. The lighting effects are particully clear indoors and add clarity toy certain scenes, this is as close as to how it looked theatrically.
There is no print damage, it appears they sourced from the best master available, there are minor specs here and there but it is natural specs. The film has a thick natural layer of grain over it, this grain is obviously from the original negative. This blu ray matches all the other hammer Blu ray's as they have had terrific restorations and care done to them one by one. Hound's in HD does not disappoint. (Make note the screenshots have been compressed after captured and they do not represent the full 1080p video).
The Hound of the Baskervilles makes it debut on blu ray in glorious HD, make note this is the only Blu-Ray release of it in the world. Shock presents to us a world first exclusive for Australians, making it a very special release. The film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.66: 1, and for a film from 1959 it looks incredible. The colours are extremely rich and vibrant, adding to atmosphere. The night scenes on the moors are a rich blue, and stun ning green lighting in the film really does stand out. The film was shot on colour for a reason, the indoor lets look very colourful with reds standing out. I owned a previous MGM DVD from 2005 and the colours look quite washed in comparison. There is extreme clarity and detail in the print, looking closely you will be able to see detail in the sets and characters clothing. The lighting effects are particully clear indoors and add clarity toy certain scenes, this is as close as to how it looked theatrically.
There is no print damage, it appears they sourced from the best master available, there are minor specs here and there but it is natural specs. The film has a thick natural layer of grain over it, this grain is obviously from the original negative. This blu ray matches all the other hammer Blu ray's as they have had terrific restorations and care done to them one by one. Hound's in HD does not disappoint. (Make note the screenshots have been compressed after captured and they do not represent the full 1080p video).
Audio:
Overall we have a great audio mix presented in DTS, it is the films original mono soundtrack.. It sounds great with dialogue coming off crisp with no crackles or pops in the background at all. The musical score has intense moments and the orchestral sounds really do stand out. You can blast it up and the soundtrack appears to have been remastered and uncompressed; putting the older DVD to shame.
Overall we have a great audio mix presented in DTS, it is the films original mono soundtrack.. It sounds great with dialogue coming off crisp with no crackles or pops in the background at all. The musical score has intense moments and the orchestral sounds really do stand out. You can blast it up and the soundtrack appears to have been remastered and uncompressed; putting the older DVD to shame.
Extras:
To have the film on Blu Ray is special enough, but shock have decided to add some nice extras to the package.
ANDRÉ MORELL: BEST OF BRITISH FEATURETTE;
We get a very informative documentary on the life actor Andre Morell (who played DR. Watson). It has interviews from his son and a various film historians, we learn about his career during the war and then after it. It is a very relevant feature as it covers quite a lot on Baskerville and his decision on how he decided to preform Watson. Its a very nice feature for any Hammer fan, it also covers a bit of his later career. It is presented here in HD 1080p on the blu ray disc.
STILLS GALLERY -
Here we have some very nice still of the film, some promotional photos and behind the scenes. They are look excellent in 1080p on the blu ray disc.
DVD:
As a dual format edition, we receive a DVD version of the film; which is nice for those who may need a spare copy. The dvd appears to use the same master as the Blu Ray.
To have the film on Blu Ray is special enough, but shock have decided to add some nice extras to the package.
ANDRÉ MORELL: BEST OF BRITISH FEATURETTE;
We get a very informative documentary on the life actor Andre Morell (who played DR. Watson). It has interviews from his son and a various film historians, we learn about his career during the war and then after it. It is a very relevant feature as it covers quite a lot on Baskerville and his decision on how he decided to preform Watson. Its a very nice feature for any Hammer fan, it also covers a bit of his later career. It is presented here in HD 1080p on the blu ray disc.
STILLS GALLERY -
Here we have some very nice still of the film, some promotional photos and behind the scenes. They are look excellent in 1080p on the blu ray disc.
DVD:
As a dual format edition, we receive a DVD version of the film; which is nice for those who may need a spare copy. The dvd appears to use the same master as the Blu Ray.
Overall 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' is a classic of horror and detective fiction, this is the first ever Blu Ray release in the world and the new HD transfer looks stunning. The audio is uncompressed and we get a few nice extras to keep fans satisfied. Do not hesitate to pick up this release as it is an Australian exclusive, you can import to you country overseas direct from screen pop.
Overall: 4.5 (Buy It!)
M: 5
V: 5
A: 5
E: 3.5
Overall: 4.5 (Buy It!)
M: 5
V: 5
A: 5
E: 3.5
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RRP: Price: $24.91
Approx: USD $23.41, GBP £13.68, EUR € 17,21, NZD $26.55
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