Behind every curtain, someone is waiting... someone is watching.
Released by: Synapse Films
Release Date: July 29, 2014
Region Code: A
Running Time: 1:29:07
Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono
Video: 1080p (1.78:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH
THE FILM:
A group of woman gather for a weekend casting call at the secluded mansion of director Jonathan Stryker (John Vernon). He's searching for the perfect woman to play the role of the crazed character "Audra", and these women are just dying for the chance to play her! Stryker's last star, Samantha Sherwood (Samantha Eggar), is so determined to get the part, she committed herself to an asylum to prepare for the role. Unfortunately for all, a crazed killer in a disgusting "hag" mask is viciously murdering everyone one by one. Who will survive the final curtain call?
"Curtains" was directed by Richard Ciupka and stars John Vernon (Animal House), Samantha Eggar (The Brood), Lynne Griffin (Black Christmas) and Lesleh Donaldson (Happy Birthday To Me).
Production began in late 1980 but the film was not released until 1983. The film had a very troubled production which you can learn about in the extras included in this release. The film was never given a proper home video release until Synapse Films rescued it from somewhat obscurity and released an amazing Blu-ray.
AUDIO:
Viewers have the choice between the original sound via a DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono track and a newly created DTS-HD MA 5.1 remix. Both tracks sound great with the new 5.1 track doing its best to draw you in and heighten your viewing experience. The sound quality is quite good in all aspects from dialogue to sound effects.
VIDEO:
"Curtains" slashes its way on to Blu-ray due to many hours of hard work by Synapse Films. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio. Synapse Films did a new 2K High-Definition transfer from the original vault materials. Where do I start? The film looks amazing. No one could have ever guessed that a film that many had never seen before due to it being largely unavailable, could look this good. The ice skating scene alone, is breath taking. You can see the fibers in characters clothing in some shots. This is the type of quality that every horror fan wishes to see in all older horror films that make it to Blu-ray. Colors look appropriate and vivid. Skin tones look perfect. The grain structure looks great as well. There really is nothing negative to say about the video quality of this release. The details in the shots of the hag mask are incredible. This isn't my first time watching this Blu-ray. I have had it since it's release. But I recently started to write reviews and I am glad I picked this one today, because it is a work of art.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Synapse Films also includes the following special features on their Blu-ray release as well as a Chapter Selection Screen and English SDH Subtitles.
Commentary Track - Actresses Lynne Griffin (Patti) and Lesleh Donaldson (Christine) are joined by Moderator Edwin Samuelson on this fun and casual track. The ladies memories are a bit hazy at times regarding the film but it has been a very long time for them. Thankfully Mr. Samuelson is there with questions and information to help guide them along the way. It's fun listening to them reminisce about their time on the set and their reactions to something they see in the film. Lynne Griffin mentions that her mother played one of the women in the asylum. They also talk about the wardrobe or lack there of and having to wear their own clothing. The pair discuss careers and personal lives as well. All in all, a fun commentary that I enjoyed.
Audio Interviews (55:26) - Found in the Setup Menu on the Blu-ray, this is a pair of interviews with Producer Peter Simpson and Actress Samantha Eggar. The interview with Peter Simpson takes up the bulk of the running time. At times it can be a little tough to understand Mr. Simpson due to it sounding like it was an interview done over the phone. He's very frank in the interview when he talks about the troubled production of "Curtains", issues with the Director (Richard Ciupka), having to do reshoots and the ice skating scene among other topics. Samantha Eggar speaks about her role in the film and her career.
Ciupka: A Filmmaker in Transition (15:09) - This featurette discusses Ricard Ciupka's change from Cinematographer to Directer and the problems he faced along the way and afterward. There is also some behind the scenes footage from "Curtains" as well. It's an honest and interesting piece.
The Ultimate Nightmare: The Making of "Curtains" (35:51) - A very good documentary on the many issues that plagued the production. This segment features interviews with Director Richard Ciupka, Editor Michael MacLaverty, Special Make-Up Effects Creator Greg Cannom, Composer Paul Zaka and Actresses Lynne Griffin and Lesleh Donaldson. The participants are very candid at times and it makes this a must watch for fans.
Theatrical Trailer
IN CONCLUSION:
"Curtains", a troubled film but a trouble-free Blu-ray release thanks to Synapse Films. Some may remember reading about all the extra footage, alternate ending and more that was thrown out a couple years before Synapse Films was able to track materials down. It really is a shame because it would have been something special. But what we still have is an incredible Blu-ray and the film has never looked anywhere close to as good as it looks now. I cannot recommend this enough. It should be appreciated just for the video quality alone because they put a lot of hard work into this release, and it shows.
OVERALL RATING: 4.5 / 5
