Arrow Video Rescues Three 70's Films from Obscurity and Restores Them for
"American Horror Project Volume 1"
Released by: Arrow Video
Release Date: February 22, 2016 (UK) / February 23, 2016 (US)
Production Year: 1975
Region Code: ALL
Running Time: 1:33:04
Audio: English LPCM Mono
Video: 1080p (1.85:1 Aspect Ratio)
Subtitles: English SDH
THE FILM - [ 2 / 5 ]:
Everyone knows the classic American horror titles: Night of the Living Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and A Nightmare on Elm Street, to name but a few. But we want to tell you a different story – a story of the unsung heroes of American terror… Whether it’s a film that has languished in obscurity, or a movie that’s at risk of being lost due to lack of source materials, American Horror Project is here to ensure that these unique slices of the American Nightmare are brought back into the public consciousness and preserved for all to enjoy.
This review is for the final film in the "American Horror Project Volume 1," Robert Allen Schnitzer's 1976 film, "The Premonition." This film is a tale of psychic terror in which five-year-old Janie (Danielle Brisebois, "Big Bad Mama II" and TV's "Archie Bunker's Place") is snatched away by a strange woman (Ellen Barber) claiming to be her long-lost mother.
A tale of two mental patients. A sort of mime-clown named Jude (Richard Lynch, "Deathsport," "Bad Dreams") shows his girlfriend a picture of a girl who might be her daughter. Thus begins the scheming to try and get back the daughter she lost. Now, toss in a mother who has psychic visions about her daughter being stolen away from her and you have the makings of a wild ride. There's another odd twist of sorts within the story but I won't reveal that.
While I thought the basic plot of the film was interesting I didn't think it worked too well. I can't quite put my finger on what it was other than I found the movie to be boring. It is just my opinion but I think the film could have benefited by a few more deaths along the way to beef up the action.
AUDIO - [ 4 / 5 ]:
An English LPCM Mono track is the only audio option for this Blu-ray. English SDH Subtitles are included also. I thought the audio quality was very good on this release. From screaming to sobbing, the dialogue and accompanying sounds were of excellent quality. The sound levels were balanced fairly well.
VIDEO - [ 3 / 5 ]:
"The Premonition" scares its way on to Blu-ray thanks to a new 2k restoration by Arrow Video. The film is presented in 1080p with a 1.85 Aspect Ratio. This Blu-ray features some excellent colors but reds looked over saturated in some scenes . Skin tones have a natural appearance and look appropriate. The sharpness can vary in the film. Some scenes look rather sharp with good detail while a moment later the picture can look a little soft. Whether that is simply the result of the filming process, I do not know. There are some minor white specks and spots throughout the film but not to the point of becoming distracting. Check out some of the screen caps for an idea of what you can expect.
There were a couple instances of vertical purple-like streaks along the left side of the screen which you can see in the screen cap directly below which occurred at 1:04:09 and lasted for around 20 seconds.
SPECIAL FEATURES - [ 4 / 5 ]:
Play with Introduction (3:16) - Author and Co-curator for American Horror Project, Stephen Thrower gives a brief introduction to the film. He talks about how during the 70's, films were more likely to tackle real life fears such as losing a child, a couple breaking up and so on. This film fits in more with that sort of subject matter.
Isolated Score - Audio track #2 is an isolated score for the film.
Audio Commentary with director Robert Allen Schnitzer - Mr. Schnitzer provides an abundant amount of information whether it is scene specific, regarding the cast, crew or production. He also provides what he perceives to be going through the minds of some characters at the time of particular scenes.
Pictures from a Premonition (21:19) - Making-of documentary featuring interviews with director Robert Allen Schnitzer, composer Henry Mollicone and cinematographer Victor Milt. Mr. Schnitzer discusses the origins of the film including where the story came from, a screenplay titled "The Adoption." He also talks about his career, members of the cast and the films production. Mr. Milt and Mr. Mollicone speak about their time working on the film.
Robert Allen Schnitzer Interview (5:51) - Mr. Schnitzer discusses his interest in parapsychology and the original screenplay which was adapted to fit the desired story. He also talks about making a film with less violence as a contrast to other more violent films being made at the time.
Richard Lynch Interview (16:06) - Mr. Lynch speaks about success in acting and how acting is his way of life. He also talks about his role in the film and studying for his role of Jude. Various aspects of the films production are also talked about.
Robert Allen Schnitzer Short Films:
- Terminal Point (40:45)
- Vernal Equinox (30:08)
- A Rumbling in the Land (11:05)
Peace Spots (3:38) - Four brief spots regarding peace during the time of the Vietnam war.
Theatrical Trailer (2:23)
TV Spots (3:27) - Three TV Spots.
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly-commissioned artwork by the Twins of Evil.
DVD - A DVD is also included
American Horror Project Journal Volume 1 - As part of the limited edition set, a 60-page booklet featuring new articles on the film from Kim Newman (Nightmare Movies), Kier-La Janisse (House of Psychotic Women) and Brian Albright (Regional Horror Films, 1958-1990).
OVERALL RATING - [ 3 / 5 ]
