MovieChat Forums > Salem's Lot (1979) Discussion > Salem Blu-Ray review

Salem Blu-Ray review

posted 8 years ago by jangoq
6 replies | jump to latest

My Salem's Lot Blu-Ray review:

I share similar sentiments to RobsBottin, another reviewer here, except I didn't expect any extras or slip-in cards other than the commentary. My expectations were already greatly lowered when I researched it's release.

The commentary didn't focus on the story enough for me. It was mostly about how wonderful the actors, particularly James Mason, was. I also would have liked more commentary about what was going on behind the scenes than what he gave, and more time on why he made certain changes from the book.

The Blu-Ray reproduction was pretty good. It revealed little details I hadn't noticed before such as Marjorie Glick crawling behind Mike in the root cellar. Maybe others had noticed it but I hadn't. Also, you can see Barlow's outfit much clearer, I never noticed the brown trim on it in the past, I thought it was 100% black.

I also didn't know that people actually lived in that house, an outer facade is used for the movie.
This may be mentioned in the documentary book recently made but Mike Ryerson "floats" out of the rocking chair, and Eva Miller "semi-floats" out of the chair when she is speaking to Susan after being bitten by Weasel. Mike's eyes are also brighter than most of the other vampires. This is because Geoffrey Lewis had large eyeballs that wouldn't work with the lens everyone else used. The different lenses he wears glowed when a light was shone at them.

I would recommend this more for the Blu Ray reproduction than the commentary, which would be the only reason to purchase this if you don't own it already and have a Blu-Ray player.

[–] RobsBottin 8 years ago

The commentary track is disappointing. Tobe Hooper doesn't reveal anything that I didn't already know apart from the location of the grave yard which was at Coal Canyon.

Additionally I felt that Tobe discussed Reggie Nalder far too early in the film, he doesn't even mention the final act and the staking of Barlow coupled with the many re-shoots that were required .

I don't mean to be negative but this really is poor show and the restoration is ok but it is certainly not what I would call a thorough clean up. I mentioned colour balance in my review, something or someone decided to remove the blue hue that we see on the DVD release, Barlow appears washed out and faded.

Overall the picture is a lot sharper but I can only be honest and say that I feel that Warner Brothers simply do not care half as much about their films as the fans do.

It's all a deep end.

[–] stones78 8 years ago

This is what I was afraid of, saved me some cash.

[–] RobsBottin 8 years ago

I would buy a copy stones, you might get more out of the comm track than I did (it's all subjective) and as I said the image is a lot sharper.

It's all a deep end.

[–] jangoq 8 years ago

I knew you were going to say something like that, you were just waiting for the negative reports weren't you? I'm kidding.

[–] stones78 8 years ago

If I had a blu-ray thingy, I'd prolly get the disc, but not the other way around.

[–] cultfilmfreaksdotcom 8 years ago

Commentaries are always hit or miss.

For me, the cover makes the Blu Ray. I've been waiting for years and am glad they kept the classic artwork and not some lame pasting of a few actors on the front with frightened expressions.

All Movie Reviews www.cultfilmfreaks.com