HBO DVD release of The Changeling.
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A genuine rarity; an authentically, truly scary movie. Peter Medak's intelligent, subtle, creepy ghost story is that scarcest of beasts: a satisfyingly horror film with a marked absence of unnecessary special effects & gratuitous violence. Following a freak car accident in upstate New York that leaves him a widower, a composer, music professor and accomplished musician (the dramatic George C. Scott) travels across the US in an attempt to move on, both literally and figuratively. Seeking solace, he takes a job as a University music professor, leases an antique mansion unoccupied for twelve years that is both grand and historic, but also, as he soon comes to realize, possessed of a darker secret. A child-like presence seems to be sharing the house, and this vengeful ghost of a murder victim refuses to remain buried. Through research into the house's past and a seance held within, Russell discovers the horrific secret that the presence will no longer allow to be kept, and the composer's realization that he may not be the mansion's only inhabitant leads him toward a crucial search for the truth and climactic confrontation. The best haunted-house film ever, bettering even Robert Wise's The Haunting, this compelling, elegant genre picture eschews overt gore and stupid shocks for understated eeriness, building occasionally to terrifying peaks (sequences involving a séance, a chilling bouncing ball and old wheelchair are really effective!). The result is intriguing, a potent combination of paranoia and sensitivity (George C. Scott's character endeavours to understand, empathize with and help the troubled spectre - as opposed to running blindly from ethereal manifestations in the manner of most supernatural pictures). The film's key elements are a well-written plot and sinister ambiance, with John Coquillon's classy cinematography lending the film an eerie charisma, effectively utilizing the ornate surroundings of Scott's haunted mansion, many scenes exert a palpable, insidious sense of suspense as Scott slowly realizes something's trying to make contact. Shot on a shoestring budget of $6 million, yet boasting a solid, competent cast (Scott, Trish VanDevere, Melvyn Douglas), a fabulous script and superb direction, The Changeling overcomes any potential shortcomings and deserves to be remembered alongside generic milestones such as Wise's legendary picture. Director Medak went on to direct the excellent British picture The Krays, but also considerably more gratuitous and considerably less effective pictures such as Romeo is Bleeding and Species II. Presented 1.85:1 in anamorphic widescreen, the transfer is fabulous with sharp well-defined images and impressively balanced contrast. Daylight scenes, especially those in sunshine display striking clarity, which looks terrific with clean colours and the print exhibits no fading, unlike every previous VHS release of the film this reviewer has ever seen. The mansion's intricate interiors look detailed and display clearly distinct imagery, though come darker scenes show noticeable grain. Deep blacks with decent contrast and nice image detail without noticeable edge enhancement make for a rounded, well-rendered picture. Fleshtones appear natural and minimal artifacting could be discerned. The merely satisfactory Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround track exhibits limited fidelity and middling dynamic range. Directionality is functional and the surrounds display restricted activity, whilst audio is clear with some ambient sounds. Unexciting, but competent. The only supplemental materials included on the Region 1 version of this disc were nondescript cast and crew bios, not even a trailer, so we have here a slight improvement and one-up for Region 2 consumers for a change! The disc offers a couple of supplemental materials: a screen-specific audio commentary with director Peter Medak which offers a lot of fascinating information, mainly focusing on technical aspects. It's an interesting listen, Medak is a very dry speaker and there are a few gaps, but it is certainly an essential listen for fans of the film such as myself. There's also a photo gallery - a photo montage of behind-the-scenes shots during the making of the film. The Changeling is a superb movie and an unequivocal must have on DVD. The picture impresses, the audio is passable and the supplements okay. An absolute must have in the humble opinion of your correspondent. - Reviewed by Dr. Obrero |
