NOTE: These Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

Firstly, in the 4 Blu-ray discs, 6-film, Vincent Price Collection (reviewed HERE) The Pit and the Pendulum shares the first Blu-ray with The Masque of the Red Death. Arrow have released a new Blu-ray package - in both a regular transparent case version and a Steelbook (both UK transfers are the same).

The Pit and the Pendulum gets a more robust transfer via Arrow with a much higher bitrate than the US edition. The images look very similar in the static captures comparisons below (color, detail) but, in-motion, the Arrow is smoother and superior. Textures are supported - there is a bit of frame-specific damage but otherwise contrast supports an excellent 1080P image.

Audio: Arrow use a linear PCM mono track, faithfully replicating the original production audio. It sounds predictably flat with a shade of noticeable depth. Like the Shout! Factory the Arrow offers optional English subtitles but is a region 'B'-locked Blu-ray.

Arrow offer a ton of extras. We get the same commentary with Roger Corman as found on the Shout! Factory as well as a second, very professional commentary from critic Tim Lucas. He is, easily, the best for this genre and imparts some valuable information that fans will be keen to indulge in. There is also a third, optional track with the isolated music and effects. Behind the Swinging Blade is a 2013, 43-minute documentary on the making of The Pit and the Pendulum featuring Roger Corman, star Barbara Steele, Vincent Price’s daughter Victoria Price and others discussing the production. We get a 5-minute added TV Sequence – shot in 1968 to pad out the film for the longer TV time slot. This particular scene features star Luana Anders. An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe with Vincent Price is a 53-minute, TV-quality, show from 1970. In it, Price reads a selection of Poe’s classic stories before a live audience, including The Tell-Tale Heart, The Sphinx, The Cask of Amontillado and The Pit and the Pendulum. It offers English subtitles - the a/v is not very strong although it is transferred in 1080P. Included is an original trailer and the package contains a collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Gothic Horror author Jonathan Rigby, illustrated with original archive stills and posters.

Once again, Arrow produce the definitive Blu-ray package for a pseudo-classic. It's an incredible package - max'ed out a/v - and some real effort going into the extras. Plus a Steelbook case (which is marvelous, btw) if you desire. This is a perfect film, for a late Friday night double-feature (suggest The Fall of the House of Usher!) Heartily endorsed!

Gary W. Tooze