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

ADDITION: Shout! Factory Blu-ray (July 2019): Indicator release a new High Definition remaster of "The Legacy". The 1080p 1.85:1 image is kept on a dual-layered Blu-ray disc and has a completely maxed-out bitrate. When compared to the Shout! Factory Blu-ray, this is a much more impressive transfer. This new image shows that the Shout! Blu-ray was zoomed-in/cropped just a tad on all sides of the frame. The biggest difference that one may see when comparing the screen captures is the greater contrast in this new Blu-ray from Indicator. Blacks are deeper and way more varied, showing a greater depth to the image. Gone is the yellow-hued forest with a slightly purple sky in the first image capture, now we have a much more realistic picture, with lifelike skin tones (check out the image of Katharine Ross by the fireplace mantle). The original Blu-ray that Shout! released was no slouch, showing a fine amount of detail without much print damage, and yet this new transfer shows how much was clearly lacking. Another fantastic transfer thanks to Indicator.

NOTE: Indicator give the option of viewing the film in either the US Theatrical Cut (HD 1.85:1 100 min) or the UK Theatrical Cut (SD, 1.33:1, 102 min) The menu states that "The Legacy premiered in UK cinemas in September 1978. When it played US cinemas a year later, the runtime was reduced and it featured some alternative shots. The US Theatrical Cut is presented here in a new High Definition remaster. The UK Theatrical Cut is presented in open-matte Standard Definition.

On this new Blu-ray, Indicator wisely include the original mono audio, presented in uncompressed linear PCM 2.0 (24-bit). The rather mediocre DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel at 1624 kbps that appeared on the Shout! Blu-ray is now bested by this new uncompressed track. The score by Michael J. Lewis (The Medusa Touch, 11 Harrowhouse, Julius Caesar) is given more weight thanks to this linear PCM. Not to mention the Kiki Dee track, "Another Side of Me". There are also new and improved English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing on this Region 'Free' Blu-ray from Indicator.

The first extra is an audio commentary with Kevin Lyons, editor of The Encyclopaedia of Fantastic Film and Television. Next up are 3 interviews, starting with "An Editing Legacy"; a 14-minute interview with with Anne V. Coates. "The Make-up Effects of 'The Legacy'" is an 11-minute interview with Robin Grantham. "Ashes and Crashes" is a 4-minute interview with Second Unit Director Joe Marks. "Between the Hammer and the Anvil" is Marquand’s acclaimed documentary short film, made for the Central Office of Information in 1973. The documentary is about the Liverpool police force. Also here is the film's theatrical trailer, as well as TV and radio spots. An image gallery featuring on-set and promotional photography is also located on the Blu-ray. There is a limited edition exclusive booklet with a new essay by Julian Upton, an overview of contemporary critical responses, archival articles, and film credits.

"The Legacy" features some fine tongue-in-cheek performances from Katharine Ross and Sam Elliot (who shows off his backside, unless that was a body double). The film finds a lot of unique ways to get around an otherwise boilerplate spooky gothic castle plot. This Blu-ray from Indicator is recommended to fans of the genre, not to mention the fine cast.

A note that some have mentioned that their discs experience an issue around the 71-72 minute mark (some saying 72:10) on the US cut. We should note that our screener copy did not have such errors.

Colin Zavitz

***

ON THE Shout! Factory Blu-ray (September 7th, 2015) - The Legacy looks solid on Blu-ray from Shout! Factory. It's another modest 70's - 80's horror put to 1080P. The transfer is described as an 'HD transfer from the inter-positive'. The image quality supports the film's visuals with excellent contrast. There are some light surface scratches here and there. This is single-layered with a modest bitrate but the colors look true with some depth. It is transferred in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio. There are no dominant flaws - the video is produces a positive presentation.

Audio is in the form of a DTS-HD Master 2.0 channel at 1624 kbps. Not an abundance of effects in the film. The score is by Michael J. Lewis and is fairly subtle with some aggressive outbursts - exporting some occasional depth. There are optional English subtitles (see sample) and my Oppo has identified it as being a region 'A'-locked Blu-ray.

Shout! Factory add some extras - a 14-minute interview with editor Anne V. Coates and a second, 11-minutes long, interview with special effects artist Robin Grantham - both talking about the film production. There is also a theatrical trailer, TV and radio spot plus a superfluous gallery.

I think The Legacy had potential, but falls short. I was keen to see Katharine Ross and Sam Elliot together. The plot doesn't move with any urgency and seems directionless - relying on the two stars to carry it forward - which they are capable of doing to a small degree. The Shout! Factory Blu-ray produces a fine presentation - but the film may disappoint those with high expectations. 

Gary Tooze