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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r |
Directed by William Cameron Menzies
USA
1953
The Maze is a 1953 atmospheric horror film in 3-D, directed by William Cameron Menzies (Invaders from Mars, Things to Come) and starring Richard Carlson (The Magnetic Monster) as Scotsman Gerald MacTeam (Carlson) who abruptly breaks off his engagement to pretty Kitty Murray (Veronica Hurst) after receiving word of his uncle's death and inheriting a mysterious castle in the Scottish Highlands. Kitty refuses to accept the broken engagement and travels with her aunt (Katherine Emery) to the castle. When they arrive, they discover that Gerald has suddenly aged and his manner has changed significantly. After a series of mysterious events occur in both the castle and the hedge maze outside, they invite a group of friends, including a doctor, to the castle, hoping they can help Gerald with whatever ails him. Menzies was known for his very dimensional style, focusing many shots in layers The Maze was his final film as production designer and director. |
Posters found at the 3-D Film Archive HERE
Theatrical Release: July 2nd, 1953
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
Review: Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray
Box Cover |
|
Distribution | Kino - Region 'A' - Blu-ray |
Runtime | 1:20:23.652 |
Video |
Disc Size: 25,376,005,536 bytes Feature Size: 22,605,023,232 bytes Average Bitrate: 19.86 MbpsSingle-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video |
Bitrate: | |
Audio |
DTS-HD Master Audio English 2095 kbps 3.0 / 48 kHz / 2095 kbps / 24-bit (DTS
Core: 3.0 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 24-bit) DTS-HD Master Audio English 1561 kbps 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1561 kbps / 16-bit (DTS Core: 2.0 / 48 kHz / 1509 kbps / 16-bit) |
Subtitles | None |
Features |
Release Information: Studio: Kino
Disc Size: 25,376,005,536 bytes Feature Size: 22,605,023,232 bytes Average Bitrate: 19.86 MbpsSingle-layered Blu-ray MPEG-4 AVC Video
Edition Details: • Interview with Star Veronica Hurst • Restored three-channel stereophonic sound by Eckhard Büttner • Original 3-D Trailer • Reversible Art Blu-ray Release Date: April 24th, 2018 Standard Blu-ray Case Chapters 8 |
Comments: |
NOTE:
The below
Blu-ray
captures were taken directly from the
Blu-ray
disc.
Firstly, this Kino Lorber
NOTE: The menu offers an option for both 3-D and 2-D playback, but when this disc is viewed on a regular 2-D monitor and 2-D Blu-ray player, the 3-D version is prohibited showing this screen:
The Kino
Blu-ray
is advertised as "Newly Restored in 3-D by 3-D Film Archive from 4K
scans by Paramount Pictures Archives!" and
presents the film on a single-layered disc for the hour 20-minute
feature. The bitrate is supportive.
The 3-D presentation is one of the finest that I have witnessed on
Blu-ray
(with the exception of modern computer-animated films from Pixar). Right
from the start of the film, the depth of the 3-D image is stunning. Also
impressive is the lack of the dreaded crosstalk (ghosting effect where
an image appears to be doubled). Crosstalk can vary from person to
person, depending on many factors, but I can safely say that in my
personal experience, this is the least amount of crosstalk that I have
seen on 3D Blu-ray. The mise-en-scène of the film is only enhanced by
the 3-D presentation, giving an added layer of depth. The 2D version is
quite solid with consistent contrast and detail, though if you have the
equipment to see this film in 3D, that is the recommended experience.
Extras include a commentary track featuring Tom Weaver, Bob Furmanek, Dr. Robert J. Kiss, and David Schecter entering at various points in the film. This is a very interesting and well-informed track starting with Weaver discussing the history of The Maze, from its original form as a novel to the 1953 film. Eventually, the other experts appear to discuss other aspects of the film, from the score to the reception of the film. Weaver also appears later to discuss the restoration process involved in bringing us this disc. This is an eye-opening (or should I say ear-opening) listen, full of fun factoids that results in a greater appreciation for the film. Highly recommend this track to anyone interested. Kino also provides a 6-minute interview with actress Veronica Hurst. Hurst discusses her experience of making The Maze.
This was so much fun - the best vintage 3D I've seen on Blu-ray and a wild, bizarre sci-fi horror gem. For fans of the 3D process this is essential, for everyone else it is simply warmly recommended! Colin Zavitz |
Menus/extras
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Screen Captures