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

Firstly, this Kino Lorber Blu-ray package offers both the 3D and 2D (Standard) versions of the film, The Maze. We will only review the 2D version here although I viewed the 3D on my system and will comment on it's effectiveness.

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.

Kino has provided a restored three-channel stereophonic sound by Eckhard Büttner. There is also the option of a 2.0 mono track. The 3.0 restoration is a welcome addition. Compared to audio tracks on other films of its age, the track stands out as clean and effective. The score is from composer Marlin Skiles (Flat Top, Queen of Outer Space, My Gun is Quick, Dead Reckoning)and it is a good one. The orchestration of strings is highly effective given the gothic horror elements of the film. As David Schecter mentions in the commentary track, the strings remind one of Hitchcock's Psycho while being 7 years ahead of that film. There are no subtitles offered on Kino's Region 'A'-locked Blu-ray disc.

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!