Cult director Bert I. Gordon was at the helm for this terrifying story of supernatural passion. Set on an island in a tight-knit community, Tom Stewart (Richard Carlson) is preparing to marry the woman he loves. All is well until Tom’s old girlfriend, Vi, confronts him at the top of the island’s lighthouse, claiming he can only be hers! A freak accident throws the scorned woman to her death. At first relieved, Tom’s tune changes when her vengeful spirit begins to follow him wherever he goes. He’s soon tormented, body and soul, by an unforgiving she-ghost! What lengths will Tom go to in order to protect his secret? Will the vengeful Vi finally reveal herself to the others at hand? Find out in this harrowing tale of love between the living and the dead!
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Video Quality
Tormented makes its Blu-Ray debut thanks to Film Masters with a brand new 1080p master in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio derived from a 4K scan from 35mm archival elements. While there are certain limitations to the source it cannot quite overcome, the transfer delivers a pleasing experience that allows the film to look better than it ever has. The black-and-white photography shimmers in high definition with natural grain intact throughout with perhaps the slightest management. Most shots are capably resolved without major issues.
Print damage has been cleaned up to great effect with nothing but occasional nicks and scratches lingering. Detail comes through with fine texture on the outfits and within the seaside locale that serves as the setting. The most inconsistent shots are the ones where visual effects are at play, but even these shots do not stumble. The contrast is in good shape in terms of density fluctuation and clarity. Black levels are in decent shape with no detrimental occurrences of black crush or compression artifacts. Film Masters continues to rescue these features that many would otherwise overlook.
Audio Quality
The film comes with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio mono track that handles the material without major issues. Dialogue and background noises play well with one another and all other competing elements. The music never clips the dialogue or other important information, but it does sound a little weak at its highest peaks. The artistic intention is preserved with a passable fidelity. The track flows out with a minor amount of age-related wear and tear including some light crackles that likely date back to the source elements. Film Masters has done a decent job with what they were given to provide the best audio experience possible. There are optional English (SDH) subtitles included for all feature films and commentary tracks.
Special Features
- Audio Commentary: Film Historian Gary Rhodes leads a very informative commentary track in which he discusses the history of the film, the output of Bert I. Gordon, the location shooting, the special effects of the picture, the background of the creative figures involved, how this film fits into the period in which it was released, the notable elements of the feature and more.
- Mystery Science Theater 3000 version of Tormented: The 92-minute full episode of the comedy series is provided in upscaled HD and Dolby Digital 2.0 audio.
- Bert I. Gordon – The Amazing Colossal Filmmaker Interview: A great eight-minute interview in which the legendary filmmaker recounts his path into movies.
- Bigger Than Bert – Bert I. Gordon In the 1950’s and 1960’s Documentary: A nearly 40-minute documentary is provided in which film historian C. Courtney Joyner dives deep into the career of the legendary filmmaker during two of his most prolific decades.
- The Spirit Is Willing Visual Essay: A 20-minute visual essay by The Flying Maciste Brothers is provided which explores the themes of the story and the camera magic that brings the story to life.
- Famous Ghost Stories Unaired Pilot: A four-minute Vincent Price pilot presentation is provided
- Trailers: The disc provides the Original 1960 Raw 35mm Trailer (2:11) and the 2024 Re-Cut Trailer (2:01) for Tormented.
- Booklet: A multi-page booklet is provided featuring writing from Tom Weaver and John Wooley.
Final Thoughts
Tormented is obviously not a great movie if it ended up on Mystery Science Theater 3000, but it is also not a chore to watch by any means. There is some decent intrigue from watching this reprehensible lead character being plagued by his misdeeds. Where the film loses some of its potency is in the silly special effects and how they write the characters – especially the young child. It is an intriguing misfire, but one worth watching if you know what to expect. Film Masters has released a Blu-Ray featuring a very good A/V presentation and enjoyable special features. Fans of schlocky cinema should take note. Recommended
Tormented will be available to purchase on Blu-Ray and DVD on April 23, 2024.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Film Masters has supplied a copy of this set free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.