Experiment In Terror Blu-ray Review
“Experiment In Terror” is a quality thriller despite pacing issues.
Based on the novel “Operation Terror” by Mildred and Gordon Gordon (who also wrote the screenplay), 1962’s “Experiment In Terror” is a thriller/neo-noir. The San Francisco set story revolves around a bank teller (Kelly) who becomes preyed upon by a serial killer known as Red. The calculating, heavy breathing Red wants Kelly to steal 100 grand for him. The stakes couldn’t be any higher as Red threatens to kill both Kelly and her teen sister Toby if she doesn’t go through with it. Knowing she needs help, Kelly reaches out to the FBI where agent John Ripley is put on the case. Ripley starts looking for clues and questioning people and soon learns his identity and horrific past. The case becomes complicated though when Toby ends up being kidnapped by Red.
Director Blake Edwards was best known for comedy films like “The Pink Panther” and “Breakfast At Tiffany’s,” but the prolific filmmaker also dabbled in other genres. With “Experiment In Terror,” he crafts a dark, tense thriller that feels influenced by the likes of “Psycho,” but also feels like a precursor to movies such as “Zodiac” and “Dirty Harry.” Accompanied by an excellent moody score by the legendary Henry Mancini, ‘Terror’ starts and ends on a strong note. The beginning is downright intense as the killer confronts Kelly while the ending is a thrilling spectacle that takes place at Candlestick Park during a Giants and Dodgers MLB game. The neo-noir flavor and the San Francisco location shooting also adds a real sense of atmosphere to the already unnerving tale.
Where ‘Terror’ falls a bit short is with the middle act. Not only could this film have been edited down at least 15-20 minutes, but the middle act just downright drags. There’s far too many scenes of FBI field work and it feels like the writers are biding their time before the big climax.
In terms of the cast, there’s a trio of fine performances here by Glenn Ford (as Ripley), the ever underrated Lee Remick (Kelly) and Ross Martin who is positively creepy as the killer Red.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? This Blu-ray reissue features a striking hi-def restoration of the B&W film. Fans will be thrilled by the results.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The 5.1 track is effective in the right moments but is a little on the quiet side at times.
The lone extra is a trailer.
No comments yet.
Share This Blog
Robert Ham
dmanderson
Andrea
nicklyons1
DVD Corner 
Leave a comment