Lucky enough to watch the new
@Eurekavideo blu-ray release of Madhouse (1974).
While the camp is very much present, this is tinged with something more melancholy, as if a lament for the fading era of the classic British gothic is being sung alongside exploring the toll a lifetime of typecasting can take on an actor. Meta-commentary with its use of clips from some of Vincent Price's previous films is strong, while it drips with the irony of Peter Cushing playing someone desperate for the kind of iconic role the star had so many of in his locker.
Grisly deaths, surprisingly effective make-up effects and a woozy atmosphere that blurs the line between reality and fiction keeps the whole thing lively and heady, even if genre fans will spot the identity of the masked killer far too easily.
But its a fascinating proto-slasher that feels like the exact hinge between bidding farewell to the classic gothic of the 60s and early 70s and ushering in the future of Black Christmas that was waiting less than a year later. Price and Cushing delivering on all cylinders, this is an absolute treat.
A great HD presentation with lurid, sumptuous colours, a crystal clear original mono track, and an extras package that features a new commentary, video essay, archival making of and introduction and this is a release that is sure to feature highly in my upcoming Top Ten 1080p releases for June over at
@AVForums.
#physicalmedia