The Uninvited (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]

Very good old movie. Arrived on time and in new condition

My wife and I wore out two VHS copies, and one DVD copy. If you've never seen this, buy it, and pop some popcorn, then watch it with the lights out.

I hadn't realized how much I was missing until my first viewing of "The Uninvited" on Blu-Ray, the classic ghost story that was first released in 1944, under the direction of Lewis Allen. Thanks to Criterion Collection, the film has been beautifully restored on both DVD and Blu-Ray, and can now be accessible to fans old and new. I love watching B&W movies, but this restoration had me in awe, and it is no wonder that Charles Lang's cinematography was lauded and nominated for an Academy Award. The transfer here onto Blu-Ray makes this a visually-compelling movie that I plan on watching over and over.Fans of highly atmospheric, old-fashioned ghost stories will adore this film as it's a classic representation of the genre. Set on England's Devonshire coast in the year 1937, the film centers on siblings, Rick (Ray Milland) and Pamela Fitzgerald (Ruth Hussey) who on a trip to the coast find themselves attracted to the desolate Windward House. Upon Pamela's coaxing, Ray agrees to the purchase of the house, using their combined resources. Though it may seem a bit strange for a pair of grown siblings, a brother and sister, sharing a house together, one needs to keep in mind the time period for the film, a time where it wasn't unheard of for an unmarried sister to keep house for her brother, in this case, while the brother works on his music.Soon after they move in, the siblings begin to realize that all those tales about the house and its reputation are not unfounded after all. The taciturn old Commander Beech (Donald Crisp) whose daughter lived there, is adamant that his beautiful young granddaughter, Stella (the gorgeous Gail Russell) not socialize with the siblings or go anywhere near the old house. Of course, headstrong Stella pays little mind to the old man's orders, not that she could resist the pull to the old house, having a strong attachment to the house due to the connection with her deceased mother. But as Gail and Ray are inevitably drawn to each other, Ray and Pamela come to realize why the Commander wished his granddaughter away from the old house; there's a presence of some sort in the place, and it is clearly fixated on Gail, and may not be a benign entity but one that is positively malevolent.The scares in this film may be nothing compared to the gore and slasher flicks dominating horror cinema today, but I thought the film was effectively chilling precisely because of the absence of such in-your-face special effects. The B&W cinematography with its use of light and shadows, perfectly captures the tense moments in the Windward House as the siblings and even the maid, followed by the hapless Stella, discover the intentions of the entity residing within. Every minute detail adds to the suspense, such as the faint flicker of candlelight, the slamming of a door, the rustle of curtains, and more, and enhances one's appreciation of this beautifully-filmed ghost story.The music at first seemed a little jarring since there's a lighthearted tone at the beginning which seemed very at odds with the supernatural-themed story, but I did love the haunting strains of Victor Young's "Stella by Starlight" which sets the scene perfectly for this compelling and atmospheric Gothic ghost story. The plot may not be perfect but does yield some unexpected twists that enhanced the story.The cast delivers a credible performance, none more so than Gail Russell whose luminous beauty and gimlet eyes light up the screen (though I was sad to learn about her battle with alcoholism and her eventual demise at the young age of 36).This Blu-Ray edition features:- New 2K digital restoration, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack- A new 26-minute visual essay, "Giving Up the Ghost", by filmmaker Michael Almereyda- Two radio adaptations, from 1944 and 1949, both starring Ray Milland, reprising his role as Rick Fitzgerald (the earlier one features Ruth Hussey too).- A trailer- A booklet featuring an essay by critic Farran Smith Nehme and a 1997 interview with director Lewis AllenThe total running time is 99 minutes, in black and white, monaural, 1.37:1 aspect ratio.Final verdict - If you're a connoisseur of classic ghost stories, then you will surely enjoy 1944's "The Uninvited" on this special edition Blu-Ray.

Five solid stars for a superb Criterion Collection Blu Ray disc production; beautiful sound and clear video having a stunning clarity in frame by frame stepping. A wonderful, thought provoking visual essay of amazing depth “Giving Up The Ghost” by filmmaker Michael Almereyada will forever alter a simple surface view of life.“The Uninvited” is a film that makes the viewer wish modern movie producers would study it intently and understand that subtle suggestion to the imagination is many multiple times more effective than blood and gore splattered everywhere. “The Uninvited” profoundly demonstrates that black and white cinematography is not only beautiful, but can be a powerful medium in its use of shadow and light in a stunning use of grays, deep blacks and bright whites to stir the imagination. Black and White can make texture stand out in a way that a viewer can almost touch and feel. It is a bit sad to realize how much depth modern movie viewers miss in not having well made Black and White films available.“The Uninvited” is a first rate story and production, with a perfectly chosen, absolutely superb cast across the board. Stories abound about Gail Russell’s terror of movie making and the director’s difficulty in dealing with her insecurities. However, Gail is so superb as “Stella” that it is hard to not feel those stories were exaggerated considerably. Plus Gail’s heartfelt performances her later classic movies such as “Angel and the Badman”, “Wake of the Red Witch” , “Moonrise”, “Lawless” and “Seven Men From Now”, prove her to be an accomplished actress with effortless star quality and a screen presence that is very unique and striking. Gail’s screen presence is only in part due to her incredible natural beauty. Gail’s stunning eyes and sensitive, expressive, lovely face can say more in seconds than many pages of dialog. In all her movies, Gail Russell’s characters tend to be the “heart and soul” of the story. Setting a pattern in Gail’s first starring role, “Stella” is the heart and soul center of “The Uninvited” so effectively that it is genuinely impossible to think of anyone doing a better “Stella” than Gail Russell. Initially it may be hard to accept the much older Rick (Ray Milland) and young Stella having romantic interest in each other. Yet Ray Milland and Gail Russell have such genuine affectionate rapport that their sweet charm instantly convinces the viewer that the developing relationship is not only real, but very good and perfect. Ruth Hussey as Rick’s sister Pam is a perfect choice in casting as she and Milland have a believable, charming and very humorous banter creating a genuine brother / sister interaction. Donald Crisp IS the gruff, no nonsense Commander who is Stella’s stern, unyielding grandfather. Cornelia Otis Skinner creates one of the most creepy characters ever put on screen as “Miss Holloway”. Every other character, no matter how fleeting, is likewise note perfect. The wonderful direction by Lewis Allen and stunning black and white cinematography by Charles B Lang make “The Uninvited” a truly timeless movie that holds up very well.Indeed “The Uninvited” seems less dated than many modern horror stories. Perhaps that is because “The Uninvited” has a lot of heartwarming light to counterbalance the scary shadows, a lot of sweetness to offset the dark part of the story. In short, “The Uninvited” has very real characters leading real lives, and the story holds up so well because it’s hauntings seem real and possible in day to day life. Possibly that is why on a dark night, watching “The Uninvited” alone, the story actually retains the power to unnerve in a way most modern horror movies cannot. Modern horror often has characters so bizarre and freaky, that the viewer knows there is no possibility of the bizarre character existing in the real world.“The Uninvited” however stays in the back of the mind; was that faint noise from the dark shadows your imagination or …….?“The Uninvited” is a movie that can be watched again and again. It is the perfect Halloween story. Invite someone who has never seen it, then turn all the lights off until only deep shadows and faint light remains. Then allow “The Uninvited” to work its magic. It will soon become clear why this story has timeless appeal!

I've just had my second viewing of this lovely old ghost story, my Halloween treat. I was able to obtain a reasonably priced DVD on Amazon after originally finding the film in two parts on You Tube earlier this year. Ray Milland is my favourite vintage Hollywood actor due to his unforgettable portrayal of the alcoholic writer in The Lost Weekend, and I'd always wanted to see him in the film in which he gets the better of the spirits (pardon the pun!) He is certainly the handsome and intrepid romantic hero in the Uninvited, though tragically the ethereally lovely leading lady, Gail Russell, succumbed to alcohol in real life due to stage fright.Much as I am delighted to have my own copy of The Uninvited, and with the accompanying booklet, I really wish this film would be on TV periodically. Why not show it regularly during Halloween? I doubt whether anyone could call it a horror film, certainly not compared to many more recent and present day movies. Personally I find it quite creepy but not scary, though I did feel frightened for the young woman at the heart of it. For me me one of the nicest aspects of this 1940s film is that there is no shame around the girl's having been born out of wedlock, nor is her mother vilified when the truth emerges. Returning to the fear factor, I think it might depend on whether individual viewers believe in the supernatural or not. I try to be open minded. But I know I'm not alone in thinking The Lost Weekend a much more frightening film since it features nasty, uncanny things that are medical fact. It's presented in a very eerie way which reminds me of some Victorian horror stories by opium addicted authors that I've read. It creeped me out when I watched it late at night once and I found The Uninvited to be a nice counterbalance.

This is a fantastic film for any film fanatic who loves the genre of black and white movie. Set in mysterious Cornwall it charters the story of a love that transcends time and place. A cinematic smash in it's day garnering many fine awards for all concerned. As applicable in content today as t'was in bygone times, and I'm sure for many to come in future. This is movie can be enjoyed by every member of the family although is maybe spooky for very young child

Ray Milland a city writer and novelist along with his sister are interested purchasing a large house on the coast of Cornwall. It's sold to them. The granddaughter of the grandfather is not so keen on the idea has the house_ brought memories of the mother who lived there and died when she was three. Strange things happen once they are settled, a family friend or suppose to be doesn't like them living there too. Mystery and drama with laughter and joy brought together.

Finally Lewis Allen's classic ghost story sees an official release on DVD. And a great release it is! While picture quality is not stunning and appears to be taken from an old release-print, it's definitely serviceable and the best it has looked on any home format so far. Grain structure appears intact and the movie has not been over-polished with digital noise reduction like so many other classics we see released these years. This means, however, that you also have to live with the odd dirt and damage to the picture. Personally, I prefer it that way, but you miles might vary.Audio is mostly clear with only minor crackle and English subtitles are included for those who need them.While not overwhelming, the extras are actually quite good. You get the original trailer and the two radio adaptations from the 1940's (both also starring Ray Milland). The booklet takes the prize, though. It includes several very well-written essays on the movie and its production, on the genre and portraits of the stars and the director. Easily one of the best compiled booklets outside the work of The Criterion Collection and Masters of Cinema.If you like ghost stories and especially classic ghost stories, this one is not to be missed. As the booklet points out, THE UNINVITED is in fact the first movie to take a more serious stance on the topic where previous genre movies had mostly used ghosts for comedic effect. For fans of THE HAUNTING and THE INNOCENTS, this is a must have!

Fantastic movie - ahead of its time.