TWO EVIL EYES 2019

TWO EVIL EYES: The stories of Edgar Allen Poe seem to lend themselves to modernization and adaptation more so than other classic authors of the supernatural. Likely because Poe’s work largely describes internalized horrors; grief, paranoia and psychosis that stem from demons within rather than demons without. Director George Romero had already proven the anthology format was still viable with the success of Creepshow (1982) so his collaboration with Dario Argento (a reunion of sorts after co-producing Dawn of the Dead) made sense, turning loose two genre filmmakers in a playground of the macabre. It’s obvious Argento was the more enthusiastic of the two. His take on The Black Cat includes several references to other Poe stories and is executed with the sort of visual verve the director hadn’t shown in years. Despite fan disdain, Romero’s adaptation of The Facts in the Case of Mr. Valdemar is a worthwhile attempt, turning the screws on a gold digging wife (Adrienne Barbeau) as she conspires with her aged husband’s doctor to pilfer the family fortune. The result is a hypnotic zombie that, while only a footnote in the Romero mythology, is a classy standalone story nonetheless. Blue Underground’s 3-disc limited edition continues their streak of phenomenal Blu-ray upgrades. The new 4K restoration adds an astonishing amount of color and detail to what was already a great transfer. Extras, as you might imagine, has also been given an upgrade with seven new interviews, a Troy Howarth commentary, booklet, 3D slipcover and Pino Donaggio soundtrack CD in edition to all the previous goodies. Even Poe would be impressed!