I am always excited to see what Film Masters has on tap for the next release. Well, this time around it is the 1960 supernatural horror thriller Tormented. With that title you know you are in for a fun sci-fi horror ride.
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!
Bert I. Gordon known for such b movie classics as King Dinosaur (1955), The Amazing Colossal Man (1957), Earth vs. the Spider (1958), Village of the Giants (1965), and later the Joan Collins fun fest Empire of the Ants (1977) co-wrote and directed Tormented. Now while this film is a uniquely Gordon film, the story was no doubt inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's story The Tell Tale Heart.
Richard Carlson is really good as a man trying to keep this huge secret. The special effects are impressive for 1960. Now as with most B-movies from the 1950s and 60s there is a very campy feel to this film. But that for most film fans amps up the enjoyment. Tormented is a fun little horror film.
Film Masters have lovingly restored this B-Movie in 4K from a 35MM Archival Element. The film has been transferred to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 And there is the option for English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Film Masters always but so much attention to detail brings the best quality picture and audio to their releases. There are no imperfections in the picture restoration that I could see. The audio is clear with no hiss or pops. Film Masters have made Tormented look stunning in HD.
Now as we all know by now Film Masters love to bring additional bonus feature to their physical media release. And I love those bonus features. Take a look at what is included on this Blu-ray!
* MST3K Bonus Film of Tormented
* 'Bigger Than Life: Bert I. Gordon in the 1950's and 1960's' - New Ballyhoo Motion Pictures documentary featuring C. Courtney Joyner
* 'Bert I. Gordon: The Amazing Colossal Filmmaker' - archival interview with writer/director/producer Bert I. Gordon
* Unaired pilot episode of 'Untold Ghost Stories,' with Vincent Price
* Inserted full color booklet with essay by Tom Weaver
* Full Commentary track done by Gary Rhodes
Now I always love the addition of a Ballyhoo Motion Pictures documentary. The attention to detail and production value is stellar and C. Courtley Joyner is such a great listen. I love the addition of the archival interview with Bert I. Gordon. And how can you not be excited for the full episode of MST3K.
In addition to the on-disc features, Film Masters have included a 22-page illustrated booklet that includes an essay by film historian Tom Weaver and one by novelist/filmmaker John Wooley.
I always enjoy a good b horror movie especially at Halloween season. So, without a doubt I will be revisiting this release again in the fall! There is no doubt this campy B horror film has a real re-watchability to it!
So, if you love those B horror films of the 1960s Bert I. Gordon's Tormented needs to be on your list. And if you want the best possible physical media release the Film Masters Blu-ray is the perfect way to experience this film. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today.
Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) The Blu-ray of Tormented receives.... 
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