The Cat and The Canary (1927) Eureka Entertainment Blu-ray Review

Paul Leni was an innovative German filmmaker. During the silent era of cinema, he brought the world some of the best films. After years of making films in Germany, he was offered the opportunity to make films in Hollywood at Universal Studios by Carl Laemmle. He would only make 4 films before his tragic death at the age of 44. Those 4 films included, The Chinese Parrott, The Last Warning and my favorite The Man who Laughs. In 1927 Leni brought to the silver screen a film based on the 1922 stage production The Cat and The Canary by John Willard.

Eureka Entertainment is one of the industry's biggest distributors of film from the silent era to Hollywood classics to even modern films. Eureka releases has been UK releases, but now they have partnered with MVD Visual to distribute new releases here in the United States. Now as part of The Masters of Cinema Collection The Cat and the Canary receives a deluxe Blu-ray!

Twenty years after the death of millionaire Cyrus West, his surviving relatives are called together in a decaying mansion on the Hudson River. There, they gather to hear West's lawyer Roger Crosby (Tully Marshall) read his last will and testament and discover that West has left everything to his niece Annabelle (Laura La Plante). That is, at least, on the condition that she is judged to be legally sane. As the family settles in for the evening, tensions rise when they are informed that a murderer nicknamed the Cat has escaped from a nearby asylum and is suspected to be somewhere on the grounds. Crosby soon disappears in mysterious circumstances, which proves to be just the first in a series of horrifying events that will punctuate a long, dark night of terror - during which Annabelle's sanity will be called into question again and again.

Now most people would think The Cat and The Canary they wouod think the Bob Hope film, not this silent film. But this film is an amazing visual experience. Some of the camera tricks used in this film look so amazing. It's hard to believe this film was made almost 100 years ago. The film is a wonderful mix of drama, comedy and spooky scares. It is a must see for classic horror fans.

Eureka Entertainment debuts in HD. They have transferred this silent classic to Blu-ray in 1080p and is presented in the original 1.37:1 aspect ratio. This transfer is taken from the new 4K digital restoration of the original negatives supplied by MoMA. The audio is a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 score by Robert Israel; compiled, synchronized and edited by Gillian B. Anderson, based on music cue sheets compiled and issued for the original 1927 release.

This new restoration of this film brings a real crispness to the picture. I have seen other copies of this film from other companies. This one blows all other releases out of the water. It is that good! But a tremendous restoration is not all this release has going for it! Eureka added some cool bonus features, take a look at what is included.

* Brand new audio commentary by author Stephen Jones and author / critic Kim Newman

* Brand new audio commentary by Kevin Lyons and Jonathan Rigby

* Mysteries Mean Dark Corners – brand new video essay by David Cairns & Fiona Watson

* Pamela Hutchinson on The Cat and the Canary – brand new interview with writer and film critic Pamela Hutchinson

* Phuong Le on The Cat and the Canary – brand new interview with film critic Phuong Le

* A Very Eccentric Man & Yeah, a Cat! – extracts from John Willard’s original play

* Lucky Strike – Paul Leni gives a full-throated endorsement to the product that got him through filming The Cat and the Canary

* A collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Richard Combs, Craig Ian Mann, and Imogen Sara Smith

* Limited Edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Graham Humphreys

With now one but two insightful audio commentary a fascinating featurette Mysteries Mean Dark Corners, interviews and more. Eureka Entertainment have given this silent classic a Blu-ray release it so richly deserves.

So, if you love Universal horror movies your collection isn't complete without The Cat and The Canary. And if you want the absolute best-looking copy of the film, you are not going to find one any better than this Blu-ray. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today!



Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Eureka Entertainment's Blu-ray of The Cat and the Canary Receives.....