The Abominable Snowman

Shout! Factory presents "The Abominable Snowman" in its Blu-ray release, featuring both the 85-minute American version and the 90-minute British version of the film. These versions are meticulously delivered on a BD-50 disc and preserve the film's original Hammerscope aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Enthusiasts of classic cinema will appreciate the effort to maintain the film's historical integrity, despite the challenges posed by the preservation of older film elements. As noted on their product page, Shout! Factory has undertaken the task of integrating approximately five minutes of standard definition content into the British version, due to the unavailability of high-definition elements for these segments. This compromise, while necessary, results in a visual disparity where the upconverted content appears flatter and less defined compared to its high-definition counterparts.

The technical execution of this Blu-ray reveals a mixed but overall positive restoration effort. The video quality across both versions demonstrates a commendable grayscale range and deep black levels, contributing to the atmospheric tension and moody landscapes characteristic of the film. However, viewers are cautioned of minor visual imperfections that sporadically occur throughout the 1080p presentation. Marks of damage, such as tears and tramlines, as well as occasional flecks, are present but do not significantly detract from the viewing experience. Shout! Factory has organized each film version into twelve distinct chapters, enhancing navigation and accessibility for viewers wishing to explore specific scenes or sequences.

This release serves as a testament to Shout! Factory's commitment to presenting classic films in their most authentic and preserved forms possible. The meticulous attention to detail in balancing fidelity to the original aspect ratio with the necessary integration of standard definition elements showcases a dedication to both historical preservation and contemporary viewing standards.

Shout! Factory's release of "The Abominable Snowman" on Blu-ray is graced with a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono mix, delivered at 1652 kbps and in a 24-bit format that ensures a superior listening experience best reflecting the original sound design. The audio master, while generally in commendable condition, exhibits some minor inconsistencies. Notably, pitch variations are observable in segments where inserts of standard-definition footage have been incorporated, a factor that purists may find detracts slightly from an otherwise immersive experience. Furthermore, occasional static and hiss can be detected, though these instances do not significantly impair the overall clarity of the film's auditory elements. The dialogue remains consistently intelligible across the board, ensuring that viewers can follow the narrative without strain.

The film’s score, crafted by Humphrey Searle, with its Eastern-inspired tonalities, is presented faithfully in this dual mono mix. The texture and nuances of Searle’s composition are preserved, allowing for an auditory journey that complements the visual trek into the heart of the Himalayas. This is particularly beneficial for a film where the atmosphere is as much a character as the cast itself.

For audiences requiring assistance with dialogue comprehension or those who simply prefer subtitles, Shout! Factory has included optional English SDH subtitles. Presented in a conspicuous yellow color, they offer a clear and accessible means for all viewers to engage fully with the film’s intricate storyline and character dynamics. This addition underscores Shout! Factory's commitment to accessibility, ensuring that "The Abominable Snowman" can be enjoyed by as wide an audience as possible.

The extra section of "The Abominable Snowman" Blu-ray offers an enriching experience that deepens appreciation for the film’s background, its creators, and its place within Hammer's legacy and genre cinema. Ted Newsom provides an engaging solo audio commentary filled with production trivia and personal anecdotes linking Hammer to broader Hollywood stories, albeit with occasional tangents. The inclusion of a historical commentary by director Val Guest and screenwriter Nigel Kneale, moderated by Marcus Hearn, offers invaluable insights from the creators themselves. Jonathan Rigby's featurette explores the cinematic history of the yeti, alongside notable performances, distinguishing this film from other Hammer productions. Additional materials like "The World of Hammer: Peter Cushing" and Joe Dante's trailer commentary not only celebrate the film but also situate it within a larger context of genre filmmaking. These extras, combined with still galleries and trailers, provide a comprehensive look at the film's legacy and its significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• NEW Audio Commentary with Filmmaker/Film Historian Ted Newsom: Insights on production and connections between Hammer and Hollywood.
• Audio Commentary with Director Val Guest and Screenwriter Nigel Kneale: A moderated session revealing behind-the-scenes stories.
• NEW In Search of the Yeti: Jonathan Rigby on The Abominable Snowman: Exploration of the film’s historical context and its creators.
• The World of Hammer: Peter Cushing: TV episode highlighting Cushing’s pivotal roles at Hammer.
• TRAILERS FROM HELL with Commentary by Filmmaker Joe Dante: Analysis of the film’s original trailer.
• Theatrical Trailer: An upscaled version of the original film trailer.
• Still Gallery: Collection of publicity images, poster designs, and more.

The Abominable Snowman" (1957) emerges as an intriguing departure from the typical Hammer horror narrative, demonstrating a refined subtlety in its approach to monster cinema. Directed by Val Guest and penned by Nigel Kneale, the film astutely avoids revealing the Yeti in full, instead opting for fleeting glimpses, a decision underscored by the production anecdotes. Special effects created by Les Bowie, including an eight-foot Yeti corpse, ultimately remained off-screen, heightening the film's enigmatic allure. Cinematography by Arthur Grant captures the formidable essence of the French Pyrenees, doubling for the Himalayas, complemented by Bernard Robinson's transformation of a Bray Studios courtyard into a convincing Buddhist temple, showcasing the film's dedication to atmospheric authenticity.

Peter Cushing's portrayal of Dr. John Rollason marks his notable debut with Hammer, presenting a character driven by scientific curiosity rather than profit, a stark contrast to Forrest Tucker's commercially minded Tom Friend. This dynamic sets the stage for an expedition fraught with tension and moral ambiguity. Despite occasional criticisms regarding pacing and casting, particularly Arnold Marlé's portrayal of the Lhama, the film benefits from strong performances, especially Cushing's, and a nuanced script that explores themes of man versus nature and the ethical dilemmas of exploration and exploitation.

Released in the US to an eager audience with promotional strategies emphasizing its shock-value, "The Abominable Snowman" was presented as a test of scare-endurance. Its theatrical pairing with "Ghost Diver" amplified its appeal, particularly during special midnight showings designed to attract thrill-seekers. This strategic distribution tapped into a zeitgeist of horror fascination, cementing the film's place in monster movie lore despite its more contemplative and less revealed approach to its titular creature.

The Abominable Snowman" Blu-ray from Shout! Factory revisits the intriguing Hammer adventure film set against the backdrop of mid-20th-century Yeti speculation. Diverging from Hammer's signature Gothic horror offerings like "Frankenstein" and "Dracula", this film, featuring the acclaimed Peter Cushing, offers a compelling blend of suspense and exploration. While enthusiasts may find the release's inclusion of original content like the BBC's 1955 "The Creature" missing, Shout! Factory compensates with commendable video and audio quality. With these elements capturing the eerie atmosphere of the Himalayas and Cushing's riveting performance, the package does cater well to its target audience, despite room for improvement in terms of restoration and remastering fidelity.

The supplementary features provided with this release offer an enriching context for both newcomers and long-standing fans of Hammer's works. The package boasts a mix of commentary tracks—one recycled and a new addition—alongside a recent interview with Hammer film expert Jonathan Rigby. Additionally, a special BBC episode that shines a spotlight on Cushing's illustrious career with Hammer, alongside trailers and a still gallery, augment the overall package. These extras, although not exhaustive, provide valuable insights and celebrate the legacy of Hammer Films and Peter Cushing's pivotal role within it.

In conclusion, "The Abominable Snowman" Blu-ray presents an appreciable yet slightly underwhelming attempt at showcasing this lesser-known gem from Hammer's catalogue. While it excels in certain aspects like audio-visual quality and carefully selected extras, it falls short of delivering a fully comprehensive collector's item by omitting potentially enriching content like "The Creature". Shout! Factory's effort is laudable but leaves room for an ultimate edition. This release garners a moderate recommendation, primarily appealing to hardcore fans of Peter Cushing, Nigel Kneale's writing, and Hammer's distinctive foray into adventure horror.