• Login

    • BLU-RAY REVIEW

    A Haunting In Venice

    Featured In Issue Issue 270, November/December

    Picture4.5
    Sound4.5
    WSR Score4
    Basic Information on new release titles is posted as soon as titles are announced. Once reviewed, additional data is added to the database.
    (Studio/Distributor):
    20th Century Studios
    (Catalog Number):
    240793
    (MPAA Rating):
    PG-13
    (Rating Reason):
    Some strong violence, disturbing images and thematic elements
    (Retail Price):
    $34.99
    (Disc Type):
    Single Side, Dual Layer (BD-50)
    (Widescreen Edition):
    Yes
    (Full Screen Edition):
    (Running Time In Minutes):
    103
    (Color Type):
    Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access):
    Yes
    (Closed Captioned):
    Yes
    (Regional Coding):
    A
    (Theatrical Year):
    (Theatrical Release):
    Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release):
    No
    (Disc Release Date):
    11/28/2023
    (THX® Digitally Mastered):
    (Director):
    Kenneth Branagh
    (Screenplay/Written By):
    (Story):
    (Music):
    (Director Of Photography):
    (Production Designer):
    (Visual Effects):
    (Costume Designer):
    (Editor):
    (Supervising Sound Editors):
    (Re-Recording Mixers):
    (Executive Producers):
    (Co-Producers):
    (Producers):
    (Academy Awards):
    (Principal Photography):
    (Theatrical Aspect Ratio):
    (Measured Disc Aspect Ratio):
    (Disc Soundtrack):
    DTS HD Lossless 7.1
    (Theatrical Sound):
    (Theatrical Re-Issue Soundtrack):
    (DTS Bit Rate):
    (Dolby Digital Bit Rate):
    (Additional Languages):
    (Subtitles):

    Based upon the novel "Hallowe'en Party" by Agatha Christie, "A Haunting In Venice" is set after World War II where celebrated sleuth Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is retired and living in Venice, Italy. In this mystery Poirot reluctantly attends a séance where a murdered guest thrusts the detective into a sinister, shadowy world. (Gary Reber)

    Special features include the documentary "Murder, Death, And Haunting" (HD 26:08), 11 deleted scenes (HD 08:14 ) and a Movies Anywhere digital copy.

    The 1.85:1 1080p AVC picture, reviewed on a VIZIO Quantum X P85QX-JI UHD/HDR display, was photographed digitally using the Sony CineAlta Venice camera system and sourced from a 4K Digital Intermediate. Picture quality is excellent. The picture exhibits wonderful cinematography, production design, and lighting. Visual atmospherics are compelling with the dark shadowy setting of a n old Venice house on a canal. The black-and-white segments exhibit excellent gray scale resolution. The color palette exhibits warm and rich natural hues lit with dim lighting. Flesh tones are perfectly natural. Contrast is excellent given the low light levels. Black levels are realistic as is shadow delineation. Resolution is excellent especially in closeups of facial features and objects. Facial features detail lines and pores, as well as hair and Poirot's mustache. Clothing and object texture are nicely resolved. The storm scenes at the climax are superb. This is a very satisfying visual experience, especially within the Venice location. (Gary Reber)

    The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1-channel soundtrack is dialogue focused that is in large part ADR produced. Atmospherics are haunting, Sound effects are effective throughout with shattering punctuated sounds, often enhanced with deep bass. Bass extension is strong during the crashing waves against the foundation of the house during the thunderous rain storm. The orchestral score fill the soundstage and extends to the surrounds. The surrounds are active throughout providing dimensional soundfield envelopment. Other than the dialogue, which lacks convincing spatial integration, the other elements are well crafted for a satisfying holosonic® experience. (Gary Reber)

    Reason #42 Why Readers Love Widescreen Review:

    I like the reviews and the number rating system you use. Usually your reviews are right on key with how I see the disc also. The magazine also caries useful information about Digital Video Essentials, which I also own, and use often.

    Keith Greenblatt
    26864 Mandelieu Drive, Murrieta, CA 92562 • Phone: 951 676 4914 • Fax: 951 693 2960
    Copyright © Information • All Rights Reserved • www.widescreenreview.com • Web Site Established In 1995 • Privacy Policy • Partners