Why So Blu?

The Black Torment (Blu-ray Review)

The Black Torment Blu-ray from 88 Films revives a moody slice of British gothic mystery that plays its shadowy cards like a proper whodunnit. Released in 1964 and long overshadowed by Hammer’s louder horrors, this low-key thriller builds tension with creaky staircases, hushed servants, and one very dead former wife. Is it a ghost story? A setup? Or just a nobleman slowly losing his grip? The final reveal lands somewhere between classic drawing-room suspense and a twist worthy of The Prestige — which makes it all the more fun to rewatch.

 

Film 

The Black Torment opens with a galloping horse, a terrified woman, and a body swinging from a tree. It’s a classic setup, but this isn’t just another gothic potboiler. What unfolds is more psychological than supernatural — think gaslight rather than ghost light. John Fordyce (John Turner) returns to his country estate with a new bride in tow, only to find the villagers convinced he’s been back already… and that he’s been busy murdering. Whispers turn to threats, and suspicion blooms inside the manor walls. Is John being haunted? Or hunted?

Director Robert Hartford-Davis lays out the mystery with slow-burn precision. There’s no excess here — no monsters in the cellar, no mad relatives in the attic. Instead, the film relies on atmosphere: drafty hallways, shifty glances, a growing sense that something is very wrong. It’s less Hammer horror and more chamber thriller, but it works. There’s a creeping dread that builds with every disapproving servant and every locked room. The period detail helps, too — costumes, candlelight, and countryside gloom add texture to the tension.

What really makes it fun is the twist. Without spoiling, let’s just say the final act leans into theatricality in a way that feels almost playful. You might not see it coming, and even if you do, the reveal lands with a wink. There’s a touch of The Prestige in the way the film pulls its final trick — stagey, yes, but satisfying. It recontextualizes earlier scenes in a clever way and gives the film a needed jolt of energy right at the end.

 

Video 

NOTE: Stills are provided for promotional use only and are not from the Blu-ray.

Encoding: MPEG-4 AVC

Resolution:1080p

Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1

Region: B

HDR: N/A

Layers: BD-50

Clarity and Detail: Detail is solid, if unspectacular. Textures in close-ups come through well enough — lace collars, facial hair, and wood grain on period furniture all register, but don’t exactly pop.

Depth: There’s a mild sense of depth throughout, particularly in candlelit interiors and courtyard scenes. The image never feels flat, but it doesn’t create a strong sense of spatial layering either.

Black Levels: Black levels lean soft, sometimes flirting with deep blue or grey. Shadows occasionally swallow fine detail, but there’s no egregious crush.

Color: The palette is naturally muted, which suits the foggy, gothic tone. Colors are steady and stable, with subdued blues, mossy greens, and pale skin tones creating an appropriately chilly atmosphere.

Flesh Tones: Flesh tones are mostly consistent — cooler in tone, but never too waxy or flushed. Nothing looks off, but don’t expect boutique label perfection.

Noise and Artifacts: Mild grain is present and relatively unobtrusive. No major artifacts or digital noise issues stood out. It looks like a clean scan with minimal interference.

 

Audio 

Audio Format(s): English LPCM 2.0 (Mono)

Subtitles: English SDH

Dynamics: Fairly restrained, with minimal range. There aren’t many sonic highs or lows, but the track is stable. Music cues and louder moments — like galloping horses or slamming doors — have just enough punch to register.

Height: N/A

Low Frequency Extension: N/A

Surround Sound: N/A

Dialogue: Dialogue is clear and centered, which is crucial for a talky mystery like this. No major hiss or distortion to report, though some voices can sound slightly thin depending on the scene. Solid overall for a mono track.

 

Extras 

88 Films gives The Black Torment a respectable lineup of extras that’ll please gothic horror devotees. You get not one but two audio commentaries—one from genre historian Troy Howarth, and another lively track with Kim Newman and Stephen Jones. Cast and crew interviews, including reflections from Annette Whiteley, Roger Croucher, and Peter Dansie, offer welcome behind-the-scenes context. A stills gallery and reversible sleeve with artwork by Sean Longmore round out the package, while collectors should note the inclusion of a first-pressing slipcase and a limited booklet penned by critic Barry Forshaw.

Special Features

• High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation in original 1.66:1 Aspect Ratio
• Original English Mono Soundtrack
• Optional English SDH
• Audio Commentary by Film Historian Troy Howarth
• Audio Commentary by Kim Newman and Stephen Jones
• Annette Whiteley and Roger Croucher on The Black Torment
• Peter Dansie Remembers The Black Torment
• Image Gallery
• Reversible sleeve featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore & original poster
• Includes first pressing slipcase
• Includes first pressing booklet by Barry Forshaw

 

Summary 

For fans of British horror that favors intrigue over bloodshed, The Black Torment is a pleasant surprise. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it spins it well. 88 Films gives it a fresh chance to be discovered — or re-evaluated — on Blu-ray, and while the presentation isn’t top-tier, it’s more than serviceable. Paired with strong extras and handsome packaging, it’s a fine addition to any mystery lover’s shelf.

 

 

The Black Torment is released on Blu-ray in the UK June 23, 2025!

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