Written by: Michael Den Boer on November 8th, 2009
Theatrical Release Date: UK, 1964
Director: Robert Hartford-Davis
Writers: Derek Ford, Donald Ford
Cast: Heather Sears, John Turner, Ann Lynn, Peter Arne, Norman Bird, Raymond Huntley, Annette Whiteley, Francis De Wolff, Joseph Tomelty, Patrick Troughton, Roger Croucher, Charles Houston, Derek Newark, Kathy McDonald, Jack Taylor, Bill Cummings, Frank Hayden, Edina Ronay
DVD released: July 14th, 2009
Approximate running time: 86 minutes
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Full Frame
Rating: NR
Sound: Dolby Digital Mono English
Subtitles: N/A
DVD Release: Redemption Films
Region Coding: Region 0 NTSC
Retail Price: $19.95
Synopsis: Sir Richard Fordyce an English nobleman is accused of raping and murdering a young woman. He recently remarried and was on his honeymoon with his bride. Even though he has an ironclad alibi the superstitious locales have already condemned him. To complicate matters further his ex-wife who committed suicide years before. Her ghost has been seen lurking around his estate, accusing him of murder. How is it possible that he is often seen in two places at the same time? Is someone trying to frame him or is he losing his mind?
After the initial assault and murder that opens the films. The plot quickly shifts into a Gothic tale in which ghosts and doppelgangers help further the many twists and turns along the way. Even though the plot treads familiar territory things are lively enough and remain engaging throughout. The look of the film is reminiscent at times to the style often employed in many Hammer Horror films made around the time this film was made.
The performances from the cast range from good to adequate, with the bulk of the performances leaning towards the latter. The two performances of note in the film include Joseph Tomelty in the role of Sir Giles Fordyce, Richard’s crippled wheelchair bound father and Peter Arne in the role of Seymour, his cousin was Richard’s first wife who committed suicide. Overall while the film does have a few standout moments, the end result feels like a cheap Hammer Films knock off.
The DVD:
Redemption Films presents Black Torment in a 1.33:1 (full frame) aspect ratio. This transfer has not been flagged for progressive playback. Colors and flesh tones look accurate, black levels fare well and details look generally crisp throughout. There are minor instances of print debris and even though the image is interlaced the image remains stable with no major ghosting / blurring issues.
This release comes with one audio option a Dolby Digital mono mix in English. Even though there is a noticeable background noises that varies in degree. This audio mix is a serviceable presentation even if it is at times limited in range.
Extras for this release include two images galleries, artwork gallery (14 images) and stills gallery (14 images). Both images galleries have music from the film playing in the background. The main extra included with this release is an interview with Robert Hartford-Davis (13 minutes 24 seconds – 1.33:1 ‘full frame’ aspect ratio), who discusses producing films and the UK film industry. Also included with this release are trailers for Sacred Flesh, Requiem for a Vampire, Satanic Sluts 3: Scandalized, Cold Eyes of Fear and Killer’s Moon, all of these title’s are currently available DVD from redemption Films. Overall Black Torment gets a well rounded DVD release from Redemption Films.