Review: Ben BD + Screen Caps

Ben is the sequel to cult favorite Willard and as with its predecessor, marks its debut at least in North America and while I wasn’t as enamored with this as some, it does make for a fun double feature.

 

 

Ben
(1972)

Genre(s): Horror, Comedy
Shout Factory | PG – 94 min. – $29.99 | May 16, 2017

Date Published: 05/28/2017 | Author: The Movieman

 

MOVIE INFO: Directed by: Phil Carlson Writer(s): Stephen Gilbert (characters), Gilbert A. Ralston (screenplay) Cast: Joseph Campanella, Arthur O’Connell, Meredith Baxter, Lee Montgomery DISC INFO: Features: Commentary, Featurette, Trailer, TV Spot, Radio Spot, Gallery Digital Copy: No Formats Included: Blu-ray, DVD Number of Discs: 2 Audio: English (DTS-HD MA 1.0) Video: 1080p/Widescreen 1.85 Subtitles: English SDH Disc Size: 30.7 GB Codec: MPEG-4 AVC Region(s): A

 

PLOT SYNOPSIS

When detective sergeant Cliff Kirtland (JOSEPH CAMPANELLA) investigates the horrifying murder of Willard Stiles by a band of rats, he discovers that the rats are now an organized army, and he must destroy the murderous rodents before it is too late. But the rats, led by Ben, the only survivor of the Willard attack, take to the challenge with full force and little fear.

 

SPECIAL FEATURES – 2.25/5

This release includes an Audio Commentary with Actor Lee Montgomery, The Kid with the Rat (9:19; HD) interview with Montgomery, Theatrical Trailers (3:31; HD), TV Spots (0:43; HD), Ben/Willard Double Feature TV Spots (1:32; HD), a Radio Spot (0:29; HD) and a Still Gallery (2:32; HD).

 

VIDEO – 3.0/5

Noted before the film’s open, the video was culled from other sources as the original film negative was lost, so what we get here isn’t that pretty of a picture. Detail for the most part was fine, but there were times that were a bit softer while colors had an almost oversaturated look. Considering this has, from what I could tell, ever been released in North America (might have been overseas), it’s certainly acceptable enough.

AUDIO – 3.5/5

The disc comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track and, as with the Willard release, is more or less the same. Dialogue levels sounded fine and while it does lack some depth, but satisfying nevertheless.

 

OVERALL – 3.0/5

Overall, Ben is the sequel to cult favorite Willard and as with its predecessor, marks its debut at least in North America and while I wasn’t as enamored with this as some, it does make for a fun double feature. The Blu-ray released through Shout offers so-so video, adequate audio and a decent selection of bonus features.

 

 

 

 

Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.