The Manitou (1978) Blu-Ray Shout Factory, download for free

Jun06

The Manitou (1978) Blu-Ray Shout Factory

by movieworld on June 6th, 2019 at 07:37

Posted In: .Other movies, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Horror

Karen (Susan Strasberg) is frightened, newly aware of a small growth on her upper back that's expanding rapidly. Doctors are baffled, unable to identify what the problem is, with all evidence pointing to the development of a fetus under the woman's skin. Trying to find comfort, Karen goes to ex-boyfriend Harry (Tony Curtis) for help, reconnecting with the amateur psychic, who cares deeply about her well-being. When modern medicine can't remove the lump, which carries special powers capable of mind-control, Harry is left to figure out things on his own while Karen remains in the hospital. Reaching out to medium Amelia (Stella Stevens, painted brown for unknown reasons) and anthropologist Snow (Burgess Meredith), Harry finally makes his way to John Singing Rock (Michael Ansara), a Native American healer who identifies the lump as the coming rampage of Misquamacus, a Native spirit who's looking for revenge.

William Girdler Sr. remains one of Hollywood history's most prolific and unappreciated B-Movie directors, even long after his death in the late 70s. The Manitou became William Girdler’s last film and swan song. It has all the typical traits that defined him as a filmmaker; a simple and gimmicky plot, usually a recycled twist on a recent horror hit of the time (in this case The Exorcist), corny comedy, crazy camera work and campy acting.

Director: William Girdler
Cast: Tony Curtis, Susan Strasberg, Michael Ansara, Stella Stevens, Jon Cedar
Country: Canada, USA
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi

BD50 | 1080p AVC | 01:43:24 | 41 Gb + 3% rec
Language: English
Subtitles: English

Extras:

• Audio Commentary with Troy Howarth: Cult cinema historian Troy Howarth contributes another in a long line of well-researched and genuinely entertaining commentaries. Of particular interest is Howarth comparing and contrasting the film with Graham Masterton's original novel, such as Karen and Harry being strangers in the book, the setting shifting coasts from New York to San Francisco, John Singing Rock being rewritten from a yuppie business tycoon to a man close to the earth, and a Dutch colonialism element that was excised for this adaptation altogether. Howarth delves into the lives and filmographies of damned near everyone on both sides of the camera, particularly delighting in the appearance of several actresses from the Golden Age of Hollywood, among them Jeanette Nolan, Lurene Tuttle, and Ann Sothern. He notes why it's all too believable that the screenplay for The Manitou was written in three frantic days as well as how the producers argued its rating down to PG without any cuts. And, as ever, Howarth excels at context, exploring the prevelance of possession in genre cinema around this time.

• Interview with David Sheldon (11:00, HD) details the producer's early days working in summer stock productions, giving him his first taste of show business. A move to L.A. followed, with Sheldon hoping to support his wife's acting career, only to find work with Lawrence A. Gordon and, eventually, Samuel Arkoff, learning how to deal with the industry from seasoned men. Meeting William Girdler, Sheldon triggered a partnership that survived the aborted release of "Abby" and enjoyed the success of "Grizzly." Sheldon also reflects on Girdler's death and remains candid about his true helming abilities.

• Interview with Graham Masterton (28:11, HD) examines the author's first forays into writing, creating stories as a child to sell to friends. Masterton experienced a move into journalism, sharpening his skills, eventually taking editorial positions with Mayfair Magazine and Penthouse. Reflections on his literary achievements are offered, including "The Manitou," eventually meeting with Girdler to help bring the novel to the screen. Talk of additional "Manitou" books is included, along with the challenges of adaptation.

• Image Gallery (6:56) includes publicity stills, poster art, lobby cards, press kit pages, newspaper ads, and VHS covers.

• T.V. Spots (1:32, SD) present three commercials for "The Manitou."

• Theatrical Trailer (2:22, HD)