"We got a ghost" THE STONE TAPE (TV 1972)

101 Films wrapped up 2024 with a Limited-Edition Blu-ray release of Nigel Kneale’s The Stone Tape – a made-for-television feature that was originally broadcast in Britain on Christmas Day 1972 to high acclaim from viewers and critics alike.

Spurred by their Japanese competitors, a large electronics company employs a team of scientists who have set up shop in a renovated Victorian mansion with the task of developing a new recording medium. However, one room remains in its original state, mostly out of fear of being haunted by an unknown presence. Armed with state-of-the-art equipment, the team’s director, Peter Brock, decides to analyse this supernatural occurrence, which may or may not be your run-of-the-mill ghost, but rather an imprint or echo from previous occupants and events. Now embedded in the very walls themselves.

I watched The Stone Tape during some time off work among the fleeting festivities of the New Year. Having since learnt of the English tradition of ghost stories on Christmas, I imagine this would have been a real treat for families. It’s such an enticing little movie that despite being over 50 years old, still manages to offer new viewers a fresh perspective on the paranormal, which does give pause when thinking about many famous “haunted” locations around the world. Could this be the explanation?

Directed by Peter Sasdy, an accomplished filmmaker and a noted name within the realms of Hammer Horror, who directed Hands of the Ripper, Countless Dracula, and Taste the Blood of Dracula to name a few, proves to be a perfect fit for The Stone Tape. Sasdy certainly does utilise the Gothic setting to its full extent while keeping the plot firmly planted in science fiction, in line with Kneale’s source material and outside-the-box thinking.

While highly effective on a sensory level through its use of sound and visuals, the production itself does come across as a bit awkward at times, mainly due to some stiff dialogue delivery, although in one instance, there’s a bit too much feeling. On a social level, the treatment of female lead, Jill, played wonderfully by Jane Asher, definitely dates the piece. She’s part of the team and arguably has one of the most complex jobs, but her concerns are for the most part ignored, and dismissed as hysterics, especially by Peter, who is a loud, arrogant, and selfish man. However, the character’s respective performance by Michael Bryant brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm, aggressively grabbing hold of the viewer’s curiosity.

SPECIAL FEATURES

‘Children of The Stone Tape’ Documentary on the lasting legacy of The Stone Tape
‘Out of Darkness: A Visionary Manxman’ Short film on writer Nigel Kneale
Commentary with filmmakers Jon Dear and Sean Hogan
Limited edition rigid box packaging
Set of art cards
Script booklet
Booklet including ‘Placememory’ by Andy Murray and ‘Weird Science: The Stone Tape at Fifty’ by John Doran
Archive extra: Commentary with Nigel Kneale and film critic Kim Newman

101 deliver (nearly) all-new featurettes for this premiere Blu-ray release of The Stone Tape. The disc’s sole archival supplement, a commentary moderated by Kim Newman, will no doubt be resourceful for its inclusion of author Nigel Kneale, who’s since passed away. Speaking of the sci-fi writer, Andy Murray pays him a fitting tribute with the featurette, Out of Darkness: A Visionary Manxman. The 12-minute supplement is rightfully described as a “short film” and is worth the watch for its cinematic quality and gorgeous photography of the Isle of Mann. Like Murray, who’s enthusiasm for Kneale is palatable, viewers will walk away with a greater understanding of how the author’s birthplace influenced his writing.

Running 42-minutes, Children of the Stone Tape, covers all major bases of the TV-film’s genetic make-up including how it came to fruition, further background information on Nigel Kneale, and the legacy of The Stone Tape Theory. Talking heads feature star Jane Asher and various film authors and enthusiasts such as Mark Gatiss. – by Hannah Lynch

VIDEO AND AUDIO

It would be unfair to scrutinise this 1080p presentation given that The Stone Tape was shot on video, but I will say the appearance of the 4:3 image conjured up fond memories of watching British programs as a child such as Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em, T-Bag, and Mr. Bean. The colours are bland, the picture can get a little fuzzy and it’s not particularly sharp, but being offered in an HD format, you know quality has not been compromised.

With audio being such a significant part of the film, the LPCM 2.0 Mono track is not only heard but felt. Volume is tremendously loud, carrying the bombardment of sound effects that will test your sanity much like it did to characters in the movie. English subtitles are included.

The Stone Tape is currently SOLD OUT on 101’s website, but UK-savvy shoppers may still be able to find a copy through Amazon or numerous HVM stores throughout the UK. However, given its popularity, I dare say a Standard Edition Blu-ray will hopefully be on the way at some point.

THE STONE TAPE
(1972, director: Peter Sasdy)