Rosemary’s Baby, Roman Polanski’s satanic nursery-rhyme shocked audiences when it was released in 1968. Based on Ira Levin’s book of the same name, the story concerns a young couple, Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and Guy Woodhouse (John Cassavetes), who move into an old apartment building on Manhattan’s upper west side. At night, the couple hear strange chanting coming from behind their bedroom wall. No sooner has Rosemary made friends with Terry (Victoria Vetri, billed as Angela Dorian), a rehabilitated junkie taken in by the Woodhouses’ kindly neighbors the Castevets, then she jumps out the window in an apparent suicide.

The Castevets—nosy Minnie (Ruth Gordon) and sophisticated Roman (Sidney Blackmer)—quickly integrate themselves in the Woodhouse’s lives. Roman regales actor guy with tales of his worldwide travels with a theatrical troupe years earlier. While Minnie gives Rosemary a good luck charm containing tannis root that had once been worn by Terry.

Strange events begin happening after Rosemary finds herself pregnant after an unusual evening. On the night she and Guy had plan to conceive, she passes out after eating some chocolate mouse prepared by Minny. Rosemary than has a nightmare in which she is painted with blood and raped by the devil under the watch of a coven which includes Roman, Minnie, Guy and several of her neighbors. She awakens the next day with scratches on her body. Guy takes the blame, saying he was very drunk and didn’t want to miss “baby night.”

As Rosemary’s pregnancy advances, she takes on a gray, hollow look, losing weight instead of gaining.  Soon, she has suspicions about her husband, doctor and her neighbors. Can she trust any one of them? Are they witches? What do they want with her baby? The tension grows as Rosemary slowly uncovers the horrible truth.

Fifty-five years later, the idea of Satan is no longer original, nor as scary. However, Mia Farrow is perfectly cast and makes Rosemary’s Baby worth watching. Her portrayal of a terrified mother-to-be is unforgettable, complete with her iconic Vidal Sassoon pixie haircut and flowered mini-skirt. Ruth Gordon shines as the motherly, yet creepy figure always ready with a liquid concoction.

Originally shot in 35mm, Paramount has reportedly given the film a new 4K transfer.  The correcting of the aspect ratio to 1.85:1 from 1.78:1 is welcome. The overall results are superb. There are beautiful details throughout. Clothes and scenic shots are brighter than ever. The addition of the HDR/Dolby Vision results in a darker and more realistic image than seen in earlier releases. A nice level of grain gives the proceedings a filmic appearance.  The image is free of any scratches or other anomalies.

Rosemary’s Baby features a Dolby TrueHD 2.0 Mono track that effectively coveys the films soundscape. Surprisingly quiet, the mix does av fine job of highlighting the minor effects that add to then overall tension of the story. Dialogue is clean, clear and concise throughout.

English SDH, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Dutch subtitles are included.

The following extras are available on the included DVD:

  • Rosemary’s Baby: A Retrospective (SD, 16:49) Some background on the film from producer Robert Evans and others.
  • Mia and Roman (SD, 23:04) An archival piece produced at the time of the release for promotional purposes, with some interesting behind the scenes footage included.
  • Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:50)
  • 50th Anniversary Red Band Trailer (HD, 00:36)

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