Red Krokodil Blu-ray Review

"Red Krokodil" is presented on Blu-ray courtesy of Unearthed Films and MVD Visual, featuring an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The visual presentation of this low-budget independent production is intriguing but challenging. The film frequently employs heavy desaturation, almost rendering several scenes in black and white. When colors are more vivid, particularly in sequences involving forest hallucinations, the palette shifts to warmer hues. Detail levels fluctuate with lighting conditions; close-ups often reveal excruciatingly detailed images that are squirm-inducing given the film’s subject matter. Exterior shots sometimes appear almost deliberately artificial, akin to painted backdrops.

However, the production's origins with older digital cameras introduce certain limitations. Viewers may notice hints of aliasing and digital textures characteristic of DSLR cameras from a decade ago. Murky shadows and clipped highlights suggest a contrast that is somewhat blown out, contributing to varied cinematographic experiences across different scenes. Notably, some banding is evident in lighter scenes and during transitions like fade-ins and fade-outs, which can momentarily disrupt the viewing experience. Despite these imperfections, the Blu-ray transfer successfully captures the grim aesthetic intended by the filmmakers, though it occasionally verges on a serviceable rather than pristine Hi-def presentation.

Unearthed Films and MVD Visual have delivered a Blu-ray that remains true to the raw and unpolished vision of "Red Krokodil," encapsulating its grimy, drug-induced visual narrative. The 83-minute main feature encoded on a BD-25 disc retains the director’s cut while embracing the indie production's inherent visual grit. This approach underscores the film's experimental aesthetic, proving both polarizing and thought-provoking for viewers who appreciate its unsettling imagery and unconventional storytelling techniques.

The Blu-ray release of "Red Krokodil" features a linear PCM 2.0 audio track that is predominantly devoted to its eclectic score, composed by Alexander Cimini. The soundtrack alternates between modernist, sometimes electronic motifs, and lush, Romantic orchestral string cues. Ambient environmental sounds are sporadically integrated, especially noticeable in the scenes with the grimy apartment and forest hallucinations. The fidelity of the track is solid throughout, maintaining clarity and depth without any reported issues.

The English 2.0 PCM soundtrack excels in delivering clear and intelligible dialogue, though there isn't much dialogue present. The sound quality of the original score is adequate, albeit quite ordinary in nature, with a limited stereo mix. However, it serves the film's atmospheric needs adequately. Notably, there are no subtitles included with this audio presentation, which could be a drawback for non-English speaking audiences.

The Blu-ray extras of "Red Krokodil" are a mixed but intriguing collection that complements the film's intense narrative. The alternate music ending presents an evocative Michael Nyman-esque piano piece, stripping away the final cut's narration and offering a different emotional resonance. Deleted scenes provide additional context and material not included in the final edit. The photo gallery collects poignant imagery reflecting the film's bleak tone. A unique Nuclear CGI Test reveals the behind-the-scenes digital craftsmanship. The included trailer provides a graphic preview of the film's disturbing themes. While the absence of a Pop-Up Menu is notable, the extras overall add significant value to the Blu-ray package, though the presence of additional trailers and teasers mentioned on the back cover remains unverified.

Extras included in this disc:

• Alternate Music Ending: Michael Nyman-esque piano accompaniment for the film's end.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional context and material not in the final cut.
• Photo Gallery: Compilation of evocative imagery.
• Nuclear CGI Test: Behind-the-scenes digital effects.
• The Trailer: Graphic preview of the film's themes.

"Red Krokodil" offers a profoundly unsettling exploration into the life of an addict trapped in a post-apocalyptic Russia. The film delves into the horrifying effects of the synthetic drug known as krokodil, notorious for its grotesque, skin-eating consequences. The opening text provides a chilling backdrop, highlighting the deadly nature of the drug and suggesting conspiracy theories about its proliferation. Director Domiziano Cristopharo and screenwriter Francesco Scardone craft an audacious visual narrative filled with hallucinatory sequences and overt gore, a reflection of the protagonist’s decaying mental and physical state. Stylistically, the movie borders on avant-garde, featuring sparse dialogue and a haunting score by Alexander Cimini and Gabriele Verdinelli. The predominantly silent performance by Brock Madson further amplifies the discomfort, compelling viewers to endure his cyclical misery.

The narrative structure is composed of repetitive vignettes, depicting the main character’s descent into addiction and mental collapse. Scenes often fade out, mimicking the protagonist's intermittent consciousness. He oscillates between squalid reality and fragmented hallucinations, often venturing into fantastical landscapes that offer brief respite from his grotesque existence. These sequences introduce bizarre elements such as a giant rabbit-headed creature, perhaps an allusion to Christian resurrection symbology, and a recurring motif of Jesus-like imagery, including stigmata and a crown of thorns. These symbolic inclusions may be open to interpretation but often verge on pretentiousness, detracting from the gritty depiction of addiction.

Cinematically, "Red Krokodil" blurs the lines between psychological horror and arthouse film but falls short in narrative coherence, leaving much ambiguous in its portrayal of desolation and decay. The monotonous suffering might test viewers' patience, yet it effectively captures the harrowing reality of krokodil addicts. This film isn’t for the faint-hearted or those seeking clarity but serves as a visceral deterrent against drug abuse through its raw, unnerving presentation of one man's deterioration.

"Red Krokodil" is a visually arresting yet deeply unsettling film that encapsulates the descent of a Russian junkie through vivid and often grotesque visual storytelling. The Blu-ray release delivers a compelling audiovisual experience with impressive clarity and detail, capturing the stark and haunting atmosphere effectively. The high-definition transfer ensures that every unsettling detail is brought to the forefront, enhancing the impact of the film's surreal and grim narrative.

The sound design is equally proficient, preserving the immersive and often jarring auditory elements that punctuate the protagonist’s disturbing journey. The use of ambient noises and disorienting soundscapes adds a layer of depth to the film, making it a more visceral experience for the viewer. While the film itself might be challenging to digest, especially due to its graphic content, the technical presentation on this Blu-ray disc is undeniably top-notch.

If you're up for something completely different, even if that means forsaking any actual meaning, "Red Krokodil" may well appeal to your Art House sensibilities, albeit with the now repeated warning that there are some elements on display here that may not sit that well with everyone. I personally found the film more interesting to think about than to actually watch. Technical merits are generally strong for those considering a purchase. Few will last through this overly graphic examination of a Russian junkie physically breaking down as his mind wanders off into bizarre realms.