Mark of the Vampire Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Mark of the Vampire" features an exceptional 1080p presentation sourced from a 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative, showcasing the meticulous work by Warner Archive in film restoration. The black-and-white cinematography by James Wong Howe is superbly preserved, delivering a clear and contrasting visual experience, with rich blacks and a finely resolved grayscale. The film grain is evident but well-managed, enriching the eerie atmosphere and maintaining the celluloid feel. Despite the movie's age, the image remains clean and stable, with minimal imperfections such as infrequent speckling, attesting to a near-perfect presentation.

Utilizing MPEG-4 AVC encoding on a BD-50 single-layer disc, this transfer effectively balances polish and authenticity. The presentation delivers high detail with clarity across every scene. Highlights include the distinct textures in Cedric Gibbons' production design and the intricate details in locations like the ornate mansion and cellar. Sharp close-ups emphasize character nuances, whether it’s Bela Lugosi's haunting makeup or Jean Hersholt's characteristic mustache. The film sustains its mood through a silky, cohesive grayscale with excellent shadow delineation, presenting depth even within its claustrophobic sets.

In essence, this Blu-ray debut transcends previous home video releases, revealing a pristine visual quality that showcases the film's artistic and historical significance. The restoration work ensures that "Mark of the Vampire" not only stands out aesthetically but also contributes significantly to film preservation efforts with an impeccable visual display that engages from start to finish.

The audio presentation of "Mark of the Vampire" on Blu-ray is a meticulously crafted experience, leveraging the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track. The audio source originates from a 1960s safety track positive, produced with precision from the original nitrate negative film, ensuring a high-quality reproduction. The dialogue in the audio track is consistently clear and articulate, with minimal hiss and distortion, despite the film nearing its 90-year milestone. The track, though split mono, offers a commendable distinction between dialogues, sound effects, and the score, attributed to Domenico Savino’s stock music.

The mix excels in rendering sonic accents such as screams and gunfire with clarity and precision, capturing spooky atmospherics like chirping crickets and bat squeals that effectively enhance its immersive soundscape. The dynamic range adeptly conveys highs and lows of the music score without distortion, presenting a vibrant sound profile that holds its own despite the constraints typically faced by films from the mid-1930s. Only faint surface noise surfaces during periods of silence, speaking to Warner Archive’s diligent cleanup and restoration efforts.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track faithfully respects the film's historical mono sound mix, masterfully maintaining the integrity of the original sound design. Although expected analog artifacts like hissing occasionally surface, they add rather than detract, offering a touch of nostalgic charm without overshadowing the listening experience. This release arguably presents the best audio fidelity for "Mark of the Vampire" on home video to date, surpassing its prior DVD iteration. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available for added accessibility.

The Blu-ray release of "Mark of the Vampire" presents a thoughtful collection of extras that enrich the viewing experience. The audio commentary by UK genre historians Kim Newman and Stephen Jones, initially recorded for the Warner Bros. Hollywood Legends of Horror Collection, remains informative and engaging, providing critical insights into the film's production and historical context while embracing the quirks of its narrative. "A Thrill for Thelma," a 1935 MGM short from the Crime Does Not Pay series, delivers a cautionary tale about crime and consequence that's impeccably paired with the main feature. Another short, "The Calico Dragon," is a 1935 Happy Harmonies cartoon that offers nostalgic charm with toys embarking on an adventurous dream-like narrative. The original theatrical trailer, featuring Bela Lugosi, adds a vintage promotional touch with his captivating direct audience address, presenting more lines than in the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Informative track by Kim Newman and Stephen Jones.
• A Thrill for Thelma: A 1935 MGM short film from the Crime Does Not Pay series.
• The Calico Dragon: A 1935 Happy Harmonies animated short.
• Theatrical Trailer: Classic trailer featuring Bela Lugosi.

"Mark of the Vampire" is an atmospheric exploration of vintage horror cinema, helmed by Tod Browning and featuring the iconic Bela Lugosi. Set against the eerie backdrop of Eastern European lore, the film unravels a supernatural whodunit with echoes of Count Dracula, yet is plagued by narrative inconsistencies and pacing issues. A 60-minute runtime feels unnecessarily stretched with redundant dialogue and misleading clues, barely redeemed by select chills and some genuinely disturbing scenes involving critters. Although characterized by a complex storyline revolving around the murder of Sir Karell Borotyn and the subsequent hauntings by Count Mora and his daughter Luna, it diverges into an extravagant twist, evoking mixed reactions from audiences.

Despite its shortcomings, "Mark of the Vampire" is sustained by exemplary production values reflective of MGM's golden-era craftsmanship. The meticulous set design by Cedric Gibbons and atmospheric cinematography by James Wong Howe are standout features, enhanced in pristine clarity by Warner Archive's Blu-ray restoration. Resilient performances from the cast—especially Lionel Barrymore as occult expert Professor Zelen, coupled with Carroll Borland's haunting portrayal of Luna—augment Browning's sinister atmosphere. A remnant of its era, the film reflects the constraints of the Hayes Code through its abrupt editing, with approximately 15 minutes lost, which muddles its coherence.

While "Mark of the Vampire" may not satisfy all palates with its concluding twist, its historical significance as a quasi-remake of "London After Midnight" and an experimental blend of horror and intrigue make it an essential watch for genre enthusiasts. Its legacy lies less in its plot cohesion than in its contribution to vampire cine-mythology and its aesthetic homage to early horror sensibilities. With Lugosi embodying a gothic horror archetype, even in limited dialogue, the film remains a fascinating artifact worthy of rediscovery.

"Mark of the Vampire" is a film that befuddles as much as it fascinates, marking a notable entry in Tod Browning’s portfolio despite its narrative shortcomings. Although it falls short of the terror one might expect, especially compared to Browning's other celebrated works like "Dracula" or "Freaks", the film retains an alluring quality thanks to its atmospheric depth and cinematic craftsmanship. Warner Archive’s Blu-ray treatment elevates this classic with a transfer from a 4K scan of the original nitrate camera negative, resulting in a visually stunning presentation that brings out the film's eerie aesthetic. The audio quality is robust, staying true to the period while ensuring clarity.

This release is not just about enhanced visuals and sound; it also enriches the viewer’s experience with substantive extras. The enduring commentary by authors and historians Kim Newman and Stephen Jones provides a thorough exploration of the film’s production, despite some outdated references due to its 2006 recording. Additional features include a couple of shorts from the 1930s, "A Thrill for Thelma" and "The Calico Dragon," which offer valuable context into the era's cinematic tendencies. Moreover, the theatrical trailer featuring Bela Lugosi speaking directly to the audience is a delightful nod to the film's original marketing strategies.

In conclusion, Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "Mark of the Vampire" is an essential acquisition for classic horror enthusiasts and collectors. Despite the film's narrative flaws and limited use of Bela Lugosi's captivating presence, the excellent restoration and enrichments added make it a worthwhile exploration of classic horror cinema. It may not be for everyone, potentially classifying it as a 'try before you buy' title for broader audiences, but for genre purists, this high-definition rendition is a valuable addition to any collection.