Häxan Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Häxan" by Radiance Films showcases a remarkable 1080p AVC encoded transfer with a 1.35:1 aspect ratio. This release leverages a restoration from Svenskfilmindustri using a duplicate negative source, closely resembling the Criterion release but with a slightly wider aspect ratio. The transfer delivers an impressive visual experience, particularly for viewers familiar with the often poorly maintained silent film catalog. The restoration effectively minimizes the pronounced damage typical of such films, offering a viewing experience that is both refreshing and visually engaging.

The presentation skillfully transitions between quasi-sepia and deep cobalt blue tints, maintaining strong detail levels across these color shifts. Although non-blue scenes have a slight edge in fine detail, the visual integrity remains consistently high. Minor age-related wear is perceptible, yet it is minimal and does not detract from the overall quality. The natural grain structure is preserved, contributing to the authentic and immersive cinema feel expected by enthusiasts and purists alike.

Radiance Films has crafted an exemplary visual presentation for "Häxan," allowing viewers to fully appreciate its historical and artistic significance through well-curated restoration efforts. The Blu-ray not only offers a superior viewing experience compared to previous versions but also sets a new standard for presenting silent films in high definition.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Häxan" on Disc One features a captivating score by Matti Bye, delivered through DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. This soundtrack is imbued with an intriguing Cirque du Soleil-esque flair, characterized by its playful quality and dynamic interplay of reeds and winds. The arrangement creates a dance-like atmosphere that enriches the viewing experience. The audio is skillfully mixed and provides an immersive surround experience, effectively utilizing the available channels to deliver a spacious auditory environment, despite the ensemble's minimalistic nature.

In addition to Bye's composition, the Blu-ray set includes multiple alternative scores, which can be found on the second disc. These options offer music enthusiasts an array of choices to enhance their viewing of "Häxan." Each score is crafted to exploit the DTS-HD Master Audio format fully, ensuring clarity and depth in the soundscape. While the primary score boasts an engaging orchestration, exploring the additional scores may reveal new dimensions to the film's audio experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Häxan" offer a well-curated exploration of both historical context and modern analysis, enhancing the film's appreciation. The first disc features unique extras, such as Benjamin Christensen's 1941 introduction, offering historical insights with English subtitles. The outtakes provide fascinating test footage from 1922, while a costume screen test reveals alternative visual interpretations of Satan. Guillermo del Toro's commentary gives a contemporary perspective on Christensen’s work, adding depth to the film's understanding. Another standout is "For Satan: The Convert's Guide to Häxan," a witty, title-driven supplement lauded for its humor. An audio commentary by Guy Adams and A.K. Benedict further enriches the viewing experience. Disc Two presents three diverse audio scores for the 1922 release, each with unique musical elements from Bronnt Industries Kapital, Geoff Smith, and Lawrence Leherissey. Additionally, an intriguing 1968 revisionist version features William S. Burroughs' narration and Daniel Hummair’s score.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Benjamin Christensen: Fascinating 1941 piece with subtitles.
• Outtakes: Reel of 1922 test footage from several films.
• Costume Screen Test: Footage of a Satan costume screen test.
• Guillermo del Toro: Director’s thoughts on the film and Christensen.
• For Satan: The Convert's Guide to Häxan: Humorous on-screen titles and descriptions.
• Audio Commentary by Guy Adams and A.K. Benedict: Additional insights.
• Witchcraft Through the Ages: 1968 revisionist version narrated by William S. Burroughs.
• Häxan with Bronnt Industries Kapital Score: Diverse score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Häxan with Geoff Smith Score: Experimental score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Häxan - The Esoteric Cut: Alternate version with English intertitles and piano-based score.
• Witchcraft Through the Ages (1990): French cut with Jean-Pierre Kalfon narration.

The Blu-ray release of "Häxan" by Radiance Films captivates with its visually compelling presentation, honing in on the film's unique historical narrative and experimental craftsmanship. Originally released in 1922, "Häxan" is an avant-garde quasi-documentary exploring the evolution of witchcraft from the Middle Ages to contemporary times. Directed by Benjamin Christensen, the film benefits from a lavish budget and extensive production time, contributing to its pioneering application of special effects which remain remarkable even today. Christensen's fusion of documentary elements with dramatic flair showcases his A-list caliber in directing, editing, and acting, particularly his memorable portrayal of Satan. This edition enriches the narrative with new supplements, including an unorthodox visual essay by Vito A. Rowlands that injects humor into the historical discourse.

Christensen's approach was ahead of its time, dismantling conventional views on folklore through deconstructionist techniques, akin to the dissection of Freudian theories prevalent at the time. His 1941 reissue introduction provides a reflective lens on the original ideas presented in "Häxan," highlighted by an exploration of hysteria and mythological constructs. The film's structure deliberately shifts from a static documentary style to a dynamic portrayal of 'living visuals,' affirming Christensen's mastery in manipulating cinematic form and audience expectations. Additionally, Christensen's decision against incorporating sound underscores his visionary storytelling; the silence accents the psychedelic visual journey that becomes increasingly intricate as the film unfolds.

For those familiar with the Criterion version, revisiting "Häxan" through Radiance Films' offering is notably rewarding due to the addition of engaging bonus content. While maintaining fidelity to Christensen's artistic vision, this release introduces contemporary audiences to historical masterpieces via meticulously curated supplements. Despite its age, "Häxan" continues to engage and provoke thought, embodying a fearless narrative that challenges perceptions across generations.

Radiance's Blu-ray release of "Häxan" delivers an enriching exploration into witchcraft and the occult, masterfully restoring this mystifying 1922 film. Striking in its historical portrayal, the film blends elements of documentary and horror to provide viewers with a captivating narrative that delves into the perceptions and practices surrounding witchcraft through the ages. The meticulous restoration efforts have resulted in outstanding image quality, reflecting an authentic period aesthetic while ensuring clarity and detail that enhance the viewing experience. The texture and depth achieved in this release elevate "Häxan," presenting it as a visually arresting piece that resonates with both historical fidelity and cinematic artistry.

Sound quality on this disc is equally impressive, supporting an immersive viewing experience with clear audio restoration that respects the original composition. Accompanying the main feature are a wealth of supplements, ranging from insightful commentaries to historical context documentaries, which collectively enrich understanding of the film’s themes and production history. These extras are essential for academics and enthusiasts alike, allowing for a greater appreciation of the film’s cultural and historical significance.

In conclusion, "Häxan" on Blu-ray from Radiance is a compelling acquisition for anyone fascinated by early cinema, the occult, or historical narratives. The high-caliber technical restoration, along with meticulously curated supplements, makes this release a must-have for collectors and newcomers. It stands as a testament to the enduring intrigue of witchcraft and its cinematic representation, offering a comprehensive package that captivates and educates in equal measure. Highly recommended.