All The Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium Of Folk Horror Volume 2 Blu-ray Review

"All The Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium Of Folk Horror Vol. 2" provides an exceptionally cohesive image quality across its eclectic collection of 24 films, each encoded in AVC 1080p. The Blu-ray presentation leverages various scanning resolutions, from 2k to 4k, evidently enhancing the preservation of these cultural artifacts. For instance, "Psychomania" and "The White Reindeer" benefit from 4k scans of their negatives, exhibiting impressive grain structure and natural colors, along with deep blacks and excellent contrast, respectively. Yet, films like "Sundelbolong" experience heavy DNR treatment, erasing fine details for a waxy finish, though color reproduction remains commendable.

Technically, the set avoids substantial compression issues, maintaining an organic visual fidelity throughout. Noteworthy is "To Fire You Come At Last," with its remarkable HD treatment from a 2k digital master that delivers stark contrast and fine detail. In another example, "Scales" showcases deep black levels and detail in its HD transfer, preserving the digitally shot feature’s attributes diligently. While films sourced from older or less preserved materials, like "Beauty and the Beast" and "Nazareno Cruz And The Wolf," exhibit inherent limitations with mild print damage and subdued details, the efforts in restoration shine through.

Vivid primaries and robust contrast dominate features such as "Edge Of The Knife" and "Akelarre," which derive their presentation quality from meticulous 4k scans of original negatives. Despite occasional constraints due to source materials, including limited dynamic range and image blemishes in select titles, this compendium ultimately offers a satisfying array of folk horror presentations. The dedication to preserving diverse storytelling through high definition and three-dimensional imagery not only rescues films from obscurity but raises the standard of home media presentations across cultural cinemas.

The audio presentation for "All The Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium Of Folk Horror Volume 2" on Blu-Ray delivers a commendable range of soundtracks across its diverse collection. While most of the 24 films come with DTS-HD Master Audio in Mono, certain titles feature enriching 5.1 surround mixes. Notable enhancements can be observed in films like "Edge of the Knife," "Nang Nak," "Demon," and "November," where both 5.1 and 2.0 stereo tracks add dimensional depth to the auditory experience. Despite inevitable source irregularities, such as those found in "Nazareno Cruz and the Wolf," the audio generally remains serviceable. English subtitles enhance accessibility for all features.

Diligently matching each film's original language, this compilation ensures an authentic audio representation. Highlights include "To Fire You Come at Last" in DTS-HD MA 2.0 Stereo, "Psychomania" in LPCM Mono, and "Who Fears the Devil" with DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono. Other standout presentations include "The White Reindeer" in Finnish LPCM Mono and "Bakeneko: A Vengeful Spirit" in Japanese with DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono. Audio fidelity is notably consistent, regardless of regional and temporal variations.

Severin's dedication to preserving auditory authenticity is evident through their meticulous attention to detail. The set exemplifies the balance between maintaining original sound integrity and enhancing tracks where possible. While specific films like those from Korea, Indonesia, and Poland showcase impressive surround mixes, the focus remains on offering the best possible audio reproductions given available resources. This collection stands as a testament to adherence to technical excellence within folk horror cinema audio presentations.

Severin Films' "All The Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium Of Folk Horror Volume 2" is a remarkable achievement in bonus content delivery. The set boasts an exhaustive collection of extras that immerse enthusiasts in the rich tapestry of folk horror. With meticulous restorations and insightful analysis, these extras elevate the physical media experience. High-definition featurettes include interviews, audio commentaries, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, deftly curated around each film. Alongside the extensive on-disc content, collectors will appreciate the accompanying hardbound storybook and booklet, presenting a delightful index of the films, their synopses, and illustrations. Overall, this collection is a treasure trove for film aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Comprehensive insights by directors, film historians, and authors enhance understanding of various films.
• Interviews: Actors, scholars, and composers provide depth and context to the cinematic pieces.
• Featurettes: High-definition segments delve into cultural, historical, and thematic aspects.
• Short Films: Rare cinematic shorts showcasing unique perspectives and techniques.
• Trailers and EPKs: Original promotional materials offering a nostalgic look at the films.

Severin Films returns with an immersive and expansive exploration of folk horror in "All the Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium Of Folk Horror Volume 2." This 13-disc, 24-film collection encompasses a vast array of storytelling traditions from around the globe, serving as both an homage and a revitalization of this cinematic subgenre. The films range in tone and origin, hailing from countries as diverse as Japan, Finland, Indonesia, and Estonia, each contributing unique folklore narratives that collectively broaden the horizon beyond traditional Anglo-American and European lore.

Key highlights include the Japanese classic "Bakeneko: A Vengeful Spirit," renowned for its lush imagery and supernatural vengeance theme, and "IO Island," a South Korean feature employing atmospheric tension woven with shamanistic elements. The Finnish entry "The White Reindeer" expertly intertwines themes of love and paganism, offering a nuanced reflection on societal constructs within its ethereal narrative lens. As a testament to the collection's depth, it includes films such as "From the Old Earth," a Welsh short steeped in traditional folk horror aesthetics and eerie storytelling techniques.

Overall, this collection not only preserves but celebrates the diversity of folk horror narratives across cultures. Seamlessly housed in a visually striking box set with robust packaging, each disc is accompanied by contextual artwork and supplementary material, including a comprehensive booklet and newly commissioned folk horror fiction. Through these stories bound in physical media, Severin Films invites viewers to engage with cultural narratives that fuse cinematic artistry with timeless folklore, preserving their legacy for future generations.

"All The Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium Of Folk Horror Volume 2" offers an extensive collection of 24 lesser-known horror gems from around the world, expertly curated by Severin Films. This expansive set captures the diverse essence of folk horror, transporting viewers through a myriad of cultural narratives. The films, ranging from tales of vengeful spirits to eccentric thrill-seekers, are bound to captivate horror aficionados. The visual and auditory presentations are delivered with remarkable fidelity to their original sources, allowing each film to retain its unique authenticity. Additionally, each disc features curated special features that delve deeper into the myths and stories explored in the films.

The collection not only showcases horror and fantasy but also acts as a cultural mosaic, reflecting global fears and hopes. Viewers are invited to explore a diverse array of cultural perspectives, seeing how folklore transcends borders and time. This is further complemented by a deluxe hardcover book, boasting newly commissioned short stories that augment the cinematic experience. The set successfully bridges cultural gaps, revealing the universal influence of cinematic fear and folklore.

In conclusion, "All The Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium Of Folk Horror Volume 2" is an indispensable addition for any collector and enthusiast of folk horror. Severin Films has produced a premium set that celebrates global storytelling through meticulously restored films and enriching supplementary materials. Highly recommended for those seeking both nostalgic charm and the thrill of discovering rare cinematic treasures.