Viy Blu-ray Review

Severin Films presents "Viy" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio. The transfer lacks official restoration details, but it stands out with commendable visual quality despite some peculiarities. The color timing is notable for its occasional bluish undertone, affecting darker scenes by pushing blacks toward purplish hues and giving flesh tones a somewhat unnatural appearance. However, in well-lit sequences, the palette exhibits vibrant pops, greatly enhancing fine detail. The natural resolution of grain and the absence of major compression issues further underscore the overall successful transfer quality.

The restoration's success is apparent primarily through its appeal in brighter scenes. Despite the older compositing techniques revealing their seams at times, the image retains a compelling degree of detail. The grain structure maintains integrity throughout, ensuring a consistently filmic experience. This solid presentation, apart from the color inconsistencies, offers an immersive view into "Viy," particularly for enthusiasts of vintage Soviet cinema looking for an authentic visual representation of the film.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Viy" includes DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono tracks in both Russian and English, highlighting distinct tonal variations primarily in the dialogue amplitude. Both tracks exhibit commendable fidelity, effectively supporting the spoken elements along with ambient environmental sound effects and Karen Khachaturyan's pervasive score. It’s noteworthy that Khachaturyan, a notable composer and nephew of Aram Khachaturian of “Sabre Dance” fame, delivers a compelling musical backdrop that seamlessly integrates into the overall audio experience. Optional English subtitles are available for both language tracks, ensuring accessibility for non-native speakers.

Although the marketing materials claim that "Viy" has been “remastered in HD for the first time ever,” the source utilized for this remastering remains unidentified. Nonetheless, the high definition presentation is impressive, exhibiting natural visuals with vibrant color reproduction, albeit with minor color fluctuations. From an audio perspective, both the Russian and English 2.0 mono DTS-HD tracks deliver clear and articulate dialogue alongside a robust musical score. However, it is important to note a slight disparity in sound effects impact, with the English dub sounding somewhat more mechanical. This minor issue does not detract significantly from the overall high-quality audio presentation that "Viy" offers.

The Blu-ray release of "Viy" boasts an impressive array of extras that cater to both genre enthusiasts and scholars of Soviet cinema. Richard Stanley’s interview, "Viy the Vampire," provides a lively, engaging 23-minute conversation that fans will find captivating. "From the Woods to the Cosmos," a 35-minute featurette by John Leman Riley, offers a thorough exploration of Soviet fantasy and science fiction films, making it a standout inclusion. This disc also features a trailer, alongside rare Soviet silent horror shorts: "The Portrait," "The Queen of Spades," and "Satan Exultant." Each element is presented in high-definition where possible, ensuring a rich viewing experience for aficionados and collectors alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Viy the Vampire: Interview with Richard Stanley.
• From the Woods to the Cosmos: Overview of Soviet fantasy and science fiction films by John Leman Riley.
• Trailer: Official trailer for "Viy."
• Soviet Silent Horror: Collection of rare Soviet silent horror shorts.
• The Portrait: Short silent horror film.
• The Queen of Spades: Silent horror short.
• Satan Exultant: Silent horror short.

"Viy" (1967) is a Soviet-era horror film based on Nikolai Gogol's novella, known for its unique blend of folklore and supernatural elements. The film, directed by Konstantin Ershov and Georgiy Kropachyov, revolves around a young seminary student named Khoma Brutus (Leonid Kuravlyov) who, along with two other monks, accidentally encounters a witch in a deserted farmhouse. After Khoma roughly handles the witch, who subsequently transforms into a beautiful young woman before dying, he is summoned to a remote village to perform ritual prayers over her body for three consecutive nights.

The narrative is steeped in Russian folklore and showcases Khoma's increasingly desperate attempts to escape his perilous duty, as he battles malevolent forces conjured by the deceased almost every night. Viewers are treated to visually compelling scenes of ghosts and goblins, executed with a technical prowess that belies the era of the film’s production. The transformation of the witch and the gravity-defying encounters augment the eerie atmosphere, embodying the 19th-century cultural zeitgeist of Slavic ghost stories and fairy tales.

The film intertwines Gothic horror with mythological fantasy while exploring the themes of fear and superstition prevalent in rural Russia. "Viy" is notable for its practical effects and atmospheric tension, making excellent use of traditional set pieces and choreographed action to maintain a sense of dread throughout its runtime. Additionally, Mariya Bagmet's depiction of the dark, enclosing church creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia as Khoma struggles against the supernatural. The film's technical aspects can be likened to Mario Bava’s "Black Sunday," although the direct connections between the two remain speculative. Overall, "Viy" remains a significant and intriguing piece in the history of horror cinema.

The Blu-ray release of "Viy" represents a significant technical update, marketed as the film's first HD remaster. Viewers will appreciate the solid high-definition presentation, which maintains a natural visual quality with excellent color reproduction. However, minor color fluctuations are present, which may momentarily distract from the viewing experience. Auditory options include Russian and English 2.0 mono DTS-HD tracks, both delivering clear dialogue and a robust musical score, though the sound effects lack impact. The English dub sounds comparatively mechanical, but English subtitles are available for both audio tracks, preserving accessibility.

The film itself is steeped in Russian folklore, offering a mystique that will particularly appeal to those interested in the cultural backdrop. While the narrative is relatively straightforward and brief, reflecting its origins in Nikolai Gogol’s short story, it provides ample opportunity for engaging and atmospheric storytelling. Some special effects, though dated by current standards, are charming and add to the film's distinctive style, enhancing its numerous spooky moments effectively.

In conclusion, there’s something almost indelibly Russian about "Viy," appealing greatly to fans of the country’s rich folklore. Though the story might be sparse and the special effects quaint, the film boasts plenty of style and eerie atmosphere. Technical merits on this Blu-ray release are robust, and the supplementary content is highly enjoyable. Recommended for enthusiasts of folklore and classic horror cinema.