Santa Sangre Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Santa Sangre" makes a commendable debut on home video in the U.S., showcasing a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that excels in both detail and color reproduction. The film's 35mm grain structure remains intact, with no signs of DNR, lending an authentic and organic presence to the visuals. While there are occasional traces of mild edge enhancement detectable on certain hard outlines, these are minimal and require a discerning eye to notice. Impressively, the print is remarkably clean, showcasing negligible instances of visible dirt or debris, signifying effective restoration efforts. Skin tones are accurate, black levels are notably deep, and contrast is mostly spot-on, though some highlights appear slightly blown out due to inherent exposure issues in the negative.

Despite some inherent limitations tied to its age and production budget, this Blu-ray presentation remains the best "Santa Sangre" has ever looked. The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encode (1.85:1) does face some constraints, with contrast occasionally appearing restrained and the overall picture slightly flat. However, the color palette, especially reds and other vibrant circus hues, is sufficiently energetic. While black levels can sometimes border on gray, they generally maintain depth without concealing finer details in shadowy scenes. The definition and resolution stand out as the transfer’s key strengths, with objects appearing distinct and clear. Textures on faces and clothing, as well as the unique Mexican architecture, are rendered with impressive clarity.

In summary, while not necessarily a showcase disc that will dazzle viewers with high-definition prowess, this Blu-ray release offers a rich and true-to-source experience that fans of Jodorowsky's surreal cult film will greatly appreciate.

Severin/MPI's presentation of "Santa Sangre" on Blu-ray includes a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that retains the integrity of the original stereo elements. This decision results in an audio experience that is clear and balanced, eliminating the need for constant volume adjustments. Dialogue is effortlessly discernible, showcasing Simon Boswell's score with commendable dynamic range and clarity. However, some incidental pieces, such as various Mexican folk numbers, can occasionally sound slightly harsh with strings and horns standing out too sharply. Despite this minor issue, the track remains free from hisses, dropouts, buzzes, or muffling.

While there are some inherent limitations due to the original low-budget production, they are negligible in the overall experience. The ADR work is evident but not overly disruptive, and the dialogue maintains clarity throughout. Although the mix might seem somewhat limited at times, specific mid-range frequencies prove to be precise and surprisingly expansive in select scenes, enhancing the soundstage with a robust presence. The music distribution across the front channels is strong, displaying a well-maintained balance and fidelity. The low end is modest yet sufficient to impart some depth.

Overall, the stereo presentation of "Santa Sangre" on Blu-ray is both enjoyable and satisfying. Technical imperfections are few and far between, allowing viewers to appreciate the film's unique soundtrack in its intended form. The inclusion of English SDH subtitles also ensures accessibility without compromising the viewing experience.

MPI/Severin Films has compiled a diverse and extensive collection of bonus materials for the Blu-ray release of "Santa Sangre," providing an in-depth look into the film’s production, context, and legacy. The highlight is a detailed audio commentary with Alejandro Jodorowsky and journalist Alan Jones, offering deep insights into the director's thought processes, despite its occasionally dry delivery. A comprehensive documentary, split into seven parts, delves into the film from different angles, including interviews with cast and crew. Other notable extras include historical context on real-life figures inspiring the film, interviews, Q&A sessions, and short films by Jodorowsky’s son. Although upscaled from standard definition to 1080p/i, these materials are essential viewing for any Jodorowsky enthusiast.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track with Alejandro Jodorowsky and journalist Alan Jones.
• Forget Everything You've Seen: The World of Santa Sangre: In-depth seven-part documentary featuring interviews.
• For One Week Only: Alejandro Jodorowsky: 1991 British TV show overview of Jodorowsky's career.
• Goyo Cardenas Spree Killer: Featurette on the serial killer inspiring the film.
• On Stage Q&A with Jodorowsky: 2002 London screening Q&A.
• Jodorowsky 2003 Interview: Discusses his influences and filmmaking philosophy.
• Composer Simon Boswell Interviews Jodorowsky: Short interview discussing various topics.
• Blink Jodorowsky Short by Simon Boswell: An unusual short film of Jodorowsky blinking.
• Close Your Eyes Music Video by Simon Boswell: Music video set to film clips.
• Echeck - Adan Jodorowsky Short Film: A unique silent short film by Jodorowsky’s son.
• Deleted Scenes: With commentary by Jodorowsky.
• Theatrical Trailer
• Japanese Trailer
• Severin Trailers

Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Santa Sangre, now available on Blu-Ray, is a surrealist giallo that merges nightmarish visuals with profound psychological themes. This is Jodorowsky at his most coherent, yet he maintains his signature mystique and symbolic complexity. The film begins in a mental asylum where Fenix (Axel Jodorowsky) reminisces about his traumatic childhood in a circus family. Combining elements of horror, psychological drama, and black comedy, the narrative follows adult Fenix as he reunites with his armless mother, Concha (Blanca Guerra), leading to a bizarre symbiosis where he becomes her physical extension. Together they perform a cabaret act while engaging in a series of ritualistic murders driven by intense psychological control and repressed desires.

Visually, Santa Sangre astounds with its vivid and grotesque tableaux, reflecting Jodorowsky's genius in composition and mise en scène. Scenes range from the shocking to the absurd: a funeral parade for an elephant turned into a chaotic feast, snorting cocaine served to asylum inmates with Down Syndrome, and hallucinatory sequences featuring flocks of chickens attacking Fenix in a Christ-like pose. This dense array of imagery challenges viewers to derive meaning while being immersed in a visceral experience. Drawing thematic parallels to directors like Fellini and Lynch, Jodorowsky explores dichotomies such as sex and death, piety and depravity, forging a unique cinematic journey that is both unsettling and profoundly beautiful.

Santa Sangre offers a deeply intricate examination of redemption, accountability, and the lasting effects of childhood trauma. Collaborating with Italian filmmakers Claudio Argento and Roberto Leoni, Jodorowsky constructs a mythic narrative filled with metaphor while retaining accessibility. The Blu-Ray release provides this masterwork in pristine quality, ensuring that its disturbing beauty and complex narrative captivate audiences, be they admirers or detractors of Jodorowsky’s work. This film stands as an unparalleled piece of horror cinema where pain and salvation intertwine in the pursuit of transcendence.

Alejandro Jodorowsky's "Santa Sangre" emerges as an indispensable addition to any cinephile’s collection with its first-ever legitimate U.S. Blu-ray release, courtesy of Severin Films and MPI Media. The film, long revered for its surreal and enigmatic style combined with a circus performer backdrop, receives an elevated presentation in high-definition. The video and audio quality are notably robust, enhancing the director's distinct vision with vibrant clarity and immersive soundscapes. The packaging includes an impressive five-hour suite of supplementary features, providing deep insights into Jodorowsky’s creative process and the film's unique cinematic language.

Not traditionally recognized for mainstream appeal, Jodorowsky's works have nonetheless carved a niche among art film connoisseurs. "Santa Sangre" stands as one of his most approachable films, yet it retains his characteristic complexity and visual splendor. Severin Films' Blu-ray release preserves these elements impeccably, offering both technical excellence and substantial contextual background through its supplementary contents. This combination ensures that viewers, whether veteran fans or newcomers cautiously exploring Jodorowsky's oeuvre, will find ample value in this comprehensive set.

Conclusion: What a pleasure it is for Jodorowsky fans in the U.S. to finally get their hands on "Santa Sangre" in a legitimate, non-bootlegged form. Better yet, it's on Blu-ray, where the film certainly looks better than ever. With a solid A/V presentation and five hours of bonus features, this release has definitely been worth the wait. If you're new to the Chilean mystic filmmaker, I'd track down a trailer for the movie online first — "Santa Sangre" probably isn’t blind-buy material — but cult classic cinephiles should already have their credit cards at the ready.