Spies Blu-ray Review

Kino Video’s Blu-ray release of Fritz Lang's "Spies" presents the film in an aspect ratio of 1.28:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer. Sourced from the 2K restoration by Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung and completed by L'immagine Ritrovata in 2004, the video quality demonstrates a solid foundation but encounters several technical anomalies. Compared to the Region-B Eureka Entertainment release framed at 1.33:1, this version suffers mild stretching, noticeable in direct comparisons of specific screencaptures. Light chroma-like effects also intermittently appear, primarily in well-lit scenes but sometimes in darker footage, diminishing an otherwise commendable restoration effort.

The comprehensive restoration source elements came from multiple international archives, with crucial work performed by L'Immagine Ritovata. Despite meticulous restoration, the image is influenced by its age, presenting fluctuating film grain and inconsistent black levels. For instance, Agent 326's tuxedo varies from grey to inky black depending on the scene's lighting conditions. Furthermore, contrast inconsistencies manifest in whites and greys throughout the film. Persistent specks and scratches are present, including scenes with white lines suggestive of rain. Depth and detail are remarkably preserved, showcased in close-up shots like a detailed view of Sonya's necklace held by a hand, revealing intricate palm lines. Unique framing choices, such as telescope-like black curves, occur intermittently with soft-edge movements. Additionally, some visual artifacts including light bleed onto the negative, jitter, and flicker, believed to result from the film's original frame rate, are present. Notably, in scenes such as Haghi’s call to assassinate Colonel Jellusic, the lighting effects border on posterization. Overall, while Kino Video’s transfer provides an acceptable viewing experience, viewers should be prepared for its inherent visual imperfections.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Spies" offers a single Dolby Digital 2.0 track, adorned solely by Neil Brand's captivating piano score. Despite the absence of a lossless audio track, the depth and clarity presented are commendable. There is a noticeable dynamic range, adequately capturing the various moods that Brand conveys, and ensuring a rich auditory experience. The bass is sufficiently represented, providing a well-rounded acoustic portrayal without any notable defects.

Neil Brand's score is delivered with impressive precision, preserving the integrity of the music throughout the film. The overall movement of the track is dynamic and free from unwanted noise, such as pops or audio dropouts. Comparatively, while there might be a slight edge in depth for those supplied with a lossless track, this Dolby Digital 2.0 presentation remains highly effective and satisfying for listeners.

Optional English subtitles are available for German dialogue subtitles, enhancing accessibility without detracting from the auditory experience. This careful balance ensures that "Spies" delivers an engaging and immersive soundscape that complements the visuals and narrative effectively.

The Blu-ray extras for "Spies" provide a comprehensive insight into the film's production and historical context. The standout feature is a robust documentary detailing the socio-political climate during its creation, critical differences between versions, and Fritz Lang's evolving directorial style. Expert interviews enrich this documentary, making it invaluable for both film historians and enthusiasts. Furthermore, the disc includes the original German theatrical trailer, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the film’s initial presentation. Each extra is presented with optional English subtitles, ensuring accessibility for international audiences.

Extras included in this disc:

Spies: Small Film with Lots of Action: A detailed documentary exploring the film’s production history, socio-political context, key version differences, and Fritz Lang's directing evolution. Featuring interviews with Guido Altendorf and Anke Wilkening.

Original German Theatrical Trailer: The original trailer with music and German intertitles, provided by the Austrian Film Museum, complete with imposed English subtitles.

Fritz Lang's Spies (1928), brought to Blu-ray by Kino Video, delivers an exhilarating silent action thriller brimming with intrigue and masterful craftsmanship. The narrative centers around Haghi (Rudolf Klein-Rogge), a wheelchair-bound criminal mastermind who controls a network of adept spies and manipulates powerful figures. Countering him is the youthful and charming Agent 326 (Willy Fritsch), dispatched by the government to dismantle Haghi's operation. An enticing subplot features Russian spy Sonya Baranilkowa (Gerda Maurus) who, while ordered to eliminate Agent 326, ends up falling in love with him, adding a romantic twist to the espionage.

The film's pacing, typical of its era, sometimes feels drawn out, yet the dense array of subplots ensures a continuously engaging experience. Notably, the visually arresting train wreck scene showcases Lang's dedication to cinematic precision, despite the technological limitations of the 1920s. Captured with Fritz Arno Wagner's expert cinematography, known from his work on Nosferatu and M, the film’s aesthetic touches create a rich, atmospheric texture, amplifying the grandeur of a seemingly small-scale production. However, occasional narrative loopholes and disjointed subplots can distract from the overall cohesion. The character of Haghi embodies formidable complexity but his motivations sometimes appear ambiguous, diluting his sinister charisma.

Despite these imperfections, Spies stands as a testament to Lang’s prowess in creating a grand spectacle within constrained resources. The third act introduces Agent 719 in a twist marred by some lackluster camera work, hinting at fascinating yet underdeveloped storylines. Overall, the dynamic between Agent 326 and Haghi propels the film, driving it toward an explosive conclusion. Spies remain a captivating classic due to its intricate plotting and stunning visuality, even if parts of its sprawling narrative remain elusive. This Blu-ray release by Kino is an excellent presentation, making an essential addition to any cinephile's collection.

Kino Video's Blu-ray release of Fritz Lang's "Spies" is built upon a commendable 2K restoration conducted by the Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung in Wiesbaden. However, it exhibits a persistent anomaly: an unusual stretching throughout the entire film. This issue, which similarly affected the recent Blu-ray release of Georg Wilhelm Pabst's "Diary of a Lost Girl," appears connected to the unusual framing of the film at 1.28:1 instead of the more conventional 1.33:1. Notably, Eureka Entertainment's Region-B releases offer correctly framed presentations in 1.33:1.

Despite the limitations in high-definition presentation due to these source-related issues, the overall enjoyment and historical appreciation of "Spies" should remain unhindered for silent-film aficionados. The visual flaws, while evident, do not overshadow the film's intrinsic entertainment value and its significant place in cinematic history.

In conclusion, Kino Video's Blu-ray release of Fritz Lang's "Spies" may hold some technical imperfections, but it is still a worthy acquisition for enthusiasts of classic cinema. The restoration efforts, despite their shortcomings, provide a worthwhile viewing experience that honors Fritz Lang's iconic work.