The Grapes of Death Blu-ray Review

Kino-Lorber and Redemption Films' Blu-ray release of "The Grapes of Death" employs a generally strong 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer, maintaining an aspect ratio of 1.66:1. This high-definition remastering preserves the authentic texture of the original print, including white and black specks, bits of debris, and small scratches indicative of age-related damage. While this lack of extensive digital restoration might be a drawback for some, it avoids common pitfalls such as overzealous noise reduction and edge enhancement, which are commendably absent in this case. The transfer's carefully retained film grain significantly contributes to the film's atmospheric grit and grimy authenticity.

Despite occasional blurriness and poorly resolved scenes—largely attributable to the original photography and suboptimal lens focus rather than the encode—the image clarity demonstrates marked improvement over previous DVD releases. Colors are notably vibrant and stable, with black levels being deep and accurately rendered. Shadow delineation within interior settings is particularly impressive, revealing a surprising amount of fine detail and sharpness in various objects. Primaries especially benefit from the HD transition, although the rest of the color palette remains relatively muted but cleanly detailed. Overall, this Blu-ray presentation provides a substantial upgrade in visual quality that should please enthusiasts and collectors, maintaining a balance between respecting the film's original look and leveraging the benefits of contemporary high-definition technology.

The audio presentation of "The Grapes of Death" Blu-ray comes with an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 mono track that exhibits a range of age-related imperfections. One can notice a persistent low-level hiss, sporadic crackles, and splice pops throughout the film. Although this background noise is constant, it does not overly detract from the viewing experience and can feel somewhat appropriate to the gritty nature of Jean Rollin’s work. The film's score—featuring eerie minor key arpeggios from organs and synthesizers—retains a textured, creepy quality that complements the horror theme effectively. Considering the film’s unique production approach of silent shooting with post-dubbed French dialogue, the dialogue remains clear and bright at the top of the mix.

Despite these points, the audio has certain drawbacks that slightly diminish its impact. The PCM mono soundtrack includes noticeable background noise and sporadic clicking and popping that can become intrusive over time. Additionally, the audio lacks dynamic range, rendering the mix somewhat flat and uniform. The bass is notably deficient, affecting both the musical score and action sequences. Vocal tracks, while clear and centralized, have a somewhat canned and hollow sound without much movement between frequencies. However, these imperfections do not entirely overwhelm the presentation, ensuring that it remains passable if not exceptional. For those seeking a pristine sound experience, the track may fall short, but it retains enough character to match the film's aesthetic. Optional English subtitles are included on the disc for clarity.

The Blu Ray extras for "The Grapes of Death" offer a robust look behind the scenes of Jean Rollin's filmmaking approach, featuring insightful content for both fans and scholars of his work. The Introduction by Jean Rollin, with a high-definition transfer, provides an insightful glimpse into his thoughts on undertaking his first moderately budgeted project and his approach to gore sequences. The Filmmaker Interview, presented in standard definition, is a comprehensive discussion led by Patrick Lambert and Frédérick Durand where Rollin shares his affinity for French comic books and literature, giving a thorough understanding of his inspirations and career trajectory. Additional content includes a selection of Theatrical Trailers and Jean Rollin Trailers highlighting some of his other films. Complementing these digital extras is a fourteen-page Booklet written by Video Watchdog editor Tim Lucas, offering further insights.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Jean Rollin: Rollin discusses budget and special effects.
• Filmmaker Interview: Extensive interview on Rollin's inspirations and career.
• Theatrical Trailers
• Jean Rollin Trailers: Trailers for Fascination, The Night of the Hunted, and more.
• Booklet: Essay by Tim Lucas.

Jean Rollin's "The Grapes of Death" marks an intriguing and appreciably more grounded departure from the director's earlier repertoire of fantastique and erotically charged cinema. Engaging with the then-booming gore/zombie sub-genre, this 1978 film establishes its atmosphere through the bleak, pesticide-soaked vineyards of provincial France, hinting at a thematic exploration of environmental decay that feels unexpectedly pertinent. The plot unfolds with a graceful yet unsettling pace, focusing on Elizabeth (Marie-Georges Pascal) as she navigates a landscape peopled by villagers transformed into quasi-zombies by the contaminated local wine. The narrative's episodic structure and visceral, practical effects—seen in moments such as the crucifixion and decapitation of a blind woman—lend both an element of suspense and a profound sense of body horror.

Rollin's stylistic singularity remains intact, manifesting in hauntingly deserted settings, sudden bursts of nudity, and a dreamlike progression unbound by conventional horror pacing. The film's ecological undertones can be discerned in the anxiety surrounding pesticide use, dovetailing into a broader socio-political commentary that injects depth into the grotesque visuals. With characters evolving from enraged, aware individuals to mindless vessels of infection, Rollin adeptly channels societal fears of uncontrollable contagion and chemical hazards. Such layers make "The Grapes of Death" a notable entry point for those new to Rollin's oeuvre—balancing accessible narrative motifs with his trademark surrealist ambiance.

Further bolstered by kinetic performances and notable cameos, including softcore actress Brigitte Lahaie, "The Grapes of Death" is enhanced by its inventive yet crude practical effects, evident in grotesque scenes like pitchfork impalements and cranium-smashing ghouls. The incorporation of these shock elements aligns with Rollin's goal to push boundaries within the Euro-sleaze genre. While less action-packed than contemporaneous zombie movies, its emphasis on atmosphere and unique thematic concerns result in a film that is both memorable and unsettlingly pertinent.

"The Grapes of Death" Blu-ray serves as an intriguing escape into Jean Rollin's unique cinematic universe, diverging from his signature vampire erotica to explore a grim tale of pesticide-induced zombification. Rollin's unhurried, dreamy storytelling combines with a plot anchored on wine drinking and the spread of a pathogenic pesticide, making this early French gore film both bizarre and captivating. Renowned as one of the first major French entries in the zombie genre, "The Grapes of Death" utilizes commendable special effects that still resonate with contemporary viewers.

The Blu-ray transfer by Kino-Lorber and Redemption Films showcases a noticeable improvement over previous home video releases. Despite the print being covered in some debris and the audio grappling with age-related issues, this version is the best the film has ever appeared on home media. The visual presentation is robust, bringing out the detail and atmosphere that Rollin originally intended. Although the audio quality falls short of expectations, it remains serviceable enough for an immersive experience. The disc includes a modest selection of supplemental materials that, while not extensive, contribute meaningful insights into the film's production and contextual background.

This Blu-ray release encapsulates both the quirks and charms of "The Grapes of Death," making it a valuable addition for fans of Jean Rollin and aficionados of the horror genre alike. Although not flawless, this edition provides a respectful and worthy preservation of a cult classic, ensuring its relevancy and accessibility to new generations of cinephiles.