Two Orphan Vampires Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "Two Orphan Vampires" is a considerable upgrade from its previous DVD release. Mastered from the original 16mm negatives, the film is provided in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, contrary to the misleading packaging. The transfer maintains a consistent thin grain structure that enhances its cinematic quality. Although there are persistent white specks, occasional scratches, and hairs stuck in the gate, particularly in the opening minutes, this isn't unexpected given the film's low-budget 16mm origins. These blemishes are notably less intrusive compared to the earlier DVD version, offering a more authentic filmic texture without any digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement.

Despite inherent limitations such as the film's soft focus and low-budget constraints, the Blu-ray transfer reveals a significant improvement in detail and clarity, particularly in close-ups. The color palette varies, with daytime scenes exhibiting well-balanced hues and deep blacks, whereas night scenes employ a heavy blue filter to match the narrative's unique visual style. This filter occasionally gives the film an unnatural appearance, but it serves to enhance the story's dreamlike quality. Contrast is stable throughout, providing deep shadows and controlled highlights. The result is a presentation that's true to the original film's aesthetic while offering enhanced sharpness and natural flesh tones, all without the benefits of extensive digital restoration.

The audio presentation of "Two Orphan Vampires" on Blu-ray is delivered with two distinct options: the original French and an English dub, both in uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 stereo. The French track is significantly preferred for its authenticity and superior integration, whereas the English dub is notably less seamless, exhibiting an overlay that detracts from the overall experience. Both tracks offer a clear and functional sound presentation; dialogue is intelligible and consistent across the spectrum. The inclusion of a nicely reproduced Philippe D'Aram score, which features breathy synthesizer tones, enhances the auditory experience. For non-French speakers, optional English subtitles are provided in easy-to-read white lettering.

In terms of technical performance, the original French audio shines with a balanced and well-centered soundstage, delivering satisfyingly wide imaging. While not exceedingly dynamic, the mid-range maintains impressive clarity and fidelity throughout. Background sounds are detailed and cleanly integrated, contributing to an immersive environment. The lossless mix also surprises with its commendable low-end extension, offering deep, healthy bass that enriches the musical score. Dialogue is effectively prioritized, ensuring that the unique pseudo-philosophical musings of the characters are crisp and intelligible.

The Blu Ray extras for "Two Orphan Vampires" provide a thorough immersion into the film’s production and the wider oeuvre of director Jean Rollin. The retrospective documentary, "Memories of a Blue World," stands out for its detailed interviews with key cast and crew members, offering candid insights into the making of the movie with particular emphasis on their collaboration during Rollin's illness. An extensive interview with Jean Rollin from 2008 provides further depth as he reflects on his career and personal anecdotes. Additionally, a collection of vintage trailers gives a nostalgic look at Rollin's cinematic contributions. The package is rounded off with a 12-page booklet featuring an essay by Tim Lucas, making these supplements invaluable for both fans and scholars of Rollin’s work.

Extras included in this disc:

• Memories of a Blue World: Comprehensive documentary featuring interviews with cast and crew.
• Interview with Jean Rollin: Extensive career-spanning discussion.
• Jean Rollin Trailers: Collection of high-definition trailers.
• Booklet: Essay by Tim Lucas.

Jean Rollin's "Two Orphan Vampires" marks his thematic return to the realm of sensual dreamlike horror for which he became renowned in the late 1960s and 1970s. After a lengthy hiatus and detours into other genres, Rollin revisits his familiar motifs: eerie graveyards, desolate chateaus, and the duality of innocent yet predatorial young female leads. The narrative centers around two blind girls, Henriette (Isabelle Teboul) and Louise (Alexandra Pic), who regain their sight at night, though they perceive everything in blue due to the film's day-for-night shooting with a heavy blue filter. They are cared for by nuns at an orphanage until adopted by Dr. Jennery (Bernard Charnacé), whose intentions remain unusually pure by Rollin's standards.

The film falters in breaking new ground; instead, it feels like a nostalgic regurgitation of Rollin’s earlier work without adding fresh nuance. The girls' philosophical dialogues often devolve into pseudo-existential musings, striving for depth but lacking substantive impact. Nonetheless, the actors imbue their characters with earnestness, despite the dialogue's occasionally hollow nature. Rollin retains his distinctive atmospheric touch, creating a nearly tangible melancholic ambiance, particularly during scenes where the girls reminisce about their supposed past lives as goddesses from mixed mythologies—Mayan, Aztec, and Incan traditions are conflated without much coherence.

Where Rollin consistently shines is in crafting a mood of gothic melancholy. This movie is no exception, thanks to its surreal settings and engagingly poetic ruminations on life's illusions and constructed histories. However, "Two Orphan Vampires" falls short of Rollin's earlier, more evocative works like "Fascination." The film’s pacing is uneven and lacks the erotic charge and gore that have become Rollin's trademarks—a result of his unshackled creative freedom rather than studio mandates. Ultimately, while visually stylish and conceptually intriguing, this film remains a middling entry in Rollin’s storied career, resonating mainly with his dedicated cult following.

Jean Rollin's "Two Orphan Vampires" represents his return to the vampire genre, incorporating his signature elements such as interdependent female leads, gothic settings, and metaphysical dialogue. Despite these familiar touches, the film feels like a rehash of his earlier work, demonstrating little progression in his directorial style. The narrative centers on two blind vampire girls navigating their grim existence, but it falls short of being a notable resurgence. While Rollin attempts to infuse philosophical depth into the storyline, the execution results in a conversation veering towards pretentiousness rather than insightfulness.

On the technical front, Kino’s new high-definition remaster of this 16mm film provides a noticeable upgrade from the previous 2002 DVD release. The Blu-ray edition showcases improved visual and audio quality, which will please Euro-cult enthusiasts and long-time fans of Jean Rollin. Although the enhancements are commendable, they are not groundbreaking. The addition of new supplements offers additional content that may appeal specifically to hardcore fans, though some might still prefer their Shriek Show DVD for its exclusive bonuses.

In conclusion, "Two Orphan Vampires" embodies Rollin's quintessential style but lacks the compelling nature of his earlier films. It remains a piece best suited for die-hard fans and those with an affinity for Euro-cult cinema. Kino's Blu-ray remaster is an appreciable effort to preserve and improve the film's presentation, though it caters primarily to a niche audience.