The Virgin Spring Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Ingmar Bergman's "The Virgin Spring" is an extraordinary presentation, benefiting from a 2K digital restoration derived from the 35mm original camera negative. The transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio (alternatively noted as 1.33:1 by some), is a testament to the meticulous efforts invested by Svensk Filmindustri and their restoration tools, including Nucoda Film Master and Digital Vision's Phoenix. The black-and-white imagery has been revived with remarkable clarity, evident through consistently balanced grayscale that showcases fine details and an authentic filmic grain structure.

The restoration's excellence shines profoundly in both indoor and outdoor sequences. The fine detail captured in scenes involving Max von Sydow, particularly when interacting with natural elements like tree branches, highlights the dedication to preserving nuance. Black levels are deep and inky, contrasting superbly with lighter elements without any signs of crushing, enhancing the eerie ambiance of night scenes. Despite minor instances where the digital rebalancing slightly affects the natural feel of certain indoor shots, the overall visual quality is jaw-dropping.

Furthermore, the restored image maintains its integrity without introducing notable print damage, scratches, or artifacts. The character spacing and depth are expertly handled, preventing any flatness in the compositions. Sven Nykvist’s cinematography is showcased beautifully through restored grading, ensuring that his artistic vision remains unblemished by contemporary digital interference. The Criterion release essentially renders any previous DVD versions obsolete, offering the best visual experience of "The Virgin Spring" available on home video to date.

The Blu-ray release of "The Virgin Spring" offers two standard audio tracks: Swedish LPCM 1.0 and English Dolby Digital 1.0, with optional English subtitles. The Swedish LPCM 1.0 track excels, benefitting from comprehensive restoration, which eliminates any age-related imperfections. Audio clarity, depth, dynamic balance, and overall stability are exceptional. The uncompressed DTS-HD master audio presentation further ensures the original mono soundtrack is delivered with superior fidelity. The Swedish dialogue is clear and well-positioned, allowing the nuances of the film's few musical elements and sound effects to come through without a hint of crackling or hissing.

For a mono track, the audio performance is impressive and free from notable imperfections. The range is appropriate for a foreign film from 1960, ensuring no distortion or loss of impact throughout the presentation. Despite much of the sound being post-synchronized during post-production, it remains remarkably clear and dynamic. Dialogue reproduction is consistently excellent, providing an immersive and engaging listening experience. Overall, this meticulously restored track significantly enhances the viewer's connection to the film's atmospheric and narrative elements.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Virgin Spring" provide a thorough and insightful deep dive into Ingmar Bergman's cinematic process and the film's broader thematic context. The collection includes a commentary track from noted Bergman scholar Birgitta Steene, who offers a detailed analysis on themes such as paganism versus Christianity, adaptation of the source ballad, and the psychological framework of the film. Director Ang Lee's introduction recalls how his first viewing profoundly impacted his perception of cinema. Additionally, the interviews with actresses Gunnel Lindblom and Birgitta Pettersson reveal unique behind-the-scenes experiences, shedding light on Bergman's directorial techniques. Notably, an engaging audio seminar from 1975 with Bergman himself provides first-hand insights into his filmmaking philosophy. Also included is an informative booklet featuring essays and the original medieval ballad.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: In-depth audio commentary by Bergman scholar Birgitta Steene.
• Introduction: Ang Lee discusses the film's impact on his perception of cinema.
• Gunnel Lindblom and Birgitta Pettersson: Reflective interviews with the key actresses.
• Ingmar Bergman at the AFI: Engaging audio seminar from 1975 with the director.
• Booklet: Essays and the film's source medieval ballad, enriching the viewing experience.

Ingmar Bergman's "The Virgin Spring" is an exceptional cinematic work that transcends its straightforward narrative to reveal profound underlying themes. The film famously juxtaposes Christianity and Paganism, using the story of Tore (Max von Sydow), a devout landowner in medieval Sweden, whose daughter Karin (Birgitta Pettersson) is brutally murdered by goat herdsmen, to explore the darker realms of human nature. When the perpetrators unknowingly seek shelter in Tore’s home, their actions spur a horrific cycle of vengeance. The narrative's lean runtime of 90 minutes is used efficiently to build both character and tension, transforming what might be a conventional tale into a profound examination of faith, guilt, and morality.

Bergman's collaboration with cinematographer Sven Nykvist marks this film as a visual standout, employing natural lighting and striking imagery that heightens its haunting atmosphere. Key sequences, such as Tore's ordeal, are visually communicated with great elegance and weight through symbolic use of a tree, its branches, and a unique weapon that elevates the film’s spiritual undertones. The performances are equally compelling, with Max von Sydow and Birgitta Valberg delivering deeply human portrayals of their characters' emotional turmoils. Gunnel Lindblom’s fierce depiction of Ingeri, the servant girl harboring pagan beliefs, brings an additional layer of complexity to the narrative.

"The Virgin Spring" is not only a compelling revenge drama but also a significant work that scrutinizes the validity and order imposed by faith. Its contemporary relevance is highlighted through its exploration of the moral dilemmas and existential questions that remain pertinent today. Despite Bergman's own reservations about this Kurosawa-inspired project, the film stands as a testament to his masterful storytelling and insightful direction. Criterion's Blu-ray release further enriches this cinematic experience with valuable supplemental features and restored visuals, ensuring that "The Virgin Spring" remains as impactful now as it was upon its original release.

Ingmar Bergman's "The Virgin Spring" stands as a monumental piece in his storied filmography, showcasing the director's masterful ability to weave vivid visual storytelling with profound philosophical inquiry. This recent Blu-ray release by Criterion, sourced from an impeccable 2K restoration, significantly enhances the film's striking visual palette, which remains both haunting and beautiful. Criterion has also thoughtfully retained all the bonus features from its earlier DVD release, offering a treasure trove of supplementary material for enthusiasts and scholars alike.

The film, renowned for its intense exploration of themes such as faith, guilt, and retribution, maintains its unvarnished beauty and raw narrative power even today. Criterion's Blu-ray upgrade surpasses previous editions in both audio and visual fidelity, ensuring that Bergman's meticulous craftsmanship is preserved. The film is also included in the comprehensive Ingmar Bergman’s Cinema boxset, but this standalone release serves as a perfect introduction for those yet to acquaint themselves with this potent masterpiece.

In today's cinematic landscape, diving into a Bergman film might seem intimidating, yet "The Virgin Spring" defies this expectation. Its narrative flow is deliberate but engaging, balancing heavy thematic content without becoming too oppressive. Criterion’s restoration work ensures that this essential piece of world cinema remains accessible and resonant to contemporary audiences. The supplementary features further enrich the viewing experience, making this Blu-ray not only a feast for the eyes but also a valuable educational resource.

The Virgin Spring is built upon two contrasting but legit recognitions that provide one of the simplest and most effective cinematic summations of human nature. It has the typical for Ingmar Bergman's work striking visual appearance, but it is also one of his most direct and unsettling films. This recent Blu-ray release from Criterion is sourced from a very nice 2K restoration and retains all of the bonus features from the label's DVD release of the film. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.