A Dog Called... Vengeance Blu-ray Review

Severin Films has brought "A Dog Called... Vengeance" to Blu-ray with a 2K scan from the original camera negative, marking its debut in North America. Presented in its original 1.60:1 aspect ratio and encoded with AVC on a BD-50, the transfer offers impressive depth and detail, though it is not without minor flaws. The 1080p presentation is bold and vividly colored, with a saturation that occasionally ventures into overly vivid territory, particularly with magenta hues that impart an unnatural vibrancy to certain scenes. While this colorful update might not reflect the gritty aesthetic of the 1977 original, the image remains stable with pleasing HD quality.

The transfer exhibits variable color timing, with outdoor scenes occasionally drifting toward warm yellowish hues that can tint skies and waters, potentially affecting tonal unity. The panoramic cinematography is highlighted in these sequences, providing expansive and dynamic visuals that capture the narrative's tense atmosphere. Military greens and landscape shots enhance the aesthetic, alongside dynamic blues that contrast effectively against more muted earth tones. Despite occasional specks and dirt, the image retains a strong grain structure, albeit slightly moderated by some filtering. These minor imperfections are noticeable yet do not overshadow the generally crisp presentation.

Fine detail levels are modest but sufficient to maintain the film’s tension through precise close-ups and immersive compositions of landscapes, contributing to a vivid visual experience. While the Blu-ray transfer might not be entirely faithful to the original cinematic fidelity, it remains a well-executed effort with strong coloration and clarity throughout. Severin's restoration work makes "A Dog Called... Vengeance" a visually engaging release for both enthusiasts and casual viewers, capturing the film’s essence while enhancing its aesthetic appeal in high definition.

The audio presentation of "A Dog Called... Vengeance" on Blu-ray delivers in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono, available in both Spanish and English tracks. The English track is notably louder and fuller, making it a potential preference for native English speakers, especially given the lead actor, Jason Miller's native proficiency. However, it is not without flaws, as it is marred by a recurrent low-frequency hum, especially noticeable in scenes with minimal sound except ambient environmental effects. In contrast, the Spanish track avoids this hum, offering a cleaner experience despite sounding slightly anemic when compared to its English counterpart.

The Spanish audio is rendered clean and crisp, with solidly intelligible dialogue and punchy sound effects that enhance the tense thriller ambiance. It is accompanied by a driving score from composer Antón García Abril, which elevates the intensity and fits the film's mood. Despite its authenticity, it’s important to note that like many Spanish productions of the era, even the Spanish dialogue was dubbed during post-production. Optional English subtitles are provided for both tracks; however, differences exist between the Spanish dialogue and its translated English counterpart, with minor liberties taken in the English dub to enhance entertainment value.

While both audio options have their respective strengths and weaknesses, they provide distinct listening experiences, enhanced by optional English and English SDH subtitles. The English SDH subtitles accompany the English dub while standard English subtitles present a translation of the Spanish audio. Audiences should consider individual preferences for audio fidelity or language authenticity when choosing between the tracks. Despite minor inconsistencies between the translations, both tracks maintain the film's engaging tension through effective orchestration and pointed audio effects.

Severin Films' North American Blu-ray release of "A Dog Called... Vengeance" offers an intriguing suite of extras that enhance the appreciation of this Spanish cinematic gem. The disc features insightful interviews and discussions, all in Spanish with English subtitles, which delve into the film's historical and personal context. Ángel Sala, director at the Sitges Film Festival, provides an analytical look at the film’s inspirations and its placement within the thriller genre in "A Film Ahead of Its Time." Marisa Paredes delivers a heartfelt recount of her experiences and personal life intertwined with the film in "Memories of a Guerilla Woman." Meanwhile, "Daughter of Titans" presents a unique perspective from Maria Isasi, offering insights into the creative legacy of her father, director Antonio Isasi. The package is a comprehensive exploration perfect for both new audiences and dedicated fans seeking depth beyond the primary narrative.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Film Ahead of Its Time: Appreciation by Ángel Sala exploring film influences.
• Memories of a Guerilla Woman: Interview with actress Marisa Paredes on her career and film experiences.
• Daughter of Titans: Interview with Maria Isasi about her father's filmmaking philosophy.
• Trailer: Alternate title "The Dog" showcasing the film's essence.

"A Dog Called... Vengeance" is a dynamic blend of political allegory and action thriller set against the backdrop of a Central American regime. Directed by Antonio Isasi-Isasmendi, the film stars Jason Miller as Aristides Ungria, a former mathematician turned political prisoner, who is thrust into a relentless chase by a zealous German Shepherd after escaping captivity. The narrative, primarily driven by visual storytelling with minimal dialogue, constructs a taut "dog and prisoner" pursuit that resonates with raw intensity. The depiction of this pursuit, enhanced by skilled practical effects and innovative camera work capturing scenes from the dog's perspective, accentuates the thriller's authenticity despite its stark minimalism.

The film's political undertone, intertwining metaphorical elements of oppression in post-Franco Spain, offers depth beyond typical genre tropes. This integration of socio-political context elevates the film, distinguishing it from conventional thrillers like "Cujo." Furthermore, the transitional imagery from rural to urban landscapes underscores both the protagonist's desperation and the overarching theme of systemic tyranny. The film succeeds in blending visceral animal terror with a broader political narrative, crafting an experience that's as intellectually engaging as it is visually intense.

Jason Miller's portrayal of Aristides is particularly noteworthy, marked by a quiet yet profound intensity that mirrors his character's plight and inner turmoil. Assisted by noteworthy performances from the supporting cast, the ensemble successfully captures the film's complex emotional spectrum. Notable are the scenes emphasizing tension and fear during the dog attacks, which were executed without CGI, lending an authentic and chilling edge to the film's aesthetic. "A Dog Called... Vengeance" stands as a testament to 70s Spanish cinema's ability to craft compelling narratives under challenging circumstances, delivering an action-packed yet thought-provoking piece that deserves recognition in classic thriller cinema.

"A Dog Called... Vengeance" is an intriguing Spanish thriller that challenges conventional storytelling through its raw depiction of loyalty, survival, and unexpected social commentary. The narrative follows the edgy chase involving a dog relentlessly pursuing an escaped political prisoner, weaving tension and unpredictability throughout. Despite being unknown to many, Director Antonio Isasi-Isasmendi crafts a compelling narrative that leaves audiences hooked from start to finish. The film effectively utilizes gritty realism and elements of suspense, making it a thrilling watch for those seeking a non-traditional cinematic experience.

The Blu-ray release from Severin Films provides a competent audio-visual presentation that bolsters the film’s intense atmosphere. While the transfer quality leaves room for improvement, the disc includes valuable supplementary content such as interviews, enriching the viewer's understanding of the film's context and production. The visually distinct interstitials scattered throughout the movie add a layer of uniqueness, although some may find them somewhat disjointed—a testament to how the film defies easy categorization.

In conclusion, "A Dog Called... Vengeance" is recommended for viewers who appreciate unconventional thrillers with solid performances and captivating storytelling. Miller excels in his demanding role, anchoring the film amidst its many dynamic elements. While technical aspects could see enhancements, the overall package offers enough substance to warrant a viewing. With its mix of visceral scenes and unpredictable narrative style, this is a distinct film experience that piques curiosity and rewards engagement.