Nosferatu the Vampyre Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Nosferatu the Vampyre" by Scream Factory offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Maintaining the visually restrained palette typical of Herzog, this release features mostly stable visuals with natural-looking colors. However, it inherits some high frequency noise reduction that impacts the film's grain structure and introduces variability in the denoising process. For instance, an early scene transitioning from an interior to an exterior shot shows a drastic shift from video-like, textureless images to splotchy grain fields. The inconsistency continues with outdoor scenes appearing almost 16mm-like due to pronounced grain and soft, blurry images in certain instances.

Despite these drawbacks, the contrast remains excellent and blacks are deeply solid, enhancing the film's somber atmosphere. Furthermore, brighter scenes sporadically display compression artifacts, although the film's frequent dim lighting mitigates this issue somewhat. Overall, while the transfer has some noticeable anomalies, it does possess moments of visual clarity that honor Herzog’s meticulous cinematography. The screenshots included from both the English and German versions demonstrate these attributes and underscore the nuanced approach taken with this Blu-ray edition.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Nosferatu the Vampyre" offers a range of options, featuring both the German and English language versions. The German version is available in both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 formats, while the English version is only provided in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Despite a few minor phasing issues in the English track, such as noticeable peculiarities in moments like Lucy's terrified scream, dialogue, score, and effects generally come through cleanly and clearly. The fidelity across both German tracks is excellent, though a slight amplitude boost can be detected in the 2.0 mix. The 5.1 mix for the German version enhances the effects and moody score, although it may cause dialogue to feel somewhat anemic when compared to the more intimate 2.0 mix.

While the English track is only available as a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, it maintains a clear and pleasant audio profile but does exhibit minor phasing issues. Dialogue remains consistently clean, clear, and audible across all tracks. Although the 5.1 mix in the German version offers an expanded soundstage for the score and sound effects, some listeners might find that the 2.0 mix provides a more focused and impactful delivery of dialogue. Accompanying subtitles in English are available for accessibility, enhancing the viewing experience for all audiences. Overall, while each audio track has its unique strengths and minor drawbacks, they collectively contribute to a robust auditory experience tailored to different listening preferences.

The extras on the Blu-Ray release of "Nosferatu the Vampyre" provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Werner Herzog's 1979 classic. The "Making of Nosferatu" featurette offers rare behind-the-scenes footage and insightful interviews with Herzog, shedding light on his directorial approach and challenges faced during production. The included trailers, while brief, effectively capture the eerie atmosphere of the film. The Still Gallery offers a nostalgic visual journey through key scenes. Notably, there are two commentaries available: one in English and one in German (subtitled), each accessible exclusively on the German version of the film. Herzog’s commentaries are exceptionally informative, discussing intricate details such as the logistics of the famous rat scene and his dynamic with Klaus Kinski.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of Nosferatu: A vintage featurette with insightful Herzog interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Trailers: A concise selection encapsulating the film’s ambiance.
• Still Gallery: A visual tour through key scenes.
• English Commentary with Werner Herzog: Insightful details about specific scenes and production challenges.
• German Commentary with Werner Herzog: Subtitled and moderated by Laurens Straub, includes previous release insights.

Werner Herzog's "Nosferatu the Vampyre" (1979) stands as a haunting homage to F.W. Murnau’s silent classic from 1922. The remake taps into the rich layers of unfulfilled emotion and existential despair, transforming Count Dracula into a tragic and almost sympathetic figure. This portrayal is vividly brought to life by Klaus Kinski, whose tormented eyes and feline movements, complete with unnervingly long fingernails, capture the Count's profound loneliness and sorrow. The dreamlike, hallucinatory quality of the film is not merely hinted at but actively utilized, lending an almost otherworldly atmosphere to the narrative. Notably, Herzog consistently juxtaposes the uncanny with elements of real-world dread, such as the eerie rat invasion sequence that imbues palpable fear and unease.

The storyline remains faithful to Bram Stoker's original novel in its initial stages. Jonathan Harker (Bruno Ganz) travels to Transylvania to conclude a real estate deal with the enigmatic Count Dracula. Upon arrival, the true strangeness of Dracula's world becomes evident, culminating in Harker's realization of his predicament as a prisoner. The Count, portrayed as a near-albino being with a yearning to relocate to London, exudes an unsettling aura. The depicted telepathic bond between Dracula and Lucy Harker (Isabelle Adjani) further accentuates the film’s surreal tone. Herzog masterfully employs scenic, albeit slightly menacing locations that aid in crafting an immersive atmosphere, from Harker’s journey to Dracula’s isolated castle to the ominous mood set by locales bathed in gothic elements.

Herzog's interpretation transcends mere adaptation; it ideates Dracula through both Freudian and Nietzschean lenses, presenting him as an isolated "Übermensch" plagued by his immortality. The director’s vision is enriched by his unique artistic sensibilities—skewed camera angles and an Abstract Expressionist approach present Dracula’s existence as an unending nightmare. The film's enhanced estimation among cinephiles and horror enthusiasts showcases its enduring impact and distinguishes it as an exceptional reinterpretation within the vampire genre canon.

Werner Herzog's "Nosferatu the Vampyre" emerges as a hauntingly beautiful reinterpretation of the Dracula legend, with Klaus Kinski's performance anchoring the film in an almost subliminal hypnotic power. This Shout! Factory release presents a finely crafted homage to German expressionism, blending aesthetic prowess with a palpable sense of unease. Despite its undeniable visual allure, the Blu-ray transfer exhibits some of the same video imperfections noted in the earlier German edition, such as occasional softness and color inconsistencies. These technical shortcomings, while not glaring, do warrant attention, particularly for discerning viewers seeking the highest fidelity in their film collection.

The audio presentation of this release manages to complement the eerie visual experience, preserving the original soundtrack's atmosphere with clarity. The uncompressed audio track ensures that Popol Vuh's ethereal score and the film's ambient sound effects retain their intended impact. Additionally, the extensive special features included—ranging from interviews and commentaries to behind-the-scenes insights—provide a rich context that enhances appreciation for Herzog's meticulous craftsmanship.

If you're looking for a Dracula tale that has an almost subliminally hypnotic power, look no further than Werner Herzog's "Nosferatu". Beautifully filmed and almost archetypically performed by Klaus Kinski, this is the Dracula of the deepest subconscious. This Shout! release has some of the same video issues that afflicted the German release, so fans may want to wait to see what the BFI version has to offer.