Thirst Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer of Park Chan-wook's "Thirst" on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber presents a striking visual experience. Sourced from the international master, this version offers a completely different color scheme compared to the first Korean high-definition release produced by CJ Entertainment. The international master showcases primaries with superior values and supporting nuances that enhance the film's darker ambiance. Fluidity and image stability are outstanding, providing an excellent viewing experience, especially on larger screens. Delineation is marginally superior, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of this transfer.

The transfer boasts commendable film grain presence without excessive noise, ensuring fine facial features and fleshy details remain striking throughout. Black levels are consistently solid, occasionally transitioning from deep inky blacks to very dark mocha-browns without any significant crush issues. Chromatic elements such as crimson blood reds and cooler blues maintain a strong visual identity, contributing to the film's moody and atmospheric feel. Whites are well balanced and free from blooming, ensuring a crisp visual presentation. This Region-A locked Blu-ray release is free from scratches or speckling, enhancing its overall pristine appearance.

In summary, while the difference between the two masters is substantial, this version appears more aesthetically convincing and in line with the dark thematic elements of Park Chan-wook's work. Whether this is Park's preferred color timing remains unknown, but this presentation is dark, moody, and visually arresting—offering fans a worthy visual representation of "Thirst".

The Blu-ray release of "Thirst" provides two standard audio tracks: Korean DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Korean DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Both tracks are accompanied by optional English subtitles, which are well-placed within the image frame. It's worth noting that the main menu incorrectly labels these tracks as English, though this does not affect the audio quality. The 5.1 mix delivers a clean, stable, and well-balanced audio experience, with a broad dynamic range that effectively captures the film’s slow-burn horror atmosphere. It excels in subtle directional effects, rendering dialogue and the moody score with precision, particularly highlighting squishy puncture sounds and other distressing effects.

While the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix efficiently fills the soundscape without being overly dynamic, it leverages front, center, and side channels to keep the auditory experience immersive. The rear activity is minimal but appropriately so for the film's pace and tone, making scenes like the early flute sequence especially striking. Although the addition of a Dolby Atmos track could further enhance the separation and immersion, the current 5.1 setup is highly effective and free from any technical issues.

For users with different setups, the Korean DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix also offers a solid listening experience that, while less dynamic, remains engaging, especially through headphones or simpler sound systems. Overall, if you have the appropriate equipment, sticking with the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is recommended for its more rewarding and enveloping audio presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "Thirst" offer a focused yet limited set of features, highlighted primarily by a new audio commentary by journalist Bryan Reesman. Reesman's commentary is informative, delving into the production nuances, thematic elements of the film, and the broader context of Park Chan-wook's directorial evolution. While it serves as a solid resource for fans and scholars alike, the additional features aren't extensive. The presentation also includes an original U.S. trailer and a selection of trailers for other Kino Lorber releases. Overall, the package is tailored more toward those deeply interested in the film's critical and production insights rather than a broad range of supplementary content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer for "Thirst." In Korean with English text.
• Commentary: Journalist Bryan Reesman discusses production details, themes, and Korean cinema.
• Trailer Reel: Trailers for other Kino Lorber releases.

Park Chan-wook's "Thirst" (2009) is a multi-layered cinematic exploration that fuses elements of horror, romance, and dark humor into a compelling narrative. The film centers on Sang-hyun (Song Kang-ho), a priest who becomes a vampire following a botched vaccine experiment. This transformation triggers a complex journey involving a torrid affair with Tae-ju (Kim Ok-bin), leading to moral and existential dilemmas that challenge his faith and ethics. The film's plot thickens when Sang-hyun kills Tae-ju’s husband and grants her request for eternal life, which fuels uncontrollable hedonistic behaviors. Cinematographer Chung Chung-hoon's work is stellar, capturing panoramic vistas and intense close-ups that enhance the film’s visual allure. The soundtrack, featuring original compositions by Cho Young-ook and Johann Sebastian Bach's cantata "Ich habe genug," complements the film's atmospheric tension beautifully.

"Thirst" balances graphic scenes with moments of genuine eroticism, conveying a provocative blend of sensuality and violence. Park infuses the narrative with enough dark humor to, at times, transform it into a farcical spectacle rather than a straightforward horror film. Notably, the acting performances are exceptional: Song Kang-ho's portrayal showcases profound character developments, and Kim Ok-bin offers a standout performance likely to gain her global recognition. Despite some challenges in balancing the film's erotic thriller and vampire horror elements, "Thirst" excels in its disturbing yet elegant approach to body horror. Sequences involving Sang-hyun’s initial transformation are particularly grotesque and unnerving, blending physical horror with psychological depth.

For fans of unconventional horror that prioritizes narrative depth over simplistic jump scares, "Thirst" offers a thought-provoking experience. Its pacing mirrors the contemplative style of "The Exorcist," eschewing rapid scares for a more profound exploration of human frailty and moral ambiguity. While it might not be Park Chan-wook's most celebrated film, "Thirst" stands out for its unique narrative approach and technical brilliance. The Kino Lorber Blu-ray release provides an excellent platform for appreciating the film’s rich visual and auditory elements, though some might miss the extended Director's Cut available only in Korean imports.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Thirst" captures the essence of Park Chan-wook's distinctive style, offering a visually compelling and atmospheric experience. The transfer subtly diverges from foreign releases but preserves the lush cinematography and meticulous scene composition that characterize Park Chan-wook's work. While it does not include the extended Director's Cut, the presentation remains impressive with its moody and immersive surround sound, enhancing the film's chilling atmosphere.

Despite some minor differences in image quality between the international version and the original Korean release, this Blu-ray edition stands out for its superior technical execution. It seems plausible that the international master, reportedly prepared later and potentially approved by Park Chan-wook and his cinematographer, is responsible for these variations. This attention to preserving specific cinematic qualities enhances the film's visual narrative, making it a superior choice for fans and new viewers alike.

In conclusion, Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Thirst" remains the definitive version for North American audiences. Its striking visual and auditory fidelity delivers a noteworthy viewing experience, solidifying its place as a highly recommended addition to any film enthusiast’s collection.