La criatura Blu-ray Review

Severin Films presents "The Creature" on Blu-ray with an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer, framed in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This release stems from a 2K scan of the original camera negative, projecting a distinctly polished and clean appearance. Despite minimal information provided by Severin, the transfer stands out as one of the more refined presentations of vintage Spanish cinema, maintaining a sophisticated level of detail throughout. The decision to employ some degree of filtering results in a cleaner image with limited grain, diverging from the grittier aesthetics typical of 1970s filmmaking. However, this choice occasionally leads to noticeable grain spikes in certain reaction inserts.

The palette reveals an excellently maintained balance, with vibrant greens and blues enlivening the screen in well-lit scenes, albeit with a subtle yet occasional yellow tint. Noteworthy is how the day-lit cinematography is handled, showcasing enhanced contrast and crisp definition that do justice to the visual storytelling. Textures like costumes and facial features benefit from the fine detail work, though focus issues can appear fleetingly in select scenes. Black levels excel remarkably as well, especially when capturing subtleties in shadowy compositions.

Overall, "The Creature" is delivered through a top-tier 2K transfer on Blu-ray by Severin Films, creating an appealing and glossy visual experience reminiscent of classic 1960s Hollywood style. While its pristine quality might stir a longing for more tangible film grain, it undeniably elevates this half-century-old Spanish shocker into an outstanding audiovisual artifact likely representing the definitive home video edition.

The audio presentation of "La criatura" on Blu-Ray offers a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono track in its original Spanish language, ensuring an experience that stays true to the source material. The track is robust, delivering a full-bodied soundscape where V�ctor Manuel's quasi-chamber score is articulated with fine fidelity, particularly in the mid-range frequencies. Although there are minor instances of harshness in the upper registers, these do not significantly detract from the overall audio quality.

Dialogue is rendered with clarity throughout, maintaining a clean and coherent presentation that complements the visual transfer effectively. Sound effects, such as the growling of dogs, are assertive and well-executed, contributing to an immersive auditory experience. The balance between dialogue, music, and sound effects meets satisfactory standards, creating a seamless audio environment for viewers.

While the soundtrack quality may not entirely match the visual elements in terms of brilliance, it performs admirably within its foundational confines. It offers clean reproduction without any noticeable aberrations. Optional English subtitles are provided in a readable white font, accommodating non-Spanish-speaking audiences and enhancing the accessibility of this distinctive Spanish-language feature.

The Blu-Ray release of "La criatura" by Severin Films provides a curated selection of special features that enrich the viewer's understanding of the film and its director, Eloy de la Iglesia. "A Strange Movie" delivers an engaging interview with assistant director Alejo Loren, complete with a humorous glimpse into the production's unique challenges. The "Gaspar / Eloy" segment offers insights from filmmaker Gaspar Noé, highlighting Iglesia’s provocative style and influence on contemporary cinema. Additionally, the "Introduction by Gaspar Noé," filmed during a 2023 retrospective at Cinémathèque Française, provides contextual grounding for the film's place within Iglesia's oeuvre. These extras collectively offer a robust exploration of the film's artistic and cultural significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• A Strange Movie: Interview with assistant director Alejo Loren, subtitled in English.
• Gaspar / Eloy: Interview with filmmaker Gaspar Noé discussing Iglesia’s work.
• Introduction by Gaspar Noé at Cinémathèque Française: Brief discussion from July 20, 2023.

Eloy de la Iglesia's "La criatura" stands as a deeply unsettling exploration of marriage, politics, and social norms in post-Franco Spain. Centered on Cristina, played by Ana Belén, the narrative unfolds as she forms an unusual bond with a dog—a German Shepherd—after a miscarriage and the neglect from her husband Marcos, portrayed by Juan Diego. The film uses this unconventional relationship to dissect themes of dissatisfaction within traditional marital roles and societal expectations, adding layers of psycho-sexual tension. While the political allegory involving Franco's Spain is apparent, some argue that the boldness of its content may overshadow the intended critique.

De la Iglesia, known for his defiant and transgressive approach, employs "The Creature" to challenge established conventions and reveal the underlying tensions of the time. The film is cleverly edited to juxtapose this tumultuous marriage with the oppressive social backdrop, using the canine relationship as a metaphor for censored taboo interactions under Franco's regime. The director does not shy away from controversial motifs, incorporating elements like zoophilia subtly yet suggestively to emphasize repressed dynamics. The discomforting atmosphere is heightened by framing Cristina’s plight as both personal and political—struggling not just against her husband's ambitions but also against a broader societal apparatus.

With distinct political undertones and its raw portrayal of human-animal dynamics, "The Creature" transcends simple horror to engage with complex narratives of power and control. While some viewers may find its extremes excessive, the film intriguingly maintains a balance between overt narrative shock and underlying psychological commentary. It remains an essential piece of transgressive cinema from de la Iglesia, showcasing his talent for combining fringe ideas with poignant societal critiques in a way that keeps audiences captivated and contemplative.

"La criatura," directed by the controversial Eloy de la Iglesia, is a quintessential piece from the realm of '70s Spanish cinema, exploring unique and unsettling themes that defy conventional narratives. The film follows a woman’s unusual emotional entanglement with her canine companion, presenting a blend of melodrama and shock value without descending into gratuitousness. Iglesia's storytelling eschews overt sensationalism, focusing instead on the psychological turmoil enveloping the protagonist's life, which might overshadow the perceived political commentary threaded through the plot.

The Blu-ray release by Severin offers a visually clean presentation, although some viewers may find the polished appearance detracts from the original filmic texture that characterized the era's cinema. This decision to apply filtering techniques has resulted in a reduction of the original grain, which some enthusiasts might see as an aesthetic loss. However, the audio clarity enhances the overall viewing experience, bringing authenticity to de la Iglesia's directorial vision. The included supplements deepen the viewer's appreciation of the film, making it an enriching purchase for cinephiles interested in this niche genre.

Overall, "La criatura" remains a thought-provoking endeavor that challenges viewers conceptually and emotionally. While it isn’t entirely mainstream—much like Iglesia’s other works—it captivates with its audacious narrative and aesthetic choices. This release is a valuable addition to those intrigued by classic Spanish cinema or de la Iglesia’s repertoire. Despite its peculiar storyline, the film deserves recognition for its exploration of unconventional themes in cinema history, remaining a compelling watch for audiences open to challenging content.