Les vampires Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Les Vampires" delivers a robust visual experience, derived from a 1996 restoration overseen by Cinémathèque Française and Louis Feuillade's grandson, Jacques Champreux. The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer showcases the film's century-old origins with respect, retaining all the inherent age-related artifacts—specks, scratches, brightness flickering, contrast changes, vertical lines, and even occasional visible sprocket holes. Despite these imperfections, the high-definition remaster reveals a significant enhancement in clarity and definition compared to previous DVD versions. Textural details in clothing and building architecture, particularly during outdoor sequences, are appreciably sharper, providing a richer historical context.

The tonal representation is another highlight; black-and-white gradients remain punchy and dynamic without appearing exaggerated. The color casts during tinted sequences come across as more natural and well-balanced. Further, there’s no evidence of digital noise reduction (DNR) or edge enhancement, ensuring an authentic, film-like quality. The thin grain layer, consistently present, adds to this aesthetic. Though some contrasts appear slightly hot—obscuring minor background information—the overall stability and fidelity remain commendable.

In sum, the Blu-ray transfer of "Les Vampires" offers a satisfying visual presentation that respects the film's historical significance while delivering newly appreciated details. While not seamless, the restoration work facilitates an engaging viewing experience that is both nostalgic and enriched in high-definition clarity.

Kino's Blu-ray presentation of "Les Vampires" features a meticulously crafted audio experience thanks to the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra's new score. Presented via an uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 stereo track, the music wonderfully complements the onscreen action without overwhelming it. The soundtrack boasts clarity and cleanliness, with good presence and sufficient dynamic breadth. While some enthusiasts might miss the Robert Israel score from the previous DVD release, the Mont Alto compositions suit the film perfectly. Additionally, Kino has opted to replace the original French intertitles with newly created ones, using period-appropriate typefaces and design, a change that enhances the viewing experience without detracting from authenticity.

All ten episodes benefit from the warm and rich uncompressed PCM stereo soundtrack, which creates a wide and inviting soundstage. The dynamics and acoustics are exceptionally precise, allowing each instrument in the orchestration to stand out with distinct clarity. The string section, in particular, maintains a lovely, even response at mid-range frequencies without sounding overly bright during brief high-frequency passages. While the low-end is accurate, some might find it lacks the punch needed for brass and drum instruments. However, this minor drawback doesn't significantly detract from what is otherwise an excellent lossless mix, bringing period-appropriate vitality to this classic film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Les vampires" are rather sparse, which is a missed opportunity given the film's significance in cinematic history. The sole supplementary feature included is a trailer for Louis Feuillade's earlier serial, "Fantômas," which, while interesting, falls short of providing deeper insights or context about the creation and impact of "Les vampires." Enthusiasts and scholars might have appreciated a restoration featurette or expert commentary to delve into the film's enduring influence and technical achievements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Fantômas Trailer: A preview of Louis Feuillade's prior serial, offering a glimpse into his earlier work.

Louis Feuillade's "Les Vampires" is a seminal work in early French cinema, spanning ten episodes released between November 1915 and June 1916. The film, clocking in at over six and a half hours, represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of the crime thriller genre. Initially dismissed as lowbrow entertainment, it has since gained recognition from cinematic luminaries like Luis Buñuel, Georges Franju, and Alfred Hitchcock for its forward-thinking narrative and stylistic choices. The plot chronicles the exploits of an underground criminal gang known as "The Vampires," led by various malevolent masterminds and featuring the iconic femme fatale Irma Vep, an anagram of "vampire," played by Musidora.

The series follows Philippe Guérande (Édouard Mathé), a resolute reporter who embodies the investigative hero archetype. From the grisly reveal of a decapitated head in the first episode to the complex showdown with multiple antagonists over subsequent episodes, Feuillade offers a stark portrayal of early 20th-century Parisian society. Notably, his use of real locations in wartime Paris lends a sense of gritty realism to the film. Despite its minimalist camerawork and editing—likely due to budget constraints—Feuillade's adept use of space and atmosphere anticipates later developments in German Expressionism, gangster movies, and film noir.

Feuillade's narrative unfolds with meticulous attention to detail, blending theatricality with realism. While the series requires a degree of historical context and patience from modern viewers, it rewards those who engage with its inventive storytelling and suspenseful character dynamics. From its elaborate improvised scenes to the riveting performances of its cast—especially Musidora's captivating turn as Irma Vep—"Les Vampires" remains an influential and enduring classic of silent cinema.

Kino's Blu-ray release of "Les Vampires" serves as a valuable archival piece that brings Louis Feuillade’s influential silent serial to modern audiences with unparalleled visual clarity. Spanning nearly seven hours, the film is best appreciated episodically rather than in one sitting. Musidora’s iconic performance as a vampy femme fatale stands out, illustrating early cinematic explorations of crime and seduction. The Blu-ray features a striking new high-definition picture, presenting the film in a quality that has never before been available to home viewers. The technical enhancement underscores the serial’s foundational role in crime thriller conventions, making it an essential watch for enthusiasts of the genre and silent cinema alike.

Despite its monumental artistic and historical significance, this Blu-ray edition falls short on supplementary materials, which could have enriched the viewer's understanding of its context and production. Nonetheless, "Les Vampires" shines through its captivating narrative and innovative technical style. The film’s ability to evoke emotional responses and prompt topical discussion underscores its continued relevance nearly a century later. Kino's restoration ensures that the nearly 100-year-old film can be visually appreciated as intended, supported by an audio accompaniment that enhances the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Les Vampires" is a must-see for silent film aficionados and those with an appreciation for the evolution of the crime thriller genre. While the lack of supplemental content is a notable drawback, the exceptional video quality and historical importance make this Blu-ray edition highly recommended. Viewing it episodically breathes new life into this classic serial, ensuring it remains both engaging and impactful for modern audiences.