Blood and Sand Blu-ray Review

Arriving on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber, "Blood and Sand" boasts a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition presentation in its original 1.33:1 full-frame aspect ratio, mastered in 4K. The restoration reveals a superb level of clarity and intricate details, surprising for a film of this vintage. The color tinting is meticulously reconstructed from the original 1922 continuity script, offering an accurate portrayal of the director's vision. The new scan, utilizing 35mm elements obtained from Cinematheque Francaise along with contributions from Paul Killiam and the Eye Filmmuseum, significantly enhances the presentation's robustness.

Despite some minor inconsistencies and the presence of thin scratches typical of films from this era, the restoration manages to deliver an impressive level of visual fidelity. Organic film grain remains intact, preserving the film's authentic texture. Instances of tears and dirt are present but minimally intrusive, especially given the challenged state of the source materials. Intertitles featuring some fine scratches remain entirely readable and do not detract from the overall experience. This release stands out as likely the best the movie will ever appear on home video, presenting an undeniable upgrade over previous editions.

The "Blood and Sand" Blu-Ray release boasts a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 soundtrack that is both exceptional and engaging. The soundtrack showcases a score by the Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra, which delivers with remarkable clarity and vitality. The audio track impresses with its energy and dynamics, far surpassing expectations for a film of this vintage. Every element, from dialogue to music, contributes seamlessly to the overall experience.

Across the board, the soundtrack maintains high fidelity and ambiance, exhibiting no issues such as distortion or dropouts. The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra’s score enriches the film’s soundstage, delivering a robust and immersive auditory experience. The consistency and quality of this audio presentation make it a notable and worthy inclusion in any collection.

The extras for the Blu-ray release of "Blood and Sand" offer a rich and insightful collection, meticulously designed to complement the main feature and appeal to aficionados. The star inclusion, a comprehensive audio commentary by film historian Anthony Slide, delves into the film’s production nuances, thematic exploration, and cast background. Orson Welles’ introduction, part of the renowned series "The Silent Years," provides a fascinating retrospective on silent cinema with unique insights. The highly emotional Valentino Funeral Procession footage underscores Rudolph Valentino's cultural impact. Additionally, a charming parody by Will Rogers, a heartfelt love theme audio recording by Susan Rogers, and the original theatrical trailer offer an engaging and rounded perspective. The disc also includes a printed booklet featuring an essay by author Donna Hill, offering even deeper context and appreciation for this classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Anthony Slide: Insightful commentary on production, themes, and cast.
• Introduction by Orson Welles: Retrospective introduction, highlighting silent cinema.
• Funeral Procession: Footage showcasing Valentino's profound cultural impact.
• Blood and Sand Parody Film: Parody starring Will Rogers.
• Love Theme: Audio recording of "You Gave Me Your Heart" by Susan Rogers.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Theatrical preview of the film.

"Blood and Sand," an early silent epic, remains a captivating romantic drama that continues to fascinate contemporary audiences. The movie, adapted from Vicente Blasco Ibáñez’s novel, tells the compelling story of Juan Gallardo (Rudolph Valentino), a matador rising from humble beginnings in Spain to stardom through his thrilling bullfights. Despite his marriage to childhood sweetheart Carmen (Lila Lee), Juan’s life takes a tumultuous turn when he falls for the seductive Doña Sol (Nita Naldi). Director Fred Niblo adeptly balances adventure and drama, transforming this narrative into a memorable silver screen experience.

Technically, "Blood and Sand" stands out with its innovative use of cinematography by Alvin Wyckoff and the integration of color-tinting, enhancing the setting and tone. The creative visual storytelling employs bold colors uniquely suited for the era, bringing the vitality of these images to the forefront. The screenplay by June Mathis, while fundamentally simple—centered around love and lust—is compelling due to its well-executed sequences, such as the dramatic bullfighting scenes. The production’s sincerity and entertainment value are evident through its tight pacing and admirable direction by Niblo.

The performances are equally noteworthy. Valentino solidifies his status as a leading man, delivering a nuanced portrayal of the ambitious yet flawed Juan. Supporting roles, such as Nita Naldi’s tempestuous Doña Sol and Lila Lee’s virtuous Carmen, also elevate the film. The subplot involving a parallel narrative with an outlaw adds depth to the story. While modern audiences may find some pacing and antique storytelling elements slightly dated, "Blood and Sand" remains a superior example of Silent Era Hollywood filmmaking. From its dramatic flair to its technical prowess, it is an engaging and significant cinema experience deserving of appreciation.

Blood and Sand's Blu-ray release stands as an exalted presentation of the silent classic, boasting an impeccable transfer. The 4K restoration is meticulously executed, highlighting the film's creative color-tinting and bringing out the intricate details of its cinematography. Rudolph Valentino's magnetic performance is central to the film's allure, making it a must-watch for enthusiasts of early cinema. The lossless high-resolution audio complements the visual fidelity, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

The actors deliver stellar performances that, combined with the innovative visual techniques, create a mesmerizing atmosphere. This Blu-ray edition significantly surpasses previous releases in both quality and content. It includes a range of valuable extras that expand one's appreciation for the film, such as behind-the-scenes features and historical context.

In conclusion, Blood and Sand is an entertaining silent classic with Valentino delivering a fantastic lead performance which elevates the material and adds to the charm of the motion-picture. The film holds up extremely well to this day and has enough charisma to enchant audiences of all ages. The actors are terrific and the creative color-tinting on the cinematography is impressive. The Blu-ray release features a strong presentation (scanned at 4K) and with lossless high-resolution audio. The included extras are worth one's time and add to the overall experience. Highly recommended.