Vampyr Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of Carl Theodor Dreyer's "Vampyr" by Eureka Entertainment presents an intriguing update to this classic film. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in a 1080p transfer, the film maintains its original aspect ratio of 1.19:1, capturing its vintage aesthetic. Derived from a meticulous 2K restoration by the Danish Film Institute in 2020, the visuals exhibit a refined improvement over previous editions, notably Criterion's 2017 version. While some cosmetic adjustments are evident, much of the inherent surface wear persists, thus preserving the film’s historical integrity. Despite native density fluctuations that create minor 'pulsations', viewers will not detect significant discrepancies in grayscale grading or image stability, ensuring consistency with prior releases.

Originally shot on 35 mm film using spherical lenses, "Vampyr" faced significant archival challenges. The loss of original negatives meant reliance on various remaining prints of differing quality. A photochemical restoration in 1998 first attempted to unify these disparate elements. The latest 2K digital restoration embarked on an extensive decade-long process utilizing these sources. Astoundingly, a quarter-million bits of damage were manually rectified by Claus Greffel. Despite these efforts, some footage remains missing due to historic censorship and the degradation of original elements. This restoration is a testament to dedicated preservation, balancing the film's early sound presentation limitations against contemporary digital capabilities. Note: release is Region-B locked, requiring compatible playback equipment.

The Blu-ray release of "Vampyr" offers two audio tracks: German LPCM 1.0 (restored) and German LPCM 1.0 (unrestored). Both tracks come with optional English subtitles. The restoration aims to enhance the audio experience by minimizing background hiss and applying various stabilizations. However, the inherent limitations of the original recordings are evident due to the film's early sound era production. The restored track provides a quieter and cleaner sound although some high frequencies appear slightly muted due to the cleanup efforts.

The unrestored LPCM 1.0 mono track presents a more authentic but noisier experience. While it retains a specific vibrancy or "sparkle," the noise levels may be distracting for some viewers. In contrast, the restored track is generally preferred for its clarity, despite its somewhat muted highs. The ability to switch between these tracks allows viewers to appreciate the historical context and technological advancements reflected in the differences. Ultimately, viewers should manage expectations given the film’s vintage audio constraints, which restoration alone cannot entirely overcome.

The Blu-ray extras for "Vampyr" provide a comprehensive exploration of Carl Theodor Dreyer's iconic horror film. With two insightful commentaries, one by critic and filmmaker Tony Rayns offering a historical analysis, and another by director Guillermo del Toro focusing on narrative and visual style, viewers gain a diverse perspective. Complementing these are scholarly pieces, including a visual essay by Casper Tyberg on Vampyr's unique style and a biographical documentary on Dreyer by Jorgen Roos. Notable contributions from critics Kim Newman and David Huckvale deepen understanding of the film's horror elements and score. Archival content delves into the identity of Baron Nicolas de Gunzburg, reflecting on both the actor and producer's influence. The compilation is rounded off with censored footage and a thorough book of essays and rare visuals, enhancing the viewer’s appreciation of this cinematic masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary One: A scholarly analysis of Vampyr by Tony Rayns.
• Commentary Two: Guillermo del Toro's insights on thematic construction.
• Visual Essay: Casper Tyberg examines Vampyr’s narrative style.
• Carl Th. Dreyer: Documentary on Dreyer’s legacy.
• Kim Newman on Vampyr: Analysis of Vampyr’s uniqueness.
• David Huckvale on Composer Wolfgang Zeller: Exploration of the film’s musical score.
• David Huckvale on Sheridan Le Fanu: Study of Le Fanu's influence on Vampyr.
• The Baron: Examination of Baron Nicolas de Gunzburg’s life.
• Censored Scenes: Previously omitted footage from the French version.
• Book: A detailed compendium featuring production materials and analyses.

Carl Theodor Dreyer's Vampyr is a cinematic exploration of the surreal, offering a groundbreaking take on Gothic horror that has undeniably influenced a plethora of directors across decades. Presented on Blu-ray by Eureka Entertainment, this release—locked in Region B and subtitled in English—captures the iconic visual elements that established Dreyer as a visionary filmmaker. Shot in France by renowned cinematographer Rudolph Maté, Vampyr effortlessly melds ethereal imagery with sparse dialogue, a technical marvel that was considerably innovative for its time. The film's non-professional cast delivers a haunting atmosphere, further supported by Dreyer's unique approach of shooting silent footage and overlaying sound in post-production at UFA studios.

Comprising archival commentaries by film critics such as Tony Rayns and Guillermo del Toro, the Blu-ray enriches the understanding of Vampyr's stylistic intricacies and profound impact on cinema. Delving deeply into abstraction and psychological realism, Dreyer pushes beyond mere narrative to delve into the essence of artistic expression, crafting a film where reality is supplanted with subjective perception. This technique presaged later cinematic works and influenced filmmakers like Aleksandr Sokurov and Guy Maddin, mirroring Vampyr’s dreamlike blend of the tangible and intangible.

Dreyer's attention to the mystical nature of cinema, conveyed through sparse dialogue and meticulously controlled lighting, fostered a new dimension of storytelling where the film medium itself became magical. The insights provided by supplementary features in this release paint Vampyr not as a simple horror story but as a prophetic exploration of the boundaries of film art—a narrative experiment that continues to echo across the histories and futures of filmmaking.

Carl Theodor Dreyer's "Vampyr" has long been a touchstone in Gothic horror, renowned for its boundary-pushing narrative and visual innovation. The recent Blu-ray release, sourced from a meticulous 2K restoration of the German version by the Danish Film Institute, revitalizes this classic. Completed in 2020, this restoration offers minor cosmetic upgrades over the Criterion release but remains largely consistent in quality, reflecting the high standard of the 1998 restoration. For collectors who prioritize comprehensive Region-B releases or lack the film in their existing repertoire, this edition is well worth considering.

The latest Blu-ray provides an immersive experience for both seasoned cinephiles and newcomers to Dreyer's haunting masterpiece. While differences compared to prior releases are subtle, the restoration maintains Vampyr’s atmospheric ambiguity and visual prowess, preserving the film's integral shadows and ethereal light. This release serves as a definitive version, especially for those unable to obtain the Limited Edition variant. The standard release ensures no content is lost, making it equally desirable.

In conclusion, Vampyr's enduring influence on global cinematic narratives makes it essential viewing beyond mere genre boundaries. This Blu-ray is not only an excellent addition for devoted film collections but also elevates appreciation of Dreyer’s craft. Whether you are exploring it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this edition comes "VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED" for its ability to transport viewers into its meticulously curated dreamscape.