Vamp Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's Blu-ray presentation of "Vamp" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer. The official packaging inaccurately lists the aspect ratio as 1.85:1, while the actual aspect ratio of the disc is 1.77:1. This minor variance might be noteworthy for OAR purists. The transfer is derived from a High Definition scan provided by Lakeshore Entertainment and exhibits substantial detail retention. The brightness levels on the Arrow disc slightly surpass those of the Image Entertainment release, aligning more closely with the Arrow UK version. Minor anomalies are present, such as a bluish emulsion effect around 11:36 and sporadic black dots, though these should not detract significantly from the viewing experience.

Color rendition stands out in this transfer, with bright primaries appearing exceptionally vivid and pastel tones maintaining a hallucinogenic quality. Grain structure is another noteworthy element; it remains chunky throughout various scenes, challenging compression capabilities occasionally. This graininess is independent of lighting conditions, with even brighter scenes showing a gritty texture akin to dimly lit sewer scenes. Overall, the palette on this release is well-executed, offering viewers a visually engaging experience.

This examination places the visual quality between the assessments of previous reviews, reflecting both strengths in vivid color reproduction and minor drawbacks due to grain and occasional emulsion issues. This Blu-ray transfer thus offers an engaging viewing experience with slight imperfections that can be overlooked by most audiences seeking an immersive restoration of “Vamp.”

The audio presentation of the "Vamp" Blu-ray offers an LPCM Mono track, consistent with the Arrow UK release, though it deviates from the Image Entertainment release that provided an LPCM 2.0 mono track. While the track ensures clarity and a damage-free delivery across dialogue, effects, and score, it occasionally lacks the sonic energy one might expect, particularly during the film's vibrant and musical club scenes. The dynamics, although clear, do not fully capitalize on the potential liveliness such scenes could present.

Despite these limitations, the LPCM Mono track proficiently handles the essentials of accurate sound reproduction. Fans desiring faithful audio replication without distortion or interference will find this track adequate. The elements are well-balanced, ensuring that no single component overwhelms the others, providing a cohesive listening experience. While not exemplary in terms of explosive acoustics or immersive depth, it offers a reliable and clean auditory presentation that fits within the film's vintage context.

Overall, while the audio could benefit from more dynamic range and vivacity, particularly in more boisterous scenes, it remains a competent and faithful representation of the original sound design. The consistency and cleanliness of the audio ensure that "Vamp" fans will appreciate a solid, if not exceptional, auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for Arrow's release of "Vamp" are a compelling mix of new content and archival material. The standout addition is the featurette "One of Those Nights: The Making of Vamp," an extensive (44:30) and informative documentary. It offers engaging insights from writer-director Richard Wenk, Chris Makepeace, and Deedee Pfeiffer, with anecdotes that shed light on the production’s creative process and on-set dynamics, particularly those involving Grace Jones. Other extras include video from rehearsals and early career short films from Wenk, although their visual quality is somewhat compromised due to the source media. Additionally, you'll find a charming blooper reel, TV spots, trailers, and an image gallery.

Extras included in this disc:

• One of Those Nights: The Making of Vamp: A detailed documentary with interviews and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Rehearsal Footage: Archival video from early rehearsals.
• Dracula Bites the Big Apple: An amusing short film by Richard Wenk.
• Blooper Reel: Humorous outtakes and mistakes from shooting.
• TV Spots: Various promotional clips.
• Trailer 1
• Trailer 2
• Image Gallery: A collection of still images from the film’s production.

Vamp, a cult classic from 1986 featuring Grace Jones as a vampiric nightclub performer, offers a unique blend of horror and comedy. Director Richard Wenk attempts to harmonize these genres, but the film often struggles to generate sufficient momentum. Its charm lies in its distinctive style rather than its narrative. The movie presents a nostalgic throwback to an era where VHS cover art significantly influenced rental choices, echoing an authenticity that matches its visual allure.

The film's design ethos stands out with a striking color palette, marked by magenta and pink hues set against a contrasting lime green. This was conceptualized by cinematographer Eliot Davis, as noted in the supplement "One of Those Nights." Despite the low budget, these creative choices imbue the film with a visually captivating essence that may appeal to viewers who find the plot less impressive. The lit tables at the club, among other quasi-art direction elements, further underscore the film's unique visual identity.

While Vamp's dual releases by Image Entertainment and Arrow UK have been extensively reviewed for their plot mechanics and technical details, this Blu-ray iteration continues to celebrate its iconic yet somewhat uneven legacy. Its memorable design and Grace Jones' enigmatic performance capture the imagination, culminating in an endearing addition to the comedy-horror hybrid genre.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of "Vamp" is a nostalgic revisit to the campy horror classic that maintains its quirky charm but falls short in its execution. The film, which blends humor with vampire genre conventions, delivers goofily enjoyable moments, though it never quite builds substantial suspense or fright. Arrow Video's A/V presentation is competent but not remarkable—audio and visual quality are serviceable, yet lack the polish seen in other releases by the company. Fans of the original film will appreciate revisiting its campy, '80s horror aesthetic, but should temper their expectations regarding any significant enhancement in the viewing experience.

This Blu-ray re-issue is not without its merits—it supplements the film adequately and offers a faithful reproduction of the original. However, when compared to Arrow UK's release, which is region-free, potential buyers might find themselves inclined to weigh differences in aspect ratios and supplementary materials. The disc includes some additional content that might entice collectors, but overall, it lacks any groundbreaking extras that would justify replacing existing DVD copies.

In conclusion, while "Vamp" on Blu-ray appeals primarily through nostalgia and retains enough charm to engage its fan base, the Arrow Video release leaves something to be desired in terms of overall quality and supplemental content. A thoughtful comparison with other available versions is advised for those keen on revisiting this title, ensuring they make the most informed choice for their collection.