Thirst Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 1080p/AVC encoded transfer at 2.43:1, Severin Films’ release of "Thirst" sources from the original camera negative and offers a generally commendable level of detail and contrast. The transfer exhibits some occasional stability issues, such as slight jittering during horizontal camera pans and anomalies like vertical lines in bright sequences, per the screenshots provided. There is no sign of overt digital manipulation, preserving the film’s organic texture and visual quality.

Color timing is an area of concern, with some scenes displaying a sickly yellow tint that impacts flesh tones adversely, making them appear jaundiced. Contrast is inconsistent, tending towards a slightly dull side which affects the overall vibrancy, although whites remain crisp and clean. Black levels are strong but sometimes lose finer details in shadow-heavy scenes. The image detail is generally solid, with several sequences showing remarkable sharpness and excellent texture, particularly in close-ups. Despite some flat and unsaturated colors, primary hues are rendered cleanly.

In summary, while this Blu-ray transfer of "Thirst" presents the film in its best home video incarnation to date, it carries a few notable imperfections. The preservation of detail and the absence of digital manipulation will be appreciated by purists, but the color timing and occasional image stability issues may be distracting. Nevertheless, this edition is an appreciable upgrade over previous releases, making it a worthy addition to any genre enthusiast's collection.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Thirst" features standard Dolby Digital Mono tracks in English and Spanish. Severin's care for the release is evident, but the absence of a lossless format, particularly for Brian May's notable score, is a missed opportunity. Dialogue presentation is pristine and cleanly defined with good intonation, ensuring intelligibility throughout. Some limitations are noticed in looped screams that carry a slightly boxy sound, but overall, the track decently emphasizes spoken words.

Despite the legacy mono format, the film's soundtrack impresses with broad and engaging imaging. Intelligibility is consistently high, and Chantal Contouri’s emotional performance particularly benefits from this clarity. The background activity exhibits rich clarity and fidelity, enhancing the audio design with substantial presence and strong acoustics. While the dynamic range isn't extensive, the highs penetrate sharply with detailed mids that allow May’s score to stand out. Although the bass is relatively tame and somewhat bland, it remains fitting for the film's vintage, contributing to an enjoyable auditory experience.

The Blu-ray of "Thirst" features a well-curated collection of extras that provide substantial insights into the film's production. The commentary track with Director Rod Hardy and Producer Antony I. Ginnane is fairly engaging, offering behind-the-scenes anecdotes and amusing tidbits about special effects, such as the lo-fi technique used for the glowing eyes effect. The isolated score track by Brian May, presented in Dolby Digital Mono, allows a focused appreciation of the film’s moody and atmospheric music. Additionally, standard-definition trailers and TV spots are included, enriching the discoverability of the film’s historical promotional material without overwhelming the viewer with redundant content.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Rod Hardy and Producer Antony I. Ginnane: Interesting commentary with production insights and humorous tidbits.
• Isolated Score Track: Features Brian May's moody music in Dolby Digital Mono.
• Trailer: Historical promotional material.
• TV Spots: Standard-definition promotional clips.

"Thirst," directed by Rod Hardy, offers a disturbingly unique horror experience. Unlike the suspenseful secrecy of classics like "Rosemary's Baby," "Thirst" lays bare its vampiric conspiracy from the onset. The film follows Kate Davis (Chantal Contouri), who is forcibly taken in by The Brotherhood, a vampiric cult claiming her as a descendant of Elizabeth Bathory. This immediate revelation heightens the eerie atmosphere, trapping Kate in a prison-like environment designed to dominate her spirit. The setting combines a gothic aesthetic with a late 70s cultural flair, lending the film an oddly compelling charm.

Vitally, "Thirst" delves into a hallucinogenic realm through sequences that blur the line between reality and dream. These scenes showcase Hardy's meticulous pacing and serve to build an oppressive, disorienting atmosphere. For instance, Kate's drug-induced visions feature her curled against walls crumbling around her, an unsettling depiction of her psyches' unraveling. Where Rosemary's isolation keeps viewers guessing, Kate's visible torment and the clear malevolence of her captors deliver a consistent, oppressive fear.

Supporting performances bolster the eerie narrative. Shirley Cameron’s Mrs. Barker embodies villainy with her cruel methods to break Kate, while David Hemmings presents a more serpentine yet ostensibly compassionate antagonist in Dr. Fraser. Contouri’s portrayal of Kate evokes genuine empathy, particularly during her escape attempts and the resulting hallucinogenic horrors she faces. The struggle within The Brotherhood between different approaches to breaking Kate’s will provides an added layer of intrigue.

The film thrives on its aesthetic appeal and thoughtful blend of horror with sci-fi elements, punctuated by Brian May's suspenseful score. The eerie environments and deliberate pacing position "Thirst" as a distinct entry in the vampire genre—one that asks whether it truly is about vampires or a critique of cultish subjugation masked as utopia. For horror enthusiasts seeking something novel and uniquely disturbing, "Thirst" is a chilling choice.

Rod Hardy's "Thirst" presents a fascinating blend of vampire folklore and conspiracy narratives, delivering a gripping and stylish tale that immerses viewers in a surreal sci-fi experience. The performances are generally solid, with Contouri’s occasional hyperbolism adding to the film’s quirky charm. The direction by Hardy is commendable, effectively balancing the film's moodiness and the bizarre sequences when the drugs are introduced.

The Blu-ray presentation by Severin deserves notable praise for its high-definition transfer, which significantly enhances the visual experience with crisp, vivid imagery. Audio quality, though presented in lossy format, remains clear and engaging, ensuring that viewers remain fully immersed in the film’s eerie atmosphere. It is worth mentioning, however, that this release falls short in terms of bonus features, which could have enriched the overall package for collectors and fans alike.

In conclusion, "Thirst" may not have found widespread success during its initial release, but Severin's Blu-ray version offers an excellent opportunity for audiences to rediscover this hidden gem of Australian cinema. Despite some minor flaws, this release is recommended for both vampire enthusiasts and those who appreciate a well-crafted cult film.