The Shiver of the Vampires 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review

The Shiver of the Vampires," presented in 4K UHD Blu-ray, receives a respectful and technically sophisticated restoration that makes it a standout release, according to various detailed reviews. The restoration process employed by Indicator, as meticulously detailed in the included booklet, involved scanning, restoring, and color correcting in 4K HDR (Dolby Vision) using original 35mm internegative film materials, without resorting to any artificial alteration such as grain management, edge enhancement, or sharpening. The result is a native 3840 x 2160p resolution image that maintains the film's organic texture and grain, which is particularly evident in the evenly spread grain field and the deeply saturated color palette that enriches the visual experience without overpowering it. Skin tones and stylized colors are rendered beautifully, managing to highlight the film’s dark shadowplay and heavily stylized costumes effectively while preserving the original look and feel intended by Jean Rollin.

The overall visual presentation benefits enormously from the HEVC/H.265 encoding, earning high praise for the lack of compression anomalies and showcasing an exceptional bit rate, thanks to the experts at Fidelity in Motion. This encoding enables the unaltered grain and texture of the film to be translated onto disc with great fidelity, ensuring that even in the absence of the original camera negative, the image quality remains commendable. Despite Rollin's penchant for soft textures over absolute clarity and his unique shooting style utilizing artificial lighting against thick shadows, this release captures every detail with a level of sharpness and depth that significantly enhances the viewing experience.

Indicator's inaugural venture into the 4K domain with "The Shiver of the Vampires" is laudable for its dedication to preserving the film's artistic merits through its restoration process while adapting to modern viewing standards. The enriched color reproduction—most notably in its portrayal of nighttime scenes—and improved nuances in darker areas hint at a meticulous restoration effort that prioritizes fidelity to the source material. Although certain sequences may exhibit slightly crushed blacks, this factor does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the visual presentation. With robust grain exposure and a dynamic range that showcases the film's gothic aesthetic in vivid detail, this release is a testament to Indicator's commitment to quality and authenticity in the burgeoning boutique 4K Blu-ray market.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "The Shiver of the Vampires" presents its audio offerings with two main LPCM 1.0 tracks: one in French and the other in English, accompanied by optional English subtitles and SDH for the respectively spoken languages. Audiences are likely to lean towards the French mono track for an authentic auditory experience, as it conveys the dialogue with a richer timbre and maintains a commendable dynamic range that showcases the spoken words without them being overpowered by the background score. Despite a slight hiss that intermittently surfaces throughout the film, it does not detract significantly from the listening experience. The English track, while devoid of hiss, reveals its limitations through lower dialogue volume and a somewhat thinner sound quality, signaling a slight compromise in comparison to its French counterpart.

Indicator's handling of both audio tracks demonstrates a meticulous effort to blend dialogue clarity with the film's distinctive prog-rock score by Acanthus, achieving a balance that prevents the musical elements from overshadowing spoken words. However, it's noted that the music, while solid across both tracks, feels somewhat constrained at the extremities of the audio spectrum. The provided subtitles are accurately timed and free of distracting errors, enhancing the viewing for non-French speaking audiences. Although there are mentions of minor distortions and a flatness to the score, which are presumably inherited from the source material, these issues are relatively minor and do not significantly impair the overall audio experience.

Tested on a high-quality Denon AVR4300 amplifier and a 7.2.4 array of Kef speakers, including models from the Q range and ci series for in-walls/in-ceilings, the audio presentation on this region-free UK Ultra HD Blu-ray release delivers a satisfactory experience. While the French track emerges as the superior option due to its fuller sound and better dynamic range, both tracks offer a solid auditory experience that pays homage to the film's original soundscape. The involvement of background hiss and flatness in the prog-rock score are minor drawbacks that, although slightly marring the audio quality, fail to overshadow the merits of this meticulous audio restoration effort.

The 4K UHD Blu-ray of "The Shiver of the Vampires" impresses with a substantial array of supplementary content, blending archival materials and new additions seamlessly. Highlights include dual commentary tracks that offer a deep dive into Jean Rollin's directorial approach and the film's cultural significance, as well as the detailed examination of Rollin’s cinematic landscape through Virginie Selavy's engaging video essay. The included export inserts, which feature restored erotic content, add a unique flavor without contextual framing, intriguingly resembling 'deleted scenes with added sauce'. A comprehensive interview with Rollin provides heartfelt insights into his creative process and thematic passions. This disc also features both the French and English trailers, meticulously restored, and an extensive image gallery showcasing original promotional material and behind-the-scenes photos. The limited-edition release is further enriched by an 80-page book packed with new essays, historical interviews, and an exploration of Acanthus, the enigmatic group behind the film’s soundtrack. While not Indicator’s most lavish release, it offers a compelling blend of materials that both novices and aficionados of Rollin’s work will find enriching.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Jean Rollin: Archival video introduction offering insight into the film's creation.
• French Trailer & English Trailer: Restored trailers provide historical context and marketing approach.
• Export Inserts: Restored erotic content intended for international audiences.
• Rouge Vif - Le Frisson des Vampires: An in-depth archival program featuring interviews with key production members.
• Commentary One: Jean Rollin's detailed recount of the film's production aspects.
• Commentary Two: Jeremy Richey's analytical perspective on Rollin's work.
• Jean Rollin: Fear and Desire: An extensive interview exploring Rollin's thematic fascinations.
• Virgine Selavy: Macabre Psychedelia: A new video essay that delves into the cultural impact of Rollin’s films.
• Image Gallery: A collection of original promotional material and rare behind-the-scenes photos.
• Book: An 80-page exclusive edition featuring essays, interviews, and critical analyses.

Jean Rollin’s cinematic tradition, marked by a fusion of surreal imagery and eroticism, finds a vivid expression in The Shiver of the Vampires ("Le Frisson des Vampires"). This film, made during an era where Rollin was experimenting with narrative and visual styles, blurs the lines between traditional gothic horror and a more avant-garde, psychedelic approach. The plot weaves around a newlywed couple who encounter the unexpected in a dilapidated castle, which serves as the backdrop for a narrative interspersed with themes of vampirism, existential musings, and a palpable sexual tension that challenges conventional morality. Rollin’s direction ensures that the erotic elements never feel gratuitous but are instead seamlessly integrated into the broader thematic fabric of the film, elevating it beyond mere titillation.

Technically, the film is a testament to Rollin’s ability to manipulate visual and auditory elements to create an immersive atmosphere. The transition from monochromatic gothic palettes to vibrant, primary-colored lighting enriches the film's visual texture, while the unconventional score by Acanthus lends a unique auditory backdrop that complements its psychedelic ambiance. The camera work, predominantly handheld, adds a layer of intimacy, drawing viewers deeper into the unsettling yet captivating world Rollin constructs. This stylistic mélange is not just a testament to Rollin’s artistic vision but also a bridge between the classic horror aesthetics of Hammer films and the more audacious colorations of Dario Argento’s giallos.

However, this juxtaposition of the abstract with traditional storytelling elements sometimes results in a narrative imbalance, leaving viewers craving more exploration of its intriguing themes. Despite this, the performances, particularly from the leads Sandra Julien and Jean-Marie Durand, lend a certain gravitas to their roles, even as the characters at times seem more like conduits for Rollin’s artistic exploration than fully fleshed-out individuals. The film's oscillation between surreal, dream-like sequences and its abrupt, somewhat underwhelming conclusion may disjoint some, yet it remains a compelling piece of cinema that showcases Rollin's unique ability to blend art-house aesthetics with genre conventions. As such, "The Shiver of the Vampires" stands out not just for its erotic charge but as an embodiment of Rollin’s cinematic philosophy—a daring mix of narrative abstraction and aesthetic beauty.

Jean Rollin's "The Shiver of the Vampires" emerges in a new light with its latest 4K UHD Blu-ray release, courtesy of Indicator/Powerhouse Films. This 1971 horror feature, nestled firmly within the realms of gothic and psychedelic surrealism, finds a grandiose rebirth in stunning 4K resolution. The restoration, sourced from the internegative, presents a visually striking experience that enhances its already impressive imagery and atmospheric depth. The speculative crossover between traditional vampire lore and a more libertine narrative approach underscores Rollin's endeavor to intertwine the conventional with the avant-garde, making this film an intriguing entry point for those exploring his oeuvre. The physical presentation of the release matches the ambition of the film itself, packaged in a box that exudes 1970s psychedelia, resonating with the film’s aesthetic and thematic leanings.

The 4K Ultra HD presentation does not simply rest on the laurels of enhanced picture quality but extends its allure through a commendable collection of special features intended to guide the viewer through the labyrinthine creativity of Jean Rollin. This edition, regrettably, lacks a Blu-ray copy of the film; an aspect future collectors might need to consider when supplementing their libraries. Yet, this does little to detract from the overall impressiveness of the release. The film, noted for its audacious narrative and the director's commitment to a unique cinematic language, looks "spectacular" in its 4K incarnation, inviting both old fans and newcomers to immerse themselves in its restored beauty.

Concluding, "The Shiver of the Vampires" 4K UHD Blu-ray release stands as a testament to Jean Rollin's enduring legacy within horror and arthouse cinema. Indicator/Powerhouse Films' effort in bringing this visually stunning and thematically rich film into the age of ultra high definition is both commendable and essential. This release not only offers an outstanding visual experience but also celebrates the film's peculiar place between mainstream horror and arthouse peculiarity. It is highly recommended for collectors and cinephiles alike, promising an immersive journey into one of Rollin's most enigmatic creations.