Nosferatu Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.34:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, F.W. Murnau's Nosferatu arrives on Blu-ray through Eureka Entertainment, boasting a 1080p transfer. The restoration, conducted by Luciano Berritua on behalf of Friedrich-Wilhelm-Murnau-Stiftung, utilized a combination of sources including a tinted nitrate print from 1922 and a 1930 version titled Die Zwolfte Stunde. The meticulous lab work was handled by L'Immagine Ritrovata in Bologna, ensuring a careful balance between preserving the film's original qualities and enhancing its visual presentation.

The results of this comprehensive restoration are nothing short of astounding. Viewers familiar with Nosferatu from DVD or VHS will notice significant improvements in image depth and clarity. Nighttime footage, which has traditionally posed challenges, now appears with notable clarity. Image stability has been greatly enhanced, addressing issues like edge flicker and density fluctuations, though some light wear marks, vertical lines, splices, and minor scratches remain due to the limitations of the source materials. Nevertheless, these minor imperfections do not detract from the overall viewing experience, and the film maintains a solid, organic visual quality.

This Blu-ray release is particularly impressive for those with large screens and projectors, offering a viewing experience that highlights the dramatic improvements in image quality. The Region-B locked disc requires a Region-B or Region-Free player for access, so international viewers should ensure compatibility. Overall, this transfer exhibits exemplary care and precision in presenting one of cinema's classic works.

Eureka Entertainment's Blu-ray release of "Nosferatu" offers two standard audio tracks: LPCM 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. The latter provides slightly better depth, although the LPCM 2.0 track is equally appealing with its lush and well-rounded string sounds. Both audio tracks present a fantastic range of nuanced dynamics that significantly augment the film’s atmospheric quality. Notably, there are no dropouts or distortions to report, ensuring a pristine auditory experience.

The optional English subtitles for the German intertitles are a considerate inclusion that enhances accessibility without detracting from the film’s original intent. Overall, the audio presentation on this Blu-ray release is impeccable, striking a balance between maintaining the film's authenticity and offering modern enhancements for a superior listening experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Nosferatu" offer a compelling array of insights that enhance the viewing experience. Abel Ferrara's video piece connects the stylistic influences between Nosferatu and his film "The Addiction." Kevin Jackson's interview provides an in-depth look into Murnau's personal and professional life, dispelling some myths about his directing methods. Luciano Berriatua's documentary, "The Language of Shadows," meticulously charts Murnau's early years and the film’s production history with interviews from various scholars and relatives. The two audio commentaries provide layered understanding; David Kalat covers Nosferatu’s history, aesthetics, and vampire lore, while R. Dixon Smith and Brad Stevens offer retrospective commentary from the 2007 R2 DVD release. A comprehensive 56-page illustrated booklet rounds out the collection with essays and notes on the film's restoration.

Extras included in this disc:

• Abel Ferrara: Filmmaker discusses parallels between Nosferatu and The Addiction.
• Kevin Jackson: BFI author on Murnau's professional and personal background.
• The Language of Shadows: Documentary on Murnau's early years and Nosferatu's production.
• David Kalat Audio Commentary: Insights into Nosferatu’s history and themes.
• R. Dixon Smith & Brad Stevens Audio Commentary: Retrospective review from 2007.
• Booklet: Illustrated essays and restoration notes.

F.W. Murnau's "Nosferatu, eine Symphonie des Grauens" (1922) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Eureka Entertainment. This release includes two new audio commentaries by film historians David Kalat and R. Dixon Smith, as well as Brad Stevens. Additionally, it features a documentary directed by Luciano Berriatua, an interview with author Kevin Jackson, and an introduction by American director Abel Ferrara. Optional English intertitles for the main feature complement this Region-B locked disc packaged with a 56-page illustrated booklet.

"Nosferatu" remains a milestone in cinematic history, telling the haunting tale of young lawyer Thomas Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim) sent to Transylvania to meet the enigmatic Count Orlok (Max Schreck). Hutter's journey initiates at a small inn in the Carpathian Mountains, where locals react with terror upon learning his destination. Refusal from his initial coach driver leads to Hutter's eerie encounter with a coach sent by Orlok, resulting in some of the film’s most atmospheric visuals. Within Orlok's castle, tension escalates when Orlok reveals his vampiric nature, culminating in a suspenseful escape and a frenzied effort to warn Hutter’s hometown of the impending threat.

Murnau's "Nosferatu" excels through its extraordinary blend of unsettling and ethereal visuals, akin to experiencing a vivid yet surreal dream. The film is structured as 'A Symphony of Horrors', segmented into acts that explore contrasting themes such as fear, lust, love, and pain, each evolving towards a dramatic climax. Iconic fast-motion sequences like Orlok’s coach and the loading of coffins enhance the narrative rhythm. Central to its enduring impact is Schreck's haunting portrayal of Orlok, marked by a chilling on-screen presence that captivates despite limited screen time. This unforgettable performance, alongside Murnau's masterful direction, cements "Nosferatu" as an unparalleled masterpiece in the horror genre.

Folks who have been patiently waiting for F.W. Murnau's legendary horror film Nosferatu to transition to Blu-ray are in for a very special treat. Restored and reconstructed, the film looks simply beautiful in high-definition. Indeed, I will be very surprised if Nosferatu did not appear on various Top 10 lists at the end of the year. Buy with confidence, folks. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. `

The Blu-ray release of F.W. Murnau's seminal 1922 horror classic, Nosferatu, is nothing short of a revelation. The restoration effort involved is thoroughly impressive, bringing out visual details that were previously unseen in earlier releases. The high-definition transfer provides a crisp contrast ratio paired with improved grayscale depth, revitalizing the eerie atmospherics that characterize this influential piece of horror cinema. Additionally, the intertitles have been meticulously re-created to maintain historical accuracy while enhancing readability. This meticulous attention to detail makes watching Nosferatu a nearly immersive experience.

The audio restoration complements the visual quality, preserving Hans Erdmann's original score with a richness that enhances each chilling moment. The inclusion of various language tracks and subtitles further internationalizes this historic release, making it accessible to a broader audience. One reviewer specifically noted that they found it hard not to be in awe of how well Nosferatu has aged, with its innovative cinematography and moody lighting still serving as a masterclass in horror filmmaking techniques. Furthermore, the Blu-ray edition is enriched with an assortment of valuable extras, including scholarly commentaries, archival footage, and detailed documentaries that provide deep insights into the film's production and legacy.

Nosferatu on Blu-ray stands as a definitive edition that should appeal not only to horror aficionados but to film scholars and casual viewers alike. The high-quality restoration work done here allows this nearly century-old film to shine brightly. Overall, the transition to Blu-ray has done this legendary work justice, cementing its place as an essential piece of cinematic history and a necessary addition to any serious film collection. Buy with confidence; this release is VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.