Vampyr - Criterion Collection

I see that some other reviewers have been kind of tough on this film. If this film had been produced in 2005, it's probably still worth 3 stars, but this thing is almost 75 years old. It clearly showcases some cutting edge stuff for the period. The director had never seen Bride of Frankenstein, Return of the Mummy, Bram Stoker's Dracuala, et al. I, for one, do not consider this film a "hack job" because of visible shutter flash or occasional sprocket jumps. So if you want to watch an antique film that plays like the latest Steven Speilberg project ---- well, it ain't gonna happen here. I think this piece HAS been restored as well as it's going to be. Having said all that, now on to the film.

It's a vampire story. Or in Danish, a vampyr story. Traveler visits creepy inn. Ghouls in residence. I needn't go into more detail about the general plot, right? But don't expect the Hollywood sterotyped stuff of long liplocks to the neck, or some suave guy morphing into a bat.

Notably, there were some special effects that blew me away, considering the era. They were very effective and some I have not seen duplicated elsewhere. There is a clever and well done effect of shadows moving independently of their source, some very creepy dancing shadows on the lawn, a ghost effect apparently created through use of double exposure and very well executed, and a totally creepy corpse-eye view out of the coffin on the way to the cemetary. The main vampire is a female that looks like a real ghoul, and a very credible job is done of time-lapsing her into a skeleton.

Essentially, this is a silent film. What audible voice there is, is muffled and in Danish. There are quite a few German subtitles and the version I watched had a few English entries. The story is a little disjointed, but the atmosphere is pleasingly creepy and the film is a time capsule of sorts. The early production techniques, and the clothing, furniture, farm implements. EVERYBODY is carrying around a candle (because when this was filmed that's what the actors all did at home anyway).

For the guys, there's even the 1932 Danish version of a hottie that's not too bad. And I found the lack of exagerrated makeup and physical inflection to be superior to the clownish over-acted stuff that Hollywood was putting out during that era. I doubt it will frighten you, but it is a good period piece to take a look at.

I find it odd that almost all the reviews on this page for Kino's VHS of VAMPYR are reviews of Image's DVD of VAMPYR. Can no one out there read?????

The identical source print is used by both Kino for their VHS release (they have no plans to release a DVD version in the near future) and Image for their DVD release. And the print is a very poor one indeed.

Aside from the intended softness of some of the images, the print is many generations removed from an original 35 nitrate source - Kino misleads on its cover and says it is a 35 mm archive print source. If this is a true statement, and I doubt it, it's the worst 35 mm source material I've ever seen. There are scratches, sprocket hole jumps, great fuzziness.

Face the fact though - it's all we have. Criterion was unable to find a print good enough to even attempt to restore, thus its promise in 2000 to release a DVD of the title had to be reneged upon. Criterion, and up until this instance, Kino, does not settle for less than pristine, crystal clear prints for its releases. This is the first time KINO has disappointed me in quality.

All the quality quibbling aside, buy either of these to view the film - just know what you're buying. I think it's shameful that both Kino and Image charge the amount of money they do for this poor transfer. If it were a $5.98 special with warnings, it would be justified.

When I picked up "Vampyr," I thought of all the commentary I have read about the film. I read the back of the package and was a little dismayed that the ending was given right there. Don't worry, the package is wrong, so the ending is not spoiled. And, that is not the only thing that is not right.

First, the movie does have subtitles, but they are not in English. When the hero is reading a book, you see a Germanic or Dutch gothic script, then a translation in English will appear. This covers the whole screen so I would not say it was subtitled. When you do see the subtitles, they are not in German or English. From reading another review, I am inclined to believe it is in Dutch.

There is some classic vampire folklore in the movie, not just what we learn from "Dracula." Don't be dismayed, the vampire, or vampyr, is still a malevolent being. It is interesting to see the other attributes given to these creatures in different cultures.

In regard to quality, I find it is a great film. Since it was originally filmed in 1931, the video was taken from the original film. Because of this, there is quite a bit of distortion and hissing (sometimes sounding like a helicopter in the distance or a trawling motor). This distortion can make the actual words and music sound faint. Although this may look like a silent film, it is not. You just have to listen for it. I think it adds to the eerie effect rather than detracts from it. Think of it like reading an ancient book that has the feel and smell of antiquity.

Carl Dreyer is experimental in his camera tricks. Remember that he is not making errors. He is using these tricks to help add to the ambience. For instance, take a close look at the shadow of the guy shoveling. That is all I will say there.

If you are a vampire or horror enthusiast, this is a must see. If your idea of horror is the typical "Nightmare on Elm Street" movie, then you may want to give this a skip. It is nice to see where other horror directors got their ideas though.

VAMPYR is a very hypnotic horror film. It may seem slow going & somewhat incoherent, but let the atmosphere of the movie wash over the viewer. This movie should be savored for its chilling atmosphere. A variation of Sheridan Le Fanu's CARMILLA, VAMPYR is about mood, atmosphere, shadows, & light. The sounds & the dialogue seem muffled, but that's what adds to the chilling atmosphere. Like watching a virtual lyrical nightmare, VAMPYR is a nightmarish classic.

this movie is pure gustave moreau and pure surrealism! west's character watching himself being taken to the grave is, for some odd reason, absolutely terrifying, and although the movie becomes a little slow paced at times, this only adds to it's subtlety and admirable disdain for meaningless action. this is a horror film for real horror film fans, not sickos out to see gore and blood. even if the story is a little trite and utterly conventional as far as the vampire legend goes, buy it for the haunting and absolutely stunning imagery. there are scenes in this little gem that will stick out in your mind a long time after you view it.