Eureka Entertainment recently released a rather interesting horror film by Carl Theodor Dreyer, Vampyr (1932). It’s well regarded by many cinema lovers, so it’s time for my Vampyr blu-ray review.
As I’m a little late with this review you may find that all of the limited 3000 copies have sold out! Fear not as Eureka is set to bring out the standard edition this October.
- Vampyr (1932) – Limited Edition
- Genre: Horror
- Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer
- Running Time: 74 mins
- UK Rating PG
- Discs: 1
- Released by Eureka Entertainment
- Blu-ray Released: 30th May 2022 / 17 October 2022
Plot
Vampyr is a classic vampire story, a man arrives at an inn in a small village which is stalked by an old creepy woman that turns out to be a vampire.
Style / Direction
Director Carl Theodor Dreyer has created an extremely well made black and white film with so many camera shots that seem ahead of their time.
The camera slowly following the main character is something we see in many horror classics. It creates tension and the feeling of being watched and this comes from a film made in 1932.
Then there’s the camera inside the coffin looking up as the lid is placed on top. It really is extremely impressive and employs many cinema tricks to great effect.
Music / Audio Effects
This is Carl Theodor Dreyer first film with sound although it is made like a silent film with cards providing the key information for the viewer.
The film’s score it excellent at creating an uneasy feeling whilst also having a few stinger/scare moments too.
Acting / Characters
It’s a well acted film for its time and the lead actor, Julian West as Allan Gray does a particularly good job.
Cast
- Julian West as Allan Gray
- Rena Mandel as Giséle
- Sybille Schmitz as Léone
- Jan Hieronimko as the Village Doctor
- Henriette Gérard as Marguerite Chopin
- Maurice Schutz as the Lord of the Manor
- Jane Mora as a Nurse
- Georges Boidin as the Limping Soldier
Conclusion: Vampyr (1932) Film Review
I found the film to be extremely well made and rather stylish. Although this is a German langue film there are of English subtitles/cards but it’s really like watching a silent film with sound effects.
This really makes the film rather easy to watch with little effort required to read much of the subtitles. You really only need read the cards and you will be fine.
I highly recommend taking a look at this stylish creepy 1932 horror. If you love films such as Nosferatu (1922) then this is for you.
If you’ve enjoyed my Vampyr blu-ray review so far you may want to check out the following films:
Conclusion: Vampyr Blu-ray Review
This new version is an all-new 2K digital restoration of the German version carried out by the Danish Film Institute. It looks fabulous for a film so old. A lot of time and effort has gone into making this the best version possible.
I’ve listed the extras below and they are pretty good with the Kim Newman’s probably the most interesting.
If you’re going for the “Standard Version” blu-ray the only things you miss out on are the “Limited Edition Hardbound Slipcase” and the 100 page book. All the disc content is the same regardless of which version you go for.
Extras
- Limited Edition Hardbound Slipcase
- New 2K Digital Restoration
- Optional Unrestored Audio Track
- Two Audio Commentaries: Critic/Programmer Tony Rayns & Guillermo del Toro
- Visual Essay by scholar Casper Tybjerg
- New Interview with Author/Critic Kim Newman
- Two New Interviews with music/Cultural Historian David Huckvale
- Carl Th. Dreyer (1966) – A Documentary by Jörgen Roos
- Two Deleted Scenes (Removed by the German censor in 1932)
- The Baron – A short MoC Documentary about Baron Nicolas de Gunzburg
- Optional English Subtitles
- A 100 Page Book
POPCORN CINEMA RATING: VAMPYR (1932)
MOVIE RATING: VERY GOOD
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
POPCORN CINEMA: RECOMMENDED
You can pre-order the Standard version of Vampyr now from Amazon for £15.99 (Prices correct as of 25.07.22)
The Amazon links on this page are affiliate / associate links. By buying through the links we may receive a commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
That concludes my Vampyr blu-ray review, let me know what you thought of the film over on our Facebook page.
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
I’m aiming to review more classic horror films soon. What’s next? Check back soon…
Summary: Vampyr (1932) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Vampyr (1932)
Movie description: 1932 Classic German Horror Film
Duration: 74 mins
Director(s): Carl Theodor Dreyer
Genre: Horror
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Rating
Summary
Classic Horror Film / Excellent Blu-ray Release
