Average Bitrate: 31.09 Mbps

DVD Release Date: August 30th, 2010
Keep Case

Average Bitrate: 31.09 Mbps

Feature: 72,231,764,352 bytes
Video Bitrate: 76.49 Mbps
Codec: HEVC Video

Edition Details:

NOTE: The below Blu-ray and 4K UHD captures were taken directly from the respective discs.

ADDITION: Blue Underground 4K UHD (March 2021): Blue Underground has presented the definitive release of Harry Kümel's "Daughters of Darkness'' on a 4K UHD (with an added Blu-ray and CD Soundtrack) scanned in 4K 16-bit from its long-lost original 35mm camera negative, with HDR or Dolby Vision if your setup allows it. The image on display is nothing short of breathtaking, with the 4K UHD disc showcasing a reference-quality image with an abundance of discernible details in each and every frame. The bitrate averages in the mid 70's, carrying a rich and robust contrast that, along with the 4K UHD's (and HDR/Dolby Vision TV's) capable luminance, projects a wide spectrum of color. The 1.6:1 framing (listed as 1.66:1) gives each shot a much more symmetrical framing, thanks to utilizing the original 35mm camera negative. This release should serve as a model as to how to release an older film in 4K. Stunning.

It is likely that the monitor you are seeing this review is not an HDR-compatible display (High Dynamic Range) or Dolby Vision, where each pixel can be assigned with a wider and notably granular range of color and light. Our capture software if simulating the HDR (in a uniform manner) for standard monitors. This should make it easier for us to review more 4K UHD titles in the future and give you a decent idea of its attributes on your system. So our captures may not support the exact same colors (coolness of skin tones, brighter or darker hues etc.) as the 4K system at your home. But the framing, detail, grain texture support etc. are, generally, not effected by this simulation representation.

NOTE: 36 more more full resolution (3840 X 2160) 4K UHD captures, in lossless PNG format, for Patrons are available HERE

We have reviewed the following 4K UHD packages to date: Tremors (software uniformly simulated HDR), Vigilante (software uniformly simulated HDR), Cinema Paradiso (software uniformly simulated HDR),  The Bourne Legacy (software uniformly simulated HDR),  Full Metal Jacket (software uniformly simulated HDR),  Psycho (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Birds(software uniformly simulated HDR), Rear Window (software uniformly simulated HDR), Vertigo (software uniformly simulated HDR),  Spartacus (software uniformly simulated HDR), Jaws (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Invisible Man, (software uniformly simulated HDR), Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds (software uniformly simulated HDR), Lucio Fulci's 1979 Zombie  (software uniformly simulated HDR),, 2004's Van Helsining (software uniformly simulated HDR),  The Shallows (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Bridge on the River Kwai (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Deer Hunter (software uniformly simulated HDR),  The Elephant Man (software uniformly simulated HDR), A Quiet Place (software uniformly simulated HDR), Easy Rider (software uniformly simulated HDR), Suspiria (software uniformly simulated HDR), Pan's Labyrinth (software uniformly simulated HDR),  The Wizard of Oz, (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Shining, (software uniformly simulated HDR), Batman Returns (software uniformly simulated HDR), Don't Look Now (software uniformly simulated HDR), The Man Who Killed Killed and then The Bigfoot  (software uniformly simulated HDR),,  Bram Stoker's Dracula (software uniformly simulated HDR), Lucy (software uniformly simulated HDR), They Live (software uniformly simulated HDR),  Shutter Island (software uniformly simulated HDR),  The Matrix (software uniformly simulated HDR), Alien (software uniformly simulated HDR), Toy Story (software uniformly simulated HDR),  A Few Good Men (software uniformly simulated HDR),  2001: A Space Odyssey (HDR caps udated), Schindler's List (simulated HDR), The Neon Demon (No HDR), Dawn of the Dead (No HDR), Saving Private Ryan (simulated HDR and 'raw' captures), Suspiria (No HDR), The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (No HDR), The Big Lebowski, and I Am Legend (simulated and 'raw' HDR captures).

There are four audio options here, with the main attraction being a 7.1 English Dolby TrueHD/Atmos track (much like Dolby Vision, Atmos tracks only work if you have the appropriate setup). The Atmos track does quite a bit (with a film that was originally released in monophonic sound) without resorting to any assaulltive gimmickry. The channel separation is rather subdued yet completely effective. That said, purists will probably opt for the English or French mono track (both also available here in DTS-HD Master audio, with the remaining track being the 5.1 DTS-HD Master audio track). There are optional English SDH, French, Spanish, and English (for French Audio) subtitle tracks on this Region 'Free' 4K UHD from Blue Underground.

While this 4K UHD release contains many of the previous iterations' bonus features, there is the notable addition of an audio commentary from author Kat Ellinger. Blue Underground are wise to include Ellinger's commentary, not just because Kat literally wrote the book on the film, but because her research and knowledge of the film makes for one of the finest commentaries I've heard in a long time. The track is a must-listen, with the author covering a wide array of topics. Not one to merely relay factoids of the film, Ellinger's impassioned commentary serves as a veritable cinema class on "Daughters of Darkness", providing a critical reading of the film as well as delving into the history of the vampire film. The film holds a unique status among a slew of 70's lesbian vampire pictures, and the commentary also includes some insider's insights (Ellinger has interviewed many people involved with the making of "Daughters..." over the years and has distilled those discussions into valuable anecdotes). I was fascinated by Ellinger's tracing of the 1960's (and earlier) cinematic vampire (with the focus on the sexually dominant leading male role, with the occasional passive or 'cursed' females) to the more liberated 1970's vampire picture. Ellinger also covers the Elizabeth Bathory myth as well as the Gothic and European Fantastique. Also news to me is the fact that Delphine Seyrig's inspired performance comes from Marlene Dietrich's "Shanghai Express". Highly recommended as this is arguably one of the best tracks of 2020. Another must-mention is that Blue Underground's new 4K UHD set also includes a bonus CD featuring the original motion picture soundtrack by François de Roubaix. This release also includes a slew of previously released extras, from the other 2 commentaries (with co-writer/director Harry Kümel, and actor John Karlen and journalist David Del Valle) to interviews. Also here are trailers for the film (including the U.S. release, international "Promise of Red Lips" and French "Les Levres Rouges" trailer), alternate U.S. main title sequence, poster & still gallery, collectible booklet with new essay by Michael Gingold, and more (see above for the impressive list).

Forgive me if my effusive praise seems at all hyperbolic. This 4K UHD (with an added Blu-ray and CD Soundtrack) release is pure perfection. From the pristine transfer full of vivid nightmarish imagery to Kat Ellinger's phenomenal commentary track (and how bout that Atmos track), other companies take note; this is how you do it. Can't recommend this enough.

Colin Zavitz

Eric Cotenas

1) Anchor Bay - Region 0 - NTSC - TOP