NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc.

ADDITION: Indicator Blu-ray (February 2022): Indicator have transferred Fernando de Fuentes' The Phantom of the Monastery to Blu-ray. It is cited as being from a "New 4K restoration from the original negative by the UCLA Film & Television Archive in collaboration with the Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project". Initial screens state: 'Restored from the 35mm nitrate picture and sound negatives preserved by PERMANENCIA VOLUNTARIA." The 1080P looks marvelous - what a great restoration. The image is consistently thick with rich grain textures, exquisite contrast - leaning to the darker side, a high level of detail in some of the close-ups (monk's faces) and sophisticated camera work with impressive shadow work. There are even instances of depth. A wonderful viewing experience on Blu-ray. 

NOTE: We have added 66 more large resolution Blu-ray captures (in lossless PNG format) for DVDBeaver Patrons HERE

On their Blu-ray, Indicator use a linear PCM mono track (24-bit) in the original Spanish language. The Phantom of the Monastery doesn't have a credited score (although the film's orchestral music almost 'new' in spots) but has an impressive use of sound from self flagellation and wailing to mysterious creaky monastery noise - all enhancing the mystery elements of the presentation. Dialogue is reasonably consistent - flat and a bit scattered. Indicator offer optional English (SDH) and standard English subtitles on their Region FREE Blu-ray.

The Indicator Blu-ray offers a new commentary by Stephen Jones (author of The Mammoth Book of Folk Horror: Evil Lives On in the Land!) and Kim Newman (author of Nightmare Movies: Horror on Screen Since the 1960s.) They discuss how The Phantom of the Monastery stands well above other Mexican horror efforts of the time period - and for many years beyond. They cover the history of Mexican cinema, how neither had seen this film before, parallels to similar trope efforts, Mexican cultural themes, how this followed the success of La Llorona, co-written by director Fuentes (based on the legendary spirit of the same name), that The Phantom of the Monastery is closer to the Gothic period of cinema than the Universal-style horrors of the 30's. It's brimming with information and really advanced my understanding and appreciation. The Devil in the Detail is a new 18-minute featurette that spends time with Abraham Castillo Flores, head programmer of Mexico’s Mórbido Film Fest, who reflects on the impact of this early horror classic. The package has a fabulous limited edition exclusive 36-page booklet with a new essay by Maricruz Castro-Ricalde, screenwriter Juan Bustillo Oro on the making of The Phantom of the Monastery, an archival production report, a look at the film’s original promotion, an overview of contemporary critical responses, Jan-Christopher Horak of the UCLA Film & Television Archive on the restoration, and film credits.

Fernando de Fuentes' The Phantom of the Monastery is a total cinephile gem. The story involves a, romantically linked, trio of hikers who become lost and, conflictingly within the group, seek refuge in a monastery (actually shot on location at the Teotzotlan monastery - 25 miles northeast of Mexico City). When they are there they encounter mysterious monks, corridors to nowhere, skeletons, and ominously open coffins. It's a magnificent beauty of vintage horror and I am thrilled with the Indicator Blu-ray - from a new 4K restoration - what an image. Yes, they have done it again. Cinema joy perfection. Our strongest recommendation!

Gary Tooze