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

Arrow Video transfer the eerie erotic thriller "The Coming of Sin" as part of their "Blood Hunger: The Films Of Jose Larraz" 3-disc Blu-ray package that also has Vampyres and Whirpool. The film is housed on a dual-layered Blu-ray with a maxed-out bitrate. As per the image, the included booklet states:

"The Coming of Sin / La Visita Del Vicio is presented in both English and Spanish versions in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with mono audio. The original 35mm camera negative element was scanned in 2K resolution on a 4K Scanity, graded on Digital Vision's Nucoda Film Master and restored at R3Store Studios in London. Some instances of damage remain, in keeping with the condition of the original materials. The original mono mixes were remastered from the optical negatives by Deluxe Madrid. All materials for this restoration were made available by Paul Rich and Jose Frade P.C."

While "Coming of Sin" doesn't look as impressive as "Vampyres", this transfer surely outshines the previously available DVD. Grain is quite heavy throughout, with some moments almost having the appearance of noise. That said, shadows show a fair amount of information, suggesting a healthy contrast and colors are appropriately vivid, adding to the surreal imagery of the film.

We are given the option of watching the film in Spanish or English 24-bit 1.0 mono, albeit in DTS-HD Master audio as opposed to linear uncompressed. Both tracks sound just fine, though there is perhaps a little hiss in the tracks. The dubbing is obvious but not distracting. There are two optional English subtitle tracks for both the Spanish and English. As Kat Ellinger and Samm Deighan note in their excellent commentary, the differences between the two versions make for a wildly different viewing experience. This is a Region Free Blu-ray.

NOTE: the Pagan DVD  has a different music cue over the opening credits than either track on the Arrow. The Pagan DVD title track is heard elsewhere in the film on the Arrow edition! (thanks Eric!)

As with the other Blu-rays in this Box-set, Arrow Video have loaded it with a bunch of fascinating supplements, starting with another fascinating audio commentary from Kat Ellinger and Samm Deighan. The two are extremely well-versed in all things Larraz, and I'm glad that they teamed up for this film in particular. As I mentioned above, what's most fascinating is how Ellinger and Deighan break down the differences between the Spanish and English versions of the film. The performances and dialogue show different desires and motivations of the lead characters and it is worth checking out both versions. As a side note, Ellinger and Deighan once hosted a fantastic podcast "Daughters of Darkness" for Diabolique Magazine, and episode 21 focuses on the films of Jose Larraz. Up next is the 6-minute "Variations of Vice: The Alternate Versions of The Coming of Sin" which features exploitation expert Marc Morris on the strange and scandalous release history of José Larraz's most censored film. "Memories of Larraz" is a 35-minute discussion with author and filmmaker Simon Birrell sharing his fond and extensive memories of his long-time friend and collaborator, Larraz. Arrow Video have also included a 27-minute short film from Larraz, "His Last Request". Also here is a 5-minute excerpt from an archival interview with Larraz from the mid-90s at his home. Rounding out the disc are an image gallery, and the film's original Spanish trailer, and of course the box set features an 80-page perfect bound book featuring new writing by Jo Botting, Tim Greaves and Vanity Celis.

"The Coming of Sin" is my personal favorite of this Blu-ray set from Arrow Video. The dreamlike film consists of surreal imagery and sexual tension. I can't recommend the commentary track with Kat Ellinger and Samm Deighan enough. Though the grain is quite heavy, this is still a fine transfer from the folks at Arrow, and fellow Larazz fans should absolutely pick up this Blu-ray package!

Colin Zavitz