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

Masters of Cinema transfer the 1952 Finnish fantasy-horror The White Reindeer via a "1080p presentation on Blu-ray from a 4K restoration completed in 2017 by the National Audio-visual Institute of Finland". It's on a dual-layered disc with a max'ed-out bitrate. There are inconsistencies from the source condition that are mostly notable in the first 5-10-minutes, although are sporadic throughout usually dependant on the scene. However, there are plenty of scenes that have impressive detail, contrast and depth. Light damage is noticeable in the form of marks, and light scratches, but generally the image is highly pleasing in-motion and the HD video presentation, of this rarely seen film, is warmly appreciated. Wonderful.   

The audio is transferred via a linear PCM 2.0 channel mono track (24-bit) in the original Finnish language. It also suffers from its original production roots sounding a bit scattered in spots. The audio quality seems an accurate representation. The score is by the Swedish composer and actor Einar Englund There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'B' Blu-ray.

Masters of Cinema load this Special Edition Blu-ray with many new supplements. We are privileged to have an optional feature length audio commentary by critic and film historian Kat Ellinger who discusses the differences and similarities between western horrors especially the werewolf-transformation and vampire films as well as the gothic-atmosphere genre with discussion of the frequent use of the shots of the barren, picturesque and hauntingly stark environment. It is filled with interesting analysis including the Pirita character (played by Mirjami Kuosmanen, wife of director Erik Blomberg). Religion, Pleasure, and Punishment: The Portrayal of Witches in Nordic Cinema is a new 23-minute exclusive video essay by film journalist and writer Amy Simmons (Time Out London, Sight & Sound, the BFI and Senses of Cinema) who provides more insight into the witch-figure of The White Reindeer examining the film in the concept of folklore, rooted in Nordic culture. With The Reindeer is Erik Blomberg's 1947, 8-minute, documentary short narrated by Veikko Itkonen. There is about a minute of color 'Test Footage' and a minute of the 1952 Jussi Awards ceremony. The beautiful package has a reversible sleeve (see image below) plus a collector's booklet featuring new writing by film critic and writer Alexandra Heller-Nicholas and journalist Philip Kemp. There are 2,000 copies with the Limited Edition O-Card slipcase. There is also a second disc DVD included.

The White Reindeer is absolutely the most wonderful film experience. I was so interested in the vampiric and transformation concepts of this Finnish film. It was fascinating in  that I had never seen a Finnish take on this genre. It is also a beautiful and interesting film showing the cultural differences residing in this Northern lifestyle and the magical representation of a white reindeer. Many will greatly appreciate the 4K-restoration, 1080P, Blu-ray transfer plus the supplements. This should get votes in our year-end poll. Our highest recommendation!

Gary Tooze