Supplements duplicate the DVD with, the alternate English text version, the excellent 2008 audio commentary with Tony Rayns, the 66' documentary, Carl Th. Dreyer, by Jørgen Roos chronicling Dreyer’s career and the rewarding visual essay by scholar Casper Tybjerg on Dreyer's influences in creating Vampyr. Plus the radio broadcast from 1958 of Dreyer reading an essay about filmmaking are there as well as a liner notes booklet featuring essays by critics Mark Le Fanu and Kim Newman, a piece by Koerber on the restoration, and a 1964 interview with producer and actor Nicolas de Gunzburg, as well as a book featuring Dreyer and Christen Jul’s original screenplay and Sheridan Le Fanu’s 1872 story “Carmilla,” a source for the film.

***

ADDITION: Eureka (Masters of Cinema_ - Region 2 - PAL August 08': We thank Henry Kedger for supplying these captures which support his hypothesis about the MoC transfer, already published HERE. Looking solely at the captures he has provided I would tend to agree with his summation and if I feel the need to augment with further observations, Henry has agreed to allow to me to do so once my own disc arrives.

Gary Tooze 

The inclusion of the snapper-cased, single-layered Image Entertainment disc from a decade ago in this comparison is an excellent example to see how far the Martin Koerber restoration has come - from what we had. It looks fabulously improved in the new Criterion 2-disc package. The feature disc is dual-layered and progressive showing the film in a, more faithful, pillar-boxed aspect ratio of about 1.19:1. Criterion have wisely included the original German version (German titles) with optional English subtitles as well as a newly credited alternate version with English text. Quality looks duplicated but some may appreciate the inclusion as there is extensive text portions and it can be difficult to read the German-translated subtitles (of intertitles) at times. We've shown examples below.

So many have owned the old picture-boxed 1.33 Image Ent. DVD for so long it's hard to imagine the collection without it... but thankfully it is no longer required with this incredible new package from Criterion which bests the old curmudgeon disc in every single solitary area.

I don't think my words could do better than simply viewing the captures below - we've added extra ones to give as clear as idea as possible of what the new vs. old improvements basically are. It's far cleaner, better black levels, much more information in the frame - the Image Ent. disc has chroma and non-removable large English subtitle cards etc. Comparatively it looks immeasurably poor beside the Criterion.  

***

Supplements: Getting the Image Entertainment disc out of the way first - it includes Wladyslaw Starewicz' 26-minute short film The Mascot (1934) tacked onto the end, and running immediately after, Vampyr.

The Criterion have included an excellent Tony Rayns commentary accessible on both 'German original' and 'English text' versions. Rayns is considered the best commentarist in the business and this well-prepared effort certainly continues to support that observation. I know I will listen to this at least 3 more times - it is filled with information and his manner of discussion is comfortable and highly educational. Fabulous.

There is a second disc (single-layered) with a rare and informative 30 minute documentary directed by Jørgen Roos, one of Denmark's preeminent documentarians, chronicling Dreyer's career. It was made in 1966 and is simply entitled 'Carl Th. Dreyer'. It has English subtitles and shows some footage of Dreyer himself. Much appreciated is a lighter, 35 minute, visual essay by scholar Casper Tybjerg, professor at the University of Copenhagen. It focuses on Dreyer's influences, pre and hence, creating Vampyr. He uses archival still image, clips and scenes censored by the German authorities. Tybjerg traces the inner workings of the film's surrealist style. We are also treated to a 25 minute radio broadcast, from 1958, of Dreyer reading an essay about filmmaking. Very interesting indeed. Criterion also adds, to this triumphant package, a 46-page liner notes booklet featuring new essays by Mark Le Fanu and Kim Newman, as well as Koerber on the restoration, and a 1964 interview with producer and star Nicolas de Gunzburg. We also get a 214-page book featuring Dreyer and Christen Jul's original screenplay and Sheridan Le Fanu 1872 story "Carmilla," - a source for the film.

Not much more to say - 'must-own', 'essential' all seem understating the value. Along with ITV's Blu-ray of Black Narcissus this is my personal favorite DVD of the Year to date.

NOTE: Masters of Cinema will be releasing their package of this landmark film, scheduled for August 25th of this year HERE, and we will add to this comparison once we receive it - hopefully next month.

Gary W. Tooze