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

ADDITION: Arrow Blu-ray (August 2020): Arrow Video has brought Kirill Sokolov's 2018 film "Why Don't You Just Die!" to Blu-ray on an all new dual-layered disc with a high bitrate. The Arrow Blu-ray benefits from various digital camera work, at times using the Red Epic, Arri Alexa, or the Phantom HD Gold camera (most likely for it's variable frame rates in crystal clear high definition). That crystal clear clarity of the image is immediately noticeable from the opening frames to the end credits. There is not too much of a loss of detail when the film is in motion, thanks to that more than capable bitrate. The cinematography by Dmitriy Ulyukaev features some vibrant reds and greens, with a healthy spectrum of hues, thanks to a rather robust contrast.

Arrow Video gives us two audio options for the film, with the 5.1 DTS-HD Master audio (in 24-bit) slightly edging out the (more than capable) 2.0 linear PCM track (thankfully also in 24-bit. Those without a surround setup at home will be glad to know that this is still a powerful track, with booming bass and clear highs (though missing some surround separation in the more action oriented scenes. On the 5.1 track, rain effects come through the rear channels in certain sequences, making one forget the lack of any atmos ceiling channels (still mostly confined to the newer 4K UHD discs for some reason). There are optional English subtitles on this Region 'Free' Blu-ray from Arrow Video.

The 27-minute behind-the-scenes documentary is available in chapters, or with the preferred 'Play All' option. The documentary is shot in impressive high-definition digital, and features many on-set moments, as well as fight training and choreography. This is much more illuminating than the typical EPK fluff. It is always a delight to see Kim Newman discussing film, luckily here we get a 25-minute interview with the author and critic exploring "Why Don’t You Just Die!" within the context of the long-standing tradition of single location cinema. One of the most welcome bonus features is the inclusion of four of director Kirill Sokolov's short films; "Could Be Worse", "The Outcome", "The Flame", and the award winning "Sisyphus is Happy". Sosolov's talent for creating kinetic cinema within confined spaces is immediately evident, especially in the half-hour "The Flame". A PDF is included on the Blu-ray disc, (accessible on the computer, not from the menu) showing the film's intricate storyboarding. Rounding out the disc is the film's theatrical trailer as well as The first pressing features an exclusive illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing by Neil Mitchell.

Arrow Video's Blu-ray release of Kirill Sokolov's "Why Don't You Just Die!" boasts a high quality transfer, with high fidelity to the film's digital roots, and features some bonus features worth sinking your teeth into. While I found the film and its over-the-top style a bit sophomoric, it is hard to deny the film's kinetic energy and glossy production (even for what amounts to a film that takes place in only a few locations). It is also hard to deny the charms of the film's lead actors, namely Aleksandr Kuznetsov, and Evgeniya Kregzhde. In what is arguably the most valuable extra on this new Blu-ray, Arrow Video has provided four of director Kirill Sokolov's short films. "Could Be Worse", "The Outcome", "The Flame", and "Sisyphus is Happy" are all accessible from the special features menu on the disc. Fans of the film will have hours of extras to explore, and will be happy to have this Region 'Free' Blu-ray from Arrow.

Colin Zavitz