On March 4th 1922 the German film Nosferatu was released. Now while F. W. Murnau did not have permission to adapt Bram Stoker's book to the screen. But that did not stop him from making his version of the vampire count. Since this is the year for the film's 100th Anniversary the good folks at Reel Vault are releasing this film on Blu-ray.
Real estate agent Jonathan Harker (Gustav von Wangenheim), travels to Transylvania to visit a new client, Count Dracula (Max Schreck). Although the locals warn Harker away from Dracula's castle, the agent pursues the sale. Staying overnight, Harker feels an odd darkness in this castle, where the Count is oddly asleep during the daytime. After reading a book about vampires, Harker begins to suspect that the Count is really Nosferatu. Meanwhile, Dracula hides in a shipment of coffins and arrives in Wisbourg, Germany, to take ownership of his new home, across the way from Harker's home. As locals mysteriously die, town doctors diagnose a plague...but Harker suspects a more nefarious cause. He races home to save his town and most importantly save his wife, Nina (Greta Schröder).
This horror movie classic ranks up there with the best of the silent era. I have always been impressed by the silent era actors and actresses as they had to rely on facial expressions. F.W. Marnau's use of shadows still holds up 100 years later and is an inspiration for film makers even in this day and age.
Even though several details altered, Stoker's estate sued over Marnau's adaptation. The court ruled all copies of the film to be destroyed. However, thankfully several prints of Nosferatu survived. This film will continue to haunt the dreams of film fans for years to come.
Nosferatu has seen many different type of releases. I am glad to say Reel Vault is one of the best I've seen. Most of these releases of this classic there is a lot of picture flicker. So much so that it is hard to enjoy the film Reel Vault's version the picture is a much sturdier one. Also while there is some damage to this print it looks so much better than other releases.
Now Reel Vault has transferred this silent horror classic to Blu-ray in 1080p but kept it's original aspect ratio thankfully. I hate when there is stretching of the picture. There is also a beautiful new score composed and performed by pianist Keith Taylor. The New score is simplistic, but the simplicity really works here. It brings new life to this classic.
As for bonus features there is a TV Spot for the 100th Anniversary of this silent classic Nosferatu. Yes a bit small on bonus features, but at least there is the TV spot. So I will take that. I wished there could have been a bit more bonus features for the 100th anniversary! But that is a small complaint.
The cinematography used in this film builds the tension to a fever pitch. Filmmakers really could learn a lot from this film as film makers today rely too much on gore to sell the story. Real horror comes from what is seen in the mind and in the shadows.
Reel Vault's Blu-ray release of Nosferatu is defiantly one of the better looking transfers. If you are a fan of classic silent sera horror films this 100th anniversary Blu-ray of Nosferatu may just be what you are looking for, for your collection. Head over to Deep Discount and order your copy today.
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Out of 4 film reels (4 being the best) Reel Vaults' Blu-ray release of Nosferatu receives...
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