Nosferatu

F.W. Murnau's 1922 classic silent film—an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula—features arguably the most creepy vampire performance in cinematic history by Max Schreck (who, when seeing a picture of the wife of Thomas Hutter [aka the Jonathan Harker character], exclaims on the title card: "Is this your wife? What a lovely throat!"). Although an earlier Kino release of Nosferatu (collected in the German Horror Classics Boxed Set, reviewed in VL Online-12/02) boasted an impressive DVD transfer, this “ultimate” edition—digitally restored from a new high-def transfer—looks and sounds astonishing, featuring both the English (with new intertitles) and German versions, as well as the original Hans Erdman orchestral score presented in surround sound. DVD extras include Luciano Berriatúa's “The Language of Shadows,” a 52-minute “making-of” documentary offering an inside look at the production, as well as Murnau's involvement with artists and occult personalities who helped inspire this landmark vampire film; the three-minute featurette “Nosferatu: A Historic Film Meets Digital Restoration,” featuring examples of the new restoration and tinting work done on the film; clips from eight of the 12 surviving features directed by Murnau; and an exclusive photo gallery. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (R. Pitman)[DVD/Blu-ray Review—Nov. 5, 2013—Kino, 2 discs, 95 min., not rated, DVD: $29.95, Blu-ray: $39.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, and latest appearance on DVD, 1922's Nosferatu sports a handsome transfer with DTS-HD 5.1 audio on Blu-ray, and 5.1 surround sound on DVD. Extras include two versions of the film (one with English intertitles, the other with German and optional English subtitles), the 2007 documentary “The Language of Shadows” on filmmaker F.W. Murnau's early career (53 min.), excerpts from eight other films by Murnau, an image gallery, and a trailer. Bottom line: a silent horror classic shines in this deluxe remastered edition.]