Viy

Director– Georgiy Kropachyov, Konstantin Ershov

Starring – Leonid Kuravlyov, Natalya Varley

Country of Origin - Russia

Distributor - Severin

Number of Discs - 1

Reviewed by - Scott MacDonald

Date- 01/01/2020

    It is interesting having followed Asian and European Horror for over 20 years, that I continuously think how many more films of significance can possibly be left to view? Of course, as soon as the thought strikes me, a new, weird, and wonderful film drops into my mailbox. This time the film is Viy, which is frequently credited as the first Russian horror film.   I had no expectations for this one, but the various promotional images had me thinking the film would be colorful and surreal like a Russian-spun Bava film.  I won't say my initial thoughts were entirely accurate, though having now watched it I can see how I came to that connection.

    The film follows a seminary student, Khoma, who gets lost with his friends while on vacation from the school.  The group finds lodging with an old woman in the country side, but are made to sleep in separate locations. During that night the old lady assaults Khoma, who promptly rejects her. She then makes him fly, and takes him all around the Russian countryside. Upon landing Khoma begins to beat her, and she changes from an old hag, to a beautiful young woman. He leaves, but is called to a home later to watch over the tomb of the homeowner’s daughter. He must pray for her across 3 nights, and not leave the tomb. Khoma's job is far from simple as the daughter, who is actually the witch awakens every night in an attempt to kill him. Also, monsters happen.
 

    Viy seriously blew my mind. The film is a very slow-burn sort of film that takes a while to get where it's going, but the elements of horror that begin to occur once the film is tomb-bound are absolutely wonderful.   The film has a dreamlike quality, much like the Eurohorrors of the era. This coupled with the FX work on the film, which has some dazzling creature designs make this one a must see.

    Severin presents VIY in a spectacular 1080p AVC encoded transfer. The colors in this film run cool, but are well-rendered and just look spectacular. The blacks are inky and deep, and detail is fine. Audio is Russian and English mono tracks which have no obvious issues, and sound fine. Extras include an interview with Richard Stanley about the film alongside some silent films, and an interview with John Leman Riley on the history of Russian genre films. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.