Haxan (Witchcraft Through The Ages)

(Benjamen Christensen; 1922)

(Criterion)

The legendary “documentary” that explores the scientific hypothesis that witches of the middle ages suffered the same hysteria of turn of the century mental patients gets the DVD treatment, and who better than Criterion to tackle the job. This film is far from serious, however, as the subject is explored through a series of vignettes that are both dark and humorous. Some really excellent imagery including the depiction of a witch’s Sabbat, the sacrifice of a baby, and a Devil with his tongue waggling to and fro are just some of the many goodies that the viewer has to look forward to. Features both the original film with the original Swedish intertitles (with subtitles), and the narrated version by William S. Burroughs. Personally, I prefer the original, as Burroughs’ narration over Jean Luc Ponty’s beatnik Jazz score makes the film rather absurd and laughable. Groundbreaking filmmaking, and a title that may be of interest to fans of horror and film alike.

The Criterion edition features a rearrangement of the original Danish score from the film’s premiere. Sound is excellent.

The print is absolutely gorgeous. Presented in 1.33:1

- Commentary by Danish silent film scholar Casper Tybjerg
- Includes both versions of the film: Haxan (1922) - a new, speed-corrected digital transfer of the Swedish Film Institute's corrected tinted restoration and Witchcraft Through The Ages (1968) - the 74 minute version of Haxan, narrated by William S. Burroughs, with a soundtrack featuring Jean-Luc Ponty
- Music from the original Danish premiere
- Director Benjamin Christensen's introduction to the 1941 re-release
- A short selection of outtakes

- Bibliotheque Diabolique: a photographic exploration of Christensen's historical sources

 

Gorgeous packaging by Criterion, as usual. 

Sound: 7

Picture: 8

Special Features: 8

Packaging: 8

Film: 8

Overall Rating: 8

(Rating scale is out of 10, with 1 being the worst and 10 the best)