IN THE MOSCOW SLUMS (KHITROVKA. ZNAK CHETYRYOKH) – 2023, Mosfilm, 129 min. The latest film from acclaimed director Karen Shakhnazarov (ZEROGRAD and THE ASSASSIN OF THE TSAR, both released by Deaf Crocodile and Seagull Films) is a tremendously entertaining historical detective mystery adapted from Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Sign of Four” and the writings of famed Russian journalist Vladimir Gilyarovsky — but in place of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, the film features two real-life figures from Russian history. In Moscow in 1902, legendary actor and theater director Konstantin Stanislavski (Konstantin Kryukov) is struggling to understand the life of slum dwellers for his latest production of Gorky’s “The Lower Depths” — so he turns to journalist Gilyarovsky (Mikhail Porechenkov) who takes him on a guided tour of the Khitrovka district, pretty much Moscow’s version of Whitechapel circa Jack the Ripper.

There, they stumble across the bizarre murder of a chess playing friend of Gilyarovsky’s called The Rajah and cross paths with a stunningly beautiful fallen aristocrat named The Countess (Anfisa Chernykh) and a savage Englishman and his blow-dart shooting killer companion. For fans of the Jeremy Brett-starring Sherlock Holmes series and the recent Kenneth Branagh-directed Hercule Poirot mysteries, this is an irresistible treat. Shakhnazarov clearly has great affection for the classic period in Russian theater (Anton Chekhov makes a cameo appearance at one point) and for the Holmes stories this pays loving tribute to. Co-presented with Seagull Films. In Russian with English subtitles.

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Video Quality

In The Moscow Slums comes to Blu-Ray in a 1080p presentation that represents this one to perfection. The film has a slightly manufactured aesthetic, but the picture is crisp with terrific texture shining through in the production design and period costumes. The narrative reveals engaging new facets with each new setting from opulent clubs to dingy rooms, which yields a visually nimble experience where you can delight in an incredible amount of detail. Skin tones are consistent and natural all around. There are some flourishes in the hues that stand out in some of the gowns and backgrounds. The black levels do not suffer from any significant crush, banding, or compression artifacts. Highlights are similarly handled well with no instances of blooming. This presentation does not hit a false note.

Audio Quality

The Blu-Ray disc comes with a DTS-HD 5.1 Master Audio track in the original Russian that brings this to life ideally. One of the first elements you will observe is the spirited score that lovingly fills the room. The occasionally heightened environmental effects create a vibrant soundscape of urban dwellings that makes the location feel more authentic. Dialogue comes through crisply and clearly without ever being dominated by the sound effects or the music. The sound design is more creative than you might suspect, and it remains pinpoint accurate with sounds positioned just right in the mix. The small spurts of activity in the low end add some texture to key moments that are appreciated. This is a wonderful presentation from Deaf Crocodile. Optional English subtitles are provided.

Special Features

The Deluxe Edition Blu-Ray of In The Moscow Slums arrives in a hard slipcase package that is a beauty in person. The release also includes a 60-page bound book featuring writing by film historian and professor Peter Rollberg (Historical Dictionary of Russian and Soviet Cinema) and Walter Chaw (Film Freak Central). Both of these provide great insight into the film, the themes, the creatives, and the behind-the-scenes details in a thoughtfully written style. The on-disc special features are as follows:

No Stranger Than Human Nature – Theatre, History, and Mystery: A new 23-minute visual essay from journalist and physical media expert Ryan Verrill (The Disc Connected) and film professor Dr. Will Dodson. In this piece, you get some great historical context when it comes to the characters, exploration of the work of Karen Shakhnazarov, details of Russian history, themes of reality versus fantasy, and more that enrich your appreciation of this film.

From Sherlock Holmes to Method Acting – Strolling Through Khitrovka: A new 18-minute visual essay from film historian Evan Chester that explores the history of Sherlock Holmes adaptations, the work of Karen Shakhnazarov, how the filmmaker weaves Russian history into this classic text, and more that is enlightening.

Interview with Director Karen Shaknazarov: A 45-minute virtual interview from early 2024 with director Karen Shakhnazarov moderated by Dennis Bartok of Deaf Crocodile in which he discusses his relationship with the stories of Arthur Conan Doyle, how he was inspired to adapt a classic text in his own special way, the casting process, and more that is great to hear directly from the filmmaker.

Interview with Gayane Ambartsumyan, Head of Mosfilm Public Relations: A 68-minute virtual interview with Mosfilm’s head of public relations Gayane Ambartsumian moderated by Dennis Bartok. In this discussion, you gain some incredibly valuable information about the history and legacy of Mosfilm Studios.

Trailers: This disc provides Trailer #1 (2:04), Trailer #2 (2:18), and Teaser Trailer (0:59).

Final Thoughts

In The Moscow Slums is a pretty decent detective tale that fares best when it focuses on the lively characters and the engaging plot. The film is competently captured, but the overall aesthetic feels a bit like a “made for TV” movie instead of a proper film captured by an iconic filmmaker. Deaf Crocodile has built up an unbelievable stable of titles to their name, so this one feels a bit middling in comparison. That being said, it is still a compelling mystery with a sly sense of humor. Deaf Crocodile has released a Blu-Ray which sports a flawless A/V presentation and an unbelievable assortment of special features. Recommended

In The Moscow Slums is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a Deluxe Edition Slipcase exclusively through Deaf Crocodile and DiabolikDVD.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Deaf Crocodile has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.