A unique and almost indescribable mix of Gothic fiction, steampunk gadgetry (designed by Czech animation wizard Jan Švankmajer), slapstick comedy, and romantic opera, director Oldřich Lipský’s wonderfully bonkers delight has elements of THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS, Terry Gilliam, Mel Brooks and “The Benny Hill Show.” Based on an 1892 Jules Verne novel The Carpathian Castle (which partially inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula), the film follows Count Teleke of Tölökö (Michal Dočolomanský) on the trail of the count’s lost lover, opera singer Salsa Verde (Evelyna Steimarová) – only to discover she’s been abducted by fiendish Baron Gorc of Gorceny (Miloš Kopecký), whose castle home is filled with the bizarre inventions of mad scientist Orfanik (Rudolf Hrušínský). Littered with puns, sight gags, and non-sequiturs – “Later, in Werewolfston”, an invented dialect, a detached golden ear for eavesdropping, a staff topped by an enormous TV eyeball – MYSTERIOUS CASTLE was the third fantastical film from the team of director Lipský and writer Jiří Brdečka after their much-loved musical western spoof LEMONADE JOE (1966) and their detective/horror satire ADELA HAS NOT HAD SUPPER YET (1977), both major Czech cult hits. (Note that actor Miloš Kopecký and Jiří Brdečka worked on the supernatural anthology PRAGUE NIGHTS, also released by the Národní filmový archív, Deaf Crocodile and Comeback Company.)

For previous thoughts on The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians, please check out our Blu-Ray review of the standard edition Blu-Ray here.

For thoughts on the new 2024 Issue Limited Slipcover release of The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:

Video Quality

The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians debuts on Blu-Ray in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p master derived from a new restoration by Deaf Crocodile. The best word to describe this presentation is stunning. The whimsical photography which captures the varied environments shines in high definition with natural grain intact and nicely resolved. There is a terrific amount of detail present with prominent textures on the costumes and the inventive and intricate production design.

The new transfer shows off a great amount of depth and enhanced detail even when the visuals are intended to be dreamlike. Certain elements of the makeup and production design look quite fetching in their clarity. Colors are not candy-colored, but they are perfectly in line with the intended aesthetic of the feature. Black levels are deep with no trace of black crush or compression artifacts. The contrast is immaculate, and there is virtually no print damage to be found thanks to the careful restoration efforts. Deaf Crocodile has done a knockout job that should be appreciated by all who are able to view it.

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray comes with a favorable LPCM 2.0 split mono track in the original Czech (with optional English subtitles). Dialogue comes through clearly without the unique sound effects or the score drowning out important information. The film deploys some fun sound effects in the form of whimsical inventions and other flourishes that are given the appropriate presence within the mix. The film is more dialogue-driven, but the odyssey undertaken by the characters is filled with prominent sonic characteristics that spring to life in the speakers. The score comes through well in relation to the competing sounds. This track presents everything precisely with unwavering fidelity and without damage or other unwanted issues. Deaf Crocodile has treated this with great respect.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Tereza Brdečková and Czech film expert Irena Kovarova of Comeback Company provide an engaging and informative commentary track in which they provide great context for international cinema and Czech cinema of the time, the debate over whether this film is a satire, the collaborations between writer Jiří Brdečka (father of Tereza) and director Oldřich Lipský, the influences on the comedy, the production of the film, and much more. Not only do we get a personal take on the material, but the analysis as a film historian is fascinating.

Love and the Zeppelin: A nine-minute short film from 1948 directed by Jiří Brdečka is provided in which love must overcome disapproving parents.

Prince Copperslick aka Prince Měděnec’s Thirteenth Chamber: A 10-minute short film from 1980 directed by Jiří Brdečka is provided which explores the dynamics between a meat-eater and a vegetarian.

Interview with Czech Film Critic and Screenwriter Tereza Brdečková: A 38-minute interview with Tereza Brdečková in which she discusses the work of her father Jiří Brdečka, his collaborations with Oldřich Lipský, her relationship with her father’s work, the influences on their unique sense of humor, the work of the Czech masters, and more.

Universum Brdečka: A 88-minute documentary from 2017 that explores the life and career of filmmaker, animator, screenwriter and illustrator Jiří Brdečka. This film explores his childhood, his fabulous collaborations, his solo outings, and much more that is not to be missed.

Booklet: A multi-page booklet is included in this release which features the essay “The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians” by writer Jonathan Owen which gives a great amount of context to the creative figures and the movie itself in a way that is quite illuminating.

Final Thoughts

The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians is a looney, terrific gem of a film that deserves a spotlight on the level of anything that Terry Gilliam has released. The attention paid to building this world and settling you into the strange reality of the characters pays off with every hilarious development. There is so much packed into the production design and narrative that you will find yourself wanting to revisit it frequently. This movie is simply a blast! Deaf Crocodile has released a Blu-Ray which sports a fantastic A/V presentation and a vital assortment of special features. If you enjoy cinematic oddities that take you on a surreal and hilarious journey, add this to your shopping cart immediately. Highly Recommended

The Mysterious Castle in the Carpathians is currently available to purchase on Standard Edition Blu-Ray or with a 2024 Issue Limited Slipcover 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.