As the Spanish Civil War draws to a close, Fando, a young boy, is tormented by violently conflicting feelings towards his mother, who he suspects may have had a role in his father’s capture by fascists; feelings that manifest themselves as a nightmare onslaught of terrifying and bizarre imagery. Based on Fernando Arrabal’s own brutal experiences during the Civil War, Viva la Muerte is a shockingly provocative work of surrealist cinema from the artist and film-maker, who co-founded the ‘Panic Movement’ collective alongside Alejandro Jodorowsky. Acclaimed on release by critics and scorned by censors, Viva la Muerte would later achieve notoriety as a midnight movie, and was a favourite film of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Restored in 4K with the collaboration of Fernando Arrabal, Radiance is proud to present Viva la Muerte on English-subtitled Blu-ray for the first time ever.
For thoughts on Viva la Muerte, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required:
Video Quality
Viva la Muerte debuts on Blu-Ray domestically courtesy of Radiance Films with a 4K restoration of the original 35mm negative by the Cinémathèque Toulouse in collaboration with Fernando Arrabal. The new transfer retains the natural grain structure that preserves the stylized cinematography. When the original 35mm film representing the real-world life of Fando is filling the screen, the results are magnificent. The footage is replete with fine details that are best represented in the clothing, the production design, and the natural desert environments filled with gritty sand. You would be hard-pressed to find even a lingering speck remaining in the new transfer thanks to the thorough and considerate clean-up.
Yet, this is not all that defines this feature debut thanks to the depiction of imagined horrors in the head of Fando. Arrabal depicts this by capturing the footage on half-inch tape that looks grimy and nightmarish as intended. Those old enough to remember VHS may have a sensory flashback to those days when these scenes pop up, but they are presented with perfect artistic intention. The colors are deployed very deliberately in this picture, and every explosive hue is represented perfectly. The contrast holds up as well as the source will allow. Radiance Films has delivered an admirable viewing experience for cinephiles.
Audio Quality
This Blu-Ray comes with an LPCM 2.0 mono track in the original French which holds up as well as the material will allow. The sonic experience is occasionally as aggressive as the visual one, and this track holds everything together with a considerate deployment of environmental sounds and other textural elements. Dialogue holds up well without any significant signs of distortion. Conversations never get lost to sound effects or music. There is not much in the way of unexpected age-related wear and tear. Radiance Films has kept things in good working order. Optional English subtitles are provided.
Special Features
The first-pressing of the Radiance Films Blu-Ray of Viva la Muerte includes a booklet featuring new writing by Sabina Stent and an archival interview with Fernando Arrabal. This gives great insight into the work of Fernando Arrabal, the themes of the feature, and more. The on-disc special features are as follows:
- The Projection Booth Podcast Commentary: An episode of The Projection Booth podcast plays over the first 65 minutes of the film which includes insights from Mike White, Heather Drain and Jess Byard. This discussion yields a lot of great information about the film that helps enhance your appreciation for it.
- David Archibald: A new 21-minute interview with scholar and Spanish cinema expect David Archibald in which he discusses the background of Fernando Arrabal, where this film falls in the director’s output, the personal nature of the story, the cinematic and political landscape of the time, how the film plays with surrealism, and more.
- In The Footsteps of Baal: A 20-minute archival documentary that captures Fernando Arrabal during the filming of Viva la Muerte.
- Vidarrabal: A 100-minute feature documentary from 2011 is included that looks at the life and career of Fernando Arrabal with interviews from friends and admirers.
- Trailer: The minute-long trailer is provided.
- Gallery: A gallery of behind-the-scenes photos, stills, and more.
Final Thoughts
Viva la Muerte is a bold and audacious feature debut from Fernando Arrabal which does nothing to make the film palatable to squeamish audiences. This very personal story is not one to be shared lightly, and Arrabal fully embraces his fearless side to fully convey the nightmare. The intent is quite incredible, but we would be lying if we said this is a film that we truly love – it is not in our nature to love something so grotesque without additional time for reflection. We can see this where this would grow in our personal esteem, but this is not a safe blind buy by any means. Radiance Films has released a Blu-Ray featuring a stellar A/V presentation and some unbelievable special features. If you already love the work of Arrabal, this is a dream release.
Viva la Muerte is currently available to purchase on Blu-Ray.
Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.
Disclaimer: Radiance Films 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.
Dillon is most comfortable sitting around in a theatre all day watching both big budget and independent movies.
