Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.5

Sampo Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 23, 2022

After exploring a world of folktale and spectacle in 1956’s “Ilya Muromets,” director Alexander Ptushko attempts to go deeper into an artful representation of fantasy with 1959’s “Sampo,” which was transformed into “The Day the Earth Froze” for its American release, arriving with 24 minutes of cuts, neutering the original version. The Blu-ray release of “Sampo” delivers Ptushko’s initial vision for the feature, with the helmer delivering an impressive offering of cinematic imagination, once again showing outstanding commitment to a widescreen experience that’s filled with magic, emotions, and surreal imagery.

The witch Louhi is looking to take possession of the Sampo, a magical mill capable of unleashing unthinkable treasures. The only personal capable of forging such a machine is blacksmith Ilmarinen, whose sister, Annikki, is in love with Lemminkainen. When Louhi kidnaps Annikki, Ilmarinen and Lemminkainen travel to confront the evil woman in a far-off land, with the witch demanding the Sampo as ransom for Annikki’s safe return.

“Sampo” has a simple story, but the production doesn’t really pay it much attention during the run time. Ptushko is making a visual journey with this Finnish/Russian endeavor, striving to maintain a storybook quality to the movie, which is never far from an eye-opening encounter with unreality. A lack of dramatic depth doesn’t hurt the picture, but it does limit the participatory aspects of the plot, which features good vs. evil in a battle over a magical mill. Characters aren’t always interesting, and the plot wanders on occasion, but tight storytelling isn’t entirely the point of “Sampo,” which is mostly interested in wowing viewers with the grand details of the hero’s journey. This includes time with the witch, intense blacksmith work, and encounters with unusual inhabitants of multiple lands.

Sampo Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.39:1 aspect ratio) presentation represents a "new 4K restoration" from the "original 35mm CinemaScope picture elements." Helping to bring this fresh look at the screen elements of "Sampo" to viewers, Deaf Crocodile offers an engrossing viewing experience with excellent detail, capturing the expanse of the production and its many design achievements. Skin surfaces handle with care, along with ornate costuming, and dimension remains intact. Colors are lively, with fiery reds and blue magic eye-catching. Greenery is also distinct with this epic, along with costuming. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is fine and film-like. Source is in strong condition.

Sampo Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix for "Sampo" works with the original "4-track magnetic stereo tapes" to generate a more enveloping listening event. Channel activity is plentiful in the picture, with shifting positions and a circular presence, mostly working with scoring cues, which offer clear instrumentation and a warm orchestral sound. Dialogue exchanges are appreciable, and vocal performances retain their intended authority. Sound effects support with heartiness, capturing turbulent environmental changes and hammer clangs.

Sampo Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (30 pages) contains an appreciation piece from Dennis Bartok, a reprint of a Video Watchdog article, and stills.

• Commentary features film historian Stephen R. Bissette.

• Interview (71:39, HD) is a video conference discussion of films with "Mystery Science Theater 3000" host and Rifftrax co- founder, Mike Nelson, hosted by Bob Fingerman and Dennis Bartok. Nelson's personal history is recalled, understanding his initial love of movies. Talk of "Mystery Science Theater 3000" is offered, exploring the cult popularity of the show and its process of picking features and writing jokes for the program. "Sampo" and "Ilya Muromets" are mentioned, with both pictures used for episodes of the show, and the interviewees identify the obscurity of references and sources for humor.

• And a Trailer (3:32, HD) is included.

Sampo Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Sampo" finds Ptushko working to sharpen his imagination, learning from his time on "Ilya Muromets," going bigger with his ideas for fantasy engagement, which results in an impressively mounted production that's focused on taking things in surprising directions. The epic qualities carry the viewing experience, keeping "Sampo" compelling when the story periodically falls away.