The Scarlet Empress Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

The Scarlet Empress Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Dr. Svet Atanasov December 22, 2019

Josef von Sternberg's "The Scarlet Empress" (1934) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Indicator/Powerhouse Films. The supplemental features on the disc include Dominique Leeb's "Twilight of an Angel"; new audio commentary by Tony Rayns; production stills; and more. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-B "locked".

The most astonishing thing about Josef von Sternberg’s The Scarlet Empress is that it promoted an image of Tsarist Russia that decades after its theatrical release a lot of folks still believed was authentic. The film does recreate some historic events, but the exotic country where they take place is about as real as the mysterious kingdom that Jean Cocteau visited in his iconic film Beauty and the Beast. In fact, if one spends some time carefully analyzing these two films, one could very well come to the conclusion that Cocteau might have used the former as an inspiration while envisioning the spooky lair of the beast.

The Prussian princess Sophia Frederica (Marlene Dietrich) is told by her father that she is about to begin a new chapter in her life because she is going to Russia to marry the Grand Duke Peter (Sam Jaffe). Sophia of course is not allowed to disagree. Then the handsome Count Alexei (John Lodge) who has come to arrange her journey and escort her back to her future husband presents her with lavish gifts instantly inspire the future bride to dream beautiful dreams.

In Moscow, Sophia is introduced to the powerful Empress Elizabeth (Louise Dresser), who instantly makes it clear that she is expected to deliver a grandson that will become a Tsar. After Sophia meets her dim-witted husband, Elizabeth also changes her name to Catherine. But the marriage disappointing for both parties and Catherine begins a romantic relationship with Alexei, not realizing that he is also visiting the bedroom of her mother-in-law. When the truth eventually comes out, Catherine gradually undergoes a dramatic transformation and uses her charm and wit to take over the throne.

The film is very difficult to take seriously but it overflows with splendid visuals that can easily keep one glued to the screen. The main reason why the film becomes entertaining, however, is the fact that von Sternberg openly treats it like a fairy tale for adults, which makes it possible to blend the serious and the funny without turning the whole thing into a parody.

Even without any particular knowledge of Russian history it is very obvious that all of the characterizations are too simplistic, but if one accepts that the exotic environment in which they are placed is even remotely authentic then in an odd sort of way they could become legit. Still, it is best to approach the film as an eccentric Hollywood production and marvel the visuals without thinking about historic accuracy.

*This home video release of The Scarlet Empress is sourced from a brand new 4K master that was struck from 35mm nitrate prints held by the UCLA Film & Television Archive.

The Scarlet Empress Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, The Scarlet Empress arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Indicator/Powerhouse Films.

The release is sourced from the 4K restoration that Criterion produced and used for the North American release of the film. Obviously, I don't have any new observations to add about the appearance of the film -- it looks very healthy and in terms of consistency this restoration delivers the best overall quality. As you could see from the numerous screencaptures that are provided with our review, the grading job is excellent as well. The blacks and whites are healthy and nicely saturated but not boosted, while the grays appear in various equally healthy nuances. There are absolutely no traces of problematic digital adjustments. My score is 4.75/5.00. (Note: This is a Region-B "locked" Blu-ray release. Therefore, you must have a native Region-A or Region-Free player in order to access its content).

The Scarlet Empress Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There is only standard audio track on this Blu-ray release: English LPCM 1.0. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for the main feature.

The audio is stable and clean. As expected, dynamic intensity remains quite modest, but this is the native limitation of the original soundtrack There are no technical issues to report.

The Scarlet Empress Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary - critic Tony Rayns' commentary focuses primarily on the visual style of The Scarlet Empress and the manner in which it is utilized to support the narrative. Also, there are plenty of observations about Catherine II and other historic figures, historic events, and Josef von Sternberg's relationship with Marlene Dietrich. The commentary was recorded exclusively for this release.

• Introduction by Nicholas con Sternberg - a new video introduction to the film by Nicholas von Sternberg. In English, not subtitled. (7 min).

• Josef von Sternberg: An Introduction - presented here is an audio recording of John Baxter's lecture on the life and career of Josef von Sternberg which he presented at the BFI Southbank in London on December 1, 2009.

• The Twilight of an Angel - this documentary film examines the life and legacy of Marlene Dietrich as well as the lasing appeal of her films. It was produced by Dominique Leeb in 2012. In English and French, with optional English subtitles where necessary. (54 min).

• Gallery - a collection of production stills.

The Scarlet Empress Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

I don't believe for a second that The Scarlet Empress was ever meant to be anything else but a fairy tale for adults and yet over the years there were plenty of folks that considered its recreation of Tsarist Russia to be legit. Frankly, the film is so proud of its extravagance that it seems astonishing that the obvious was so difficult to recognize. There is some good fun in it, but the theatricality is often a bit too much. This release is sourced from the same 4K restoration that Criterion utilized for the North American release of the film, but has some good xclusive bonus features. RECOMMENDED.