Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		4.0

The Unknown Man of Shandigor Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf February 19, 2022

1967’s “The Unknown Man of Shandigor” is an incredibly strange take on the spy genre, with director Jean-Louis Roy harnessing the avant-garde power of the 1960s to examine the ways of the Cold War world. He merges elements of James Bond, “Dr. Strangelove,” and New Wave efforts to generate an impressive study of danger involving an unhinged character who’s discovered a “Canceler” formula, capable of disrupting atomic weapons. Naturally, world powers want to possess this information, inspiring various enemies to hunt for the prize, and Roy is ready to provide a wild ride of filmmaking imagination.

Storytelling isn’t nearly as impressive as design and cinematographic efforts in “The Unknown Man of Shandigor,” as the mess of spies and motivations gets quite muddy during the run time, with Roy often playing fast and loose with characterizations. The endeavor isn’t a dramatic achievement, it’s a visual one, with striking imagery throughout, offering a bleak, B&W world of living spaces and locations, identifying unusual threats as environments are explored in full. There’s some wonderful technical achievements here, often in search of a narrative that can match the excitement of Roy’s vision.

The Unknown Man of Shandigor Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.66:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers a "4K restoration from the original 35mm" picture elements. Also credited on the packaging is "Blu-ray encoding and authoring by David Mackenzie/Fidelity in Motion," giving the release something special for fans of the format and the movie. Detail is striking throughout, with the visual might of "The Unknown Man of Shandigor" preserved in full, likely surpassing original theatrical engagements. Facial surfaces are exact, examining age and dramatic extremity, and locations are open to examination, providing wonderful dimension. B&W cinematography is secured, with deep blacks throughout, preserving shadow play. Grain is heavy but film-like. Source is in excellent condition.

The Unknown Man of Shandigor Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 1.0 LPCM mix delivers consistent dialogue exchanges, with some mild sibilance issues. Scoring cues support with authority, delivering decent instrumentation, and musical performances are clean, with distinct vocals. Sound effects are appreciable.

The Unknown Man of Shandigor Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features film historian Samm Deighan.

• "Cinema VIF" (29:15, HD) is an archive Swiss T.V. program, featuring interviews with cast and crew of "The Unknown Man of Shandigor." Brief BTS footage is also included.

• Interview (15:59, HD) is a conversation with Francois Roy and Michel Schopfer.

• And a Trailer (4:31, HD) is included.

The Unknown Man of Shandigor Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Unknown Man of Shandigor" is a big puzzle that's not necessarily asking to be solved. It's more of an experience in filmmaking skill and visual might, with gorgeous imagery carrying the endeavor, immersing viewers in a bizarre quest for power. Roy certainly impresses with his commitment to the enigmatic ways of the material, emerging with a decidedly cinematic event.