Directed by Konstantin Yershov and Georgi Kropachyov, 1967's
Viy is considered by many to be Russia's greatest horror
movie, and has influenced a host of filmmakers with its memorable visuals
and striking practical effects. Based on a tale by Nikolai Gogol,
the film revolves around a novice monk tested by supernatural forces when
he is forced to spend three nights with the corpse of a witch.
Viy will make its UK blu-ray debut on March 15th, when
Eureka Entertainment will release it as part of a limited two-disc edition
also featuring the UK debut of director Djordje Kadijevic's 1990 Gogol adaptation A Holy Place.
Bonus features include a new audio commentary with film historian and eastern European cinema
expert Michael Brooke; new video essay on Gogol; archive documentary on Gogol; three Russian silent film fragments, The Portrait, The Queen of Spades and Satan Exultant; 1967 trailer; new interview with A Holy Place director
Kadijevic. The set also comes with a limited edition slipcase and
collector's booklet featuring a new essay on Aleksandr Ptushko by Tim Lucas, and a new essay
by Serbian writer and film critic Dejan Ognjanovic.
Check out Eureka's new trailer and artwork below.
The official synopsis reads:
In 19th century Russia, a seminary student is forced to spend three nights with the corpse of a beautiful young witch. But when she rises from the dead to seduce him, it will summon a nightmare of fear, desire, and the ultimate demonic mayhem.
