DVD Review: Blood and Sand (1922)

Kino Lorber has released a new restoration of "Blood and Sand," Fred Niblo's classic bullfighting drama of the silent era, featuring Rudolph Valentino as the film's star. Valentino had generated quite a following due to his films "The Sheik," "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," "Moran of the Lady Letty," and "Beyond the Rocks." He had been billed as "featured" or "with" in these other movies, but, according to film historian and Valentino authority Donna Hill, "Blood and Sand" was his first starring vehicle.

The story deals with toreador Juan Gallardo (Valentino) who rises to fame rapidly and marries his childhood sweetheart, Carmen (Lila Lee). He is tempted by the sinister wiles of Doña Sol (Nita Naldi) and struggles with what he realizes is right, and what is more dangerously attractive.

The film shows that his life parallels that of a bandit named Plumitas (Walter Long).

What is most interesting about "Blood and Sand" is how it allows us to understand Valentino's legendary stardom as well as appreciate his skill as an actor. Too often, Valentino's approach has been parodied as consisting of bulging eyes, flaring nostrils, and sweeping gestures. In fact, Valentino's films prove that he had an understanding of the intimacy the movies provided, and thus offers a great deal of subtle nuance to each of his scenes. That the name Rudolph Valentino has lived on as we near a century since his death gives us an understanding of his enormous impact. However, the misrepresentation of his acting methods can only be learned by screening any of his better films. "Blood and Sand" shows him somewhere near his best.

"Blood and Sand" offers an interesting balance between two narrative ideas. There is the romantic aspect featuring Nita Naldi and Lila Lee. And there are Juan's exploits as a bullfighter. For the latter, editor Dorothy Arzner, who would later become a significant director in her own right, combined footage newly shot for the film, with stock footage of past bullfights in Spain, editing them together seamlessly and showing a resourceful understanding of efficient and effective filmmaking.

"Blood and Sand was a major box office hit, but Valentino was dissatisfied. He wanted to film on location and had chosen a different director. When filming completed, and his next movie, "The Young Rajah," flopped, Valentino went on strike and broke his contract. He was offscreen for two years, later coming back to make such classics as "The Eagle" and "Son of the Sheik."

As one of the true classics of the silent screen, and featuring one of the era's true icons, "Blood and Sand" is an important film that should be included in any collection that attempts to be at all comprehensive. Kino Lorber's new blu ray is mastered in 4K from 35mm elements preserved by the Cinematheche Francaise and Paul Killiam with additional material provided by Eye filmmuseum. Color tinting is provided according to the 1922 continuity script.

Special features include the Will Rogers parody footage from "Big Moment From Little Pictures," a video intro by Orson Welles, the original theatrical trailer, and footage from Valentino's funeral. There is a thorough and informative booklet written by Donna Hill, and a fascinating audio commentary from noted film historian Anthony Slide, that is very rich in detail.

Most highly recommended, the blu ray can be found at this link: Blood and Sand