Ansel H. (Loon Lake) Faraj's The Doctor Mabuse Trilogy (from fertile Hollinsworth Productions) is now available on Blu-ray (in a 2-disc, special-edition set), making it the Expressionistic event of the season.
Faraj's homage to the legendary, mind-warping manipulator isn't a mere retread, but rather a three-part re-imagining that acknowledges Norbert Jacques' surrealistic mythology with vast ingenuity and steampunked style. This is no doubt why Faraj's cinematic chapters, Doctor Mabuse (2013), Doctor Mabuse: Etiopomar and The Thousand and One Lives of Doctor Mabuse, have gained such an impassioned following among those who relish German Expressionism, especially when such is swept by components of Fritz Lang-seasoned science fiction.
A large part of the trilogy's success comes from Faraj's deft storytelling and direction. Also, Jerry (Dark Shadows) Lacy, as the trilogy's eponymous fiend, and Nathan (Loon Lake) Wilson, as his tenacious foe, Inspector Carl Lohemann, make the trilogy all he more absorbing. As each chapter rolls, Mabuse and Lohemann's cat-and-mouse/conscious-intruding melees become both palpable and intangible, keeping viewers glued to their seats, pondering what cerebral turn will occur next.
To further the trilogy's hallucinogenic complexity, Lacy and Wilson are supported by Linden Chiles, David M. Graham, Julian Grant, Kate Avery, Annie Waterman, Kelsy Hewlett, Dane Corrigan, Bahi Garrigan, Kelly Erin Decker Kitko (Loon Lake's ravishing witch) and the exalted Dark Shadows trio, Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott and Christopher Pennock, who inculcate Faraj's inebriating narrative with ancillary depth and mood.
Though the trilogy works on it own distinguished accord, it's pleasing that the surrealistic pot has been sweetened by the following Blu-ray extras: commentary by Faraj, Lacy and Wilson; deleted and extended scenes from the series; rare behind-the-scenes and premiere footage; an insightful concept reel; still/trailer galleries; and Diaries of Doctor Mabuse, a gripping documentary that spotlights the creation of the first two films. Also, all three chapters have been blessed by the best, high-def transfers imaginable, accompanied by exquisite audio quality which amplifies Bill Wandel's stirring scores to the stimulating summit.
As stand-outs among the latter embellishments, the convivial deliberation of Faraj, Lacy and Wilson's commentary will mesmerize one with such insightful vigor to make even the guileful Mabuse envious. For example, the included exchange on the first film's blue-screen technology and Argento-esque cinematography will be invaluable to anyone interested in summoning the proper, unearthly ambiance onto a cinematic strand.
In much the same entrancing vein, the "Premiere Highlights" portion is beyond delightful, with intimate, stage-discussion footage sprung straight from The Vintage Village Cinema in Coronado Island, San Diego. (It's always wonderful to hear Dark Shadows alumni sharing their relevant reflections.)
Faraj has bestowed Expressionist connoisseurs a genuine gem, and The Doctor Mabuse Trilogy is essential viewing for anyone who appreciates quality, experimental filmmaking.
Order Ansel H. Faraj's The Doctor Mabuse Trilogy at
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09L5WQ48J/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Doctor Mabuse commands it!
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