Häxan: The Criterion Collection Blu-ray

Häxan: The Criterion Collection Blu-ray presents Benjamin Christensen’s silent-film exploration of witchcraft through dramatic vignettes blending horror, documentary-style re-creation, and dark humor. The edition lists a 2K digital restoration and several historical and film-related extras.

At a glance

The silent film examines witchcraft and hysteria using a mix of dramatic scenes and documentary-style presentation.
The listing specifies a new 2K digital restoration.
Extras include the 1968 version narrated by William S. Burroughs, the director’s 1941 rerelease introduction, and a photographic exploration of historical sources.

Price

$19.98Save 50%

Reference price: ~~$39.95~~

Price checked: Nov 12, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

A distinctive silent-film blend of horror, historical material, and dark humor may appeal to viewers interested in unusual early cinema.
The listing includes an alternate 1968 version and supplementary historical material alongside the main film.

Technical specifications

14 specifications

Disc and presentation
Format	Blu-ray, Subtitled
Number of discs	1
Aspect ratio	1.78:1
Subtitles	Swedish
Rating	NR (Not Rated)

Film and edition
Genre	Classics/Silent Films, Horror
Director	Benjamin Christensen
Studio	The Criterion Collection
Release date	October 15, 2019
Listed restoration	New 2K digital restoration

Special features
Alternate version	Witchcraft Through the Ages (1968), a 76 minute version narrated by author William S. Burroughs
Additional feature	Christensen’s introduction to the 1941 rerelease
Additional feature	Bibliothèque diabolique, a photographic exploration of Christensen’s historical sources

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 3.53 ounces

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Viewers collecting Criterion editions of silent films and classic horror.
Movie fans interested in early cinema’s blend of staged scenes and documentary-like material.
Collectors who value alternate versions and historical supplements.

Less suited to

Viewers seeking a contemporary, dialogue-driven horror film.
Buyers who require a specific subtitle language other than Swedish.

Häxan: The Criterion Collection Blu-ray · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.8 / 5 · 558 ratings

5 stars87%87%
4 stars9%9%
3 stars3%3%
2 stars0%0%
1 star1%1%

Customer feedback describes the film as a striking achievement and praises its visuals, while reactions to how scary it is are mixed. That distinction may matter if you want early cinema’s visual experimentation more than a consistently frightening experience. The strong overall rating is encouraging but does not establish that every viewer will respond similarly.

Positive themes

Customer feedback highlights the film’s perceived quality and visuals.

Mixed feedback

Reactions to the film’s scariness are mixed.

Frequently asked questions

What is included in this edition?

The listing describes a one-disc Blu-ray edition and names a new 2K digital restoration, the 1968 version Witchcraft Through the Ages, Christensen’s 1941 rerelease introduction, and a photographic exploration of his historical sources.

What language and subtitles are listed?

The listing gives Swedish as the language and Swedish as the subtitle language.

Is Häxan a conventional horror film?

The listing describes a silent film that combines dramatic vignettes with documentary-style re-creation and dark humor, so its approach differs from a conventional narrative horror movie.