Spirits of the Dead is a 1968 anthology horror film also known by its original French title Histoires extraordinaires (Extraordinary Stories) and its Italian title Tre Passi Nel Delirio . The 121-minute film brings together three European directors—Federico Fellini, Louis Malle, and Roger Vadim—each adapting a different Edgar Allan Poe story for the screen . The cast includes international stars Brigitte Bardot, Alain Delon, Jane Fonda, and Terence Stamp, making it a landmark of European art-house cinema .
The three segments are: a cruel countess haunted by her cousin’s stallion, a sadistic young soldier haunted by his doppelgänger, and an alcoholic actor haunted by the Devil . The English title Spirits of the Dead comes from an 1827 poem by Poe . The French title references the first collection of Poe’s short stories translated by French poet Charles Baudelaire . The film is rated R and runs approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes .
Subscription Streaming Options
The most reliable way to watch Spirits of the Dead online is through The Criterion Channel . According to streaming aggregator data, the film is currently available for subscribers on The Criterion Channel in the United States and Canada . The Criterion Channel specializes in classic, art-house, and international cinema, making it the perfect home for this European production.
If you do not have a subscription to The Criterion Channel, the service offers a free trial period for new subscribers, allowing you to watch the film at no cost before committing to a monthly plan . After the trial, monthly subscriptions are reasonably priced compared to other specialty streaming services.
The film is not currently available on major mainstream subscription services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or HBO Max in most regions . For viewers who already subscribe to these services, checking periodically is recommended as rights may rotate.
Rent or Buy Digital Options
Digital rental and purchase options for Spirits of the Dead are currently limited. The film does not appear to be widely available for transactional rental on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, or Vudu in most regions . This is not unusual for a European art-house film from the 1960s, as digital distribution rights for older international films are often more complex than for mainstream Hollywood titles.
If you are determined to watch the film without a subscription, checking the availability on Amazon Video in your specific region is recommended, as rights can vary significantly by country . In some European markets, transactional options may exist that are not available in North America.
Physical Media Options
For collectors or viewers who prefer permanent ownership, Spirits of the Dead is available on DVD. Arrow Films released a Region 2 DVD edition of the film on June 29, 2011 . This DVD features PAL format and includes multiple language options (Italian, French, and English audio) . The runtime is listed as approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes .
Important region note: The Region 2 DVD (released by Arrow Films) cannot be played on standard DVD players in the United States, Canada, or Bermuda, which use Region 1 . If you are in North America, you will need either a region-free DVD player or a computer DVD drive that allows region switching to play this disc.
Some retailers, including Amazon US, may also carry the film on DVD through Marketplace sellers, but these are likely also Region 2 imports . Check the product listing carefully for region compatibility before purchasing.
A Region 1 DVD release may exist through other distributors, though it is less common. Checking eBay, secondhand media stores, and library systems for a North American DVD release is recommended for US and Canadian viewers who prefer physical media .
Regional Availability Summary
Streaming and physical media availability for Spirits of the Dead varies by region .
United States and Canada: The film is available for streaming on The Criterion Channel . Physical DVD copies exist but are primarily Region 2 imports, requiring a region-free player . For US and Canadian viewers, The Criterion Channel is the most convenient and cost-effective option .
United Kingdom: The film is not currently available for streaming on any major platform according to streaming aggregator data . However, the Arrow Films DVD release is Region 2, which plays on standard UK DVD players . UK viewers can purchase the DVD through Amazon UK or other British retailers .
Australia: Streaming availability is not confirmed, but Region 4 DVD releases may exist through local distributors . Checking Australian retailers like JB Hi-Fi or secondhand stores is recommended for physical copies .
France and Italy: As a Franco-Italian co-production, the film may have greater availability on local streaming services or broadcast television . French viewers can search for Histoires extraordinaires on platforms like Canal+ or local VOD services . Italian viewers can search for Tre Passi Nel Delirio .
Netherlands: According to streaming aggregator PlayPilot, the film is currently not available to stream on any service in the Netherlands .
For viewers in other regions, checking local versions of The Criterion Channel (where available) or searching for the DVD through international retailers is recommended .
Film Details and Critical Reception
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Spirits of the Dead / Histoires extraordinaires / Tre Passi Nel Delirio |
| Year | 1968 |
| Runtime | 121 minutes (1 hour 56 minutes) |
| Directors | Federico Fellini, Louis Malle, Roger Vadim |
| Cast | Brigitte Bardot, Alain Delon, Jane Fonda, Terence Stamp |
| Country | France, Italy (co-production) |
| MPAA Rating | R |
| DVD Release (Region 2) | June 29, 2011 |
The film is an anthology, meaning it consists of three separate short films connected by the theme of Edgar Allan Poe adaptations . Each segment reflects the distinct directorial style of its creator . Roger Vadim’s segment is often noted for its visual opulence and the presence of his then-wife Jane Fonda . Louis Malle’s segment is a psychological thriller exploring doppelgänger themes . Federico Fellini’s segment is the most surreal and autobiographical, reflecting the director’s signature dreamlike style .
The film is essential viewing for fans of European art-house cinema, 1960s filmmaking, and Edgar Allan Poe adaptations. It remains a cult classic despite—or perhaps because of—its uneven tone across the three segments .
Final Recommendation
For most viewers in the United States and Canada, the easiest and most affordable way to watch Spirits of the Dead is through The Criterion Channel. If you are not already a subscriber, the free trial period allows you to watch the film at no cost. For viewers in the United Kingdom, purchasing the Arrow Films Region 2 DVD is the most reliable option, as streaming is not currently available. For viewers in France and Italy, searching local streaming platforms under the original titles Histoires extraordinaires or Tre Passi Nel Delirio is recommended.
Before making any purchase, it is recommended to use tracking tools like JustWatch or Reelgood to confirm current availability in your specific region, as streaming rights for catalog titles frequently change . For the most up-to-date information on The Criterion Channel’s current film library, checking their official website is recommended .