kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
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Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2011 1:31 am Post subject: Ben-Hur (50th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition) |
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Another reference disc!
Ben-Hur (50th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition) [Blu-ray]
(Click on picture to order, hover over for price)
| Quote: | 'Ben-Hur' is the quintessential epic, and this spectacular 50th Anniversary Edition from Warner may just be the quintessential Blu-ray collector's set. Boasting arguably the finest 1080p transfer of any classic film, exceptional audio, supplements galore, two handsomely produced hardcover volumes, and classy packaging, this is without question one of the top Blu-ray releases of the year and a must-own for every film aficionado. So clear some shelf space and give this thrilling Academy Award-winning film a prominent spot in your library, and enjoy the passion, spectacle, and, above all, the eye-popping, fully restored image of one of Hollywood's grandest and greatest achievements.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
When 'Ben-Hur' was released on DVD back in 2005, it boasted a "new digital transfer from restored 65mm elements," and the picture quality blew me away. This new anniversary edition proclaims the film has been "newly restored and remastered" once again, this time "frame by frame from the original 65mm camera negative." Reportedly, more than $1 million was spent on the 8k scan, "making this the highest resolution restoration ever completed by Warner Bros. studio." And the meticulous process took so long to complete, WHV – according to a press release – couldn't release the film in conjunction with its 50th anniversary. Thankfully for film fans, quality outranked a marketing ploy, and what we have for the 52nd anniversary of 'Ben-Hur' is arguably the most spectacular video transfer of any movie – classic or otherwise – I have ever seen.
The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 rendering exhibits breathtaking clarity, incredible depth, and pitch-perfect contrast and color timing. Not a speck or mark of any kind betrays the film's age; the image is so razor sharp and pristine – from intimate moments to massive spectacle – the film looks like it was shot yesterday instead of more than a half-century ago. 'Ben-Hur' was filmed in an extremely wide aspect ratio (2.76:1), reducing the amount of real estate the image takes up on screen. Yet this transfer exhibits such crisp detail, nothing in the frame is ever obscured or fuzzy. Talk about looking through a window… This transfer transports us to ancient Rome, the deserts of Palestine, and their respective ornate residences and humble abodes like the finest HD travelogues, completely immersing us in the culture, scenery, and action. Grain is absent, yet this superb rendering never seems artificial. At all times, 'Ben-Hur' maintains a very real film-like feel, and it's an exhilarating view from start to finish.
The intricate designs on the Romans' breastplates are stunningly clear, as are the peaks of dancing flames deep in the background. Embroidery, appliqués, and adornments to all the lavish costumes flaunt palpable texture, and even in long shots, foliage is well delineated. Close-ups are razor sharp, yet still maintain a natural look. Facial creases, scars, and various anomalies are easy to discern, and Heston's piercing blue eyes provide a striking accent.
The proof of the pudding, however, lies in the chariot race, and here 'Ben-Hur' surpasses even the highest expectations. From the manes of the horses to the jagged-edged wheels of Messala's vehicle, detail is stupendous. Even the longest, widest shots exhibit astounding levels of clarity. If I had an Italian relative who was an extra in the crowd, I swear I could probably pick him out.
Colors are bright and vivid, but never bleed or appear over-pushed. Once again a slightly muted, earthy look predominates that keeps every scene looking real. Reds especially pop in long shots, but accent hues, such as Pontius Pilate's purple robe, exude just the right amount of vibrant lushness. Black levels are rich and deep, yet shadow detail never suffers, and fleshtones remain stable and true throughout the film's lengthy running time.
At times, the enhanced clarity makes the limited use of backdrops and miniatures seem more obvious, and occasional rear projection work suffers from lines that are a bit too sharp, but these are very minor quibbles. No banding or digital noise afflict the image either. Even if you don't like 'Ben-Hur,' you owe it to yourself to check out this top-notch, A-1 transfer that's literally a visual feast.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
Breathtaking picture notwithstanding, 'Ben-Hur' would be nothing without sound, and thankfully the quality of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is every bit as spectacular as the video. Clear, dynamic, full-bodied, with clean, bright highs and solid lows, this track fully immerses us in the action, pageantry, and soul-stirring moments of this classic historical saga.
Natural stereo separation across the front channels nicely opens up the sound field, while subtle surround atmospherics punch up the film's drama. Details are crisp; all the rustlings of fabric, janglings of armor, and footsteps in sand and on stone are distinct. The bass frequencies during the chariot race output palpable rumbles that enhance the spectacle without overwhelming it - another example of the meticulous nature of this mix.
The music score by Miklos Rozsa ranks among the finest ever produced for the screen, and here it receives the royal treatment, bursting forth with supreme fidelity and a warm surround feel. From the clean brass tones to the passionate strings and weighty drums, all the elements are perfectly integrated and balanced, providing a marvelous listening experience with nary a hint of distortion or break-up.
Dialogue is consistently clear and comprehendible, and no age-related deficiencies, such as hiss, pops, and crackles, intrude. This is an active, involving track that rivals the quality of more recent films, and those who appreciate great sound will be thrilled by it. |
Kal
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