kal
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Joined: 06 Mar 2006
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Location: Ottawa, Canada
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| Posted: Mon Jun 17, 2013 6:50 pm Post subject: Cleopatra (50th Anniversary) [Blu-ray] |
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Another reference disc!
Cleopatra (50th Anniversary 2-Disc Edition) [Blu-ray] (1963)
(Hover over link for price, click to purchase and support our forum at no extra cost to you)
| Quote: | Fifty years after its initial release, 'Cleopatra' remains a fascinating film specimen. Flawed, yet breathtakingly beautiful, this massive production is a stunning tribute to meticulous craftsmanship, epic vision, and grace under pressure. Hollywood moviemaking rarely gets any bigger than this, and though at times the story stalls and the speeches sound affected and self-important, 'Cleopatra' continually casts a seductive spell, immersing us in the opulence of ancient kingdoms, the passion of unrequited love, and the complex machinations of history. The on-screen fireworks between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton may not seem as explosive as their off-screen publicity, but their chemistry is palpable and Taylor's allure undeniable. 'Cleopatra' may not dazzle you with its story or performances, but it's definitely something to see, especially in the splendor of 1080p. Fox's restoration is fit for a queen, featuring impeccable video and robust audio, while the substantive supplemental package covers this spectacular production from almost every angle. Though 'Cleopatra' will continue to divide audiences and critics alike, no one can dispute the quality of this superior Blu-ray release, which comes highly recommended.
The Video: Sizing Up the Picture
Once known as the most beautiful woman in the world, Elizabeth Taylor deserves a breathtaking transfer for her most scandalous role, and she gets it with this stunning restoration of 'Cleopatra.' Fox pulls out all the stops in this vibrant 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 rendering that features exceptional clarity, spectacular contrast, perfect color balance, and a sensual lushness that honors both the title character and the actress who portrays her. Nary a speck or errant scratch sully the pristine source material that looks as if it were minted yesterday, yet despite the slick appearance, the image maintains a warm, film-like feel that makes this larger-than-life epic accessible.
From the vividly illustrated opening credits to the expansive exteriors and intimate close-ups, this transfer brings 'Cleopatra' to brilliant life. The picture, shot in the Todd-AO format and featuring Oscar-winning cinematography by Leon Shamroy, is so sharp, individual faces in the massive crowd sequences are easy to discern. Details in the soldiers' breastplates, the intricate weavings of costumes, Cleopatra's heavily glittered eyelids, complex tapestry designs, and intricate wall etchings are all exquisitely precise. Despite the wide aspect ratio, depth remains palpable, allowing us to drink in the richness of Cleopatra's palace, the expanse of the battlefield, and the pageantry that accompanies Cleopatra's arrival in Rome. Inky black levels complement Cleopatra's raven-colored hair and cast a lovely sheen over nocturnal scenes. Shadow detail, however, is never compromised, and crush is never an issue.
Colors pop beautifully, from the deep reds of carpets and gowns to the lush azure blue of sky and sea, and from the bright gold of Cleopatra's headdress to the array of pastels that comprises much of the women's wardrobe. Though the palette is varied and bold, hues are never overplayed or over-pushed, so the image always flaunts a pleasing naturalness even in the face of staggering opulence. Fleshtones are spot on, too. Taylor's creamy complexion is often on full display, thanks to her revealing wardrobe, and it contrasts nicely with the ruddy skin tones of Burton and Harrison.
Close-ups are sparingly employed, despite the allure of Taylor's beauty, but they wield incredible impact. Facial features are well-defined, individual strands of hair are visible, and the craftsmanship of the jewelry and headdresses that often adorn Cleopatra is strikingly evident. In fact, the picture is so crisp, even in medium shot, it's easy to pick out Taylor's scar from the tracheotomy she was forced to undergo during her near-fatal bout with pneumonia in the very early days of shooting.
No banding, noise, pixilation, or other annoyances disrupt the presentation, and no enhancements, such as edge sharpening or noise reduction, rear their ugly heads. Say what you will about the content of 'Cleopatra,' but there's no denying this is one beautiful film starring a breathtakingly glamorous actress, and this exceptional transfer reverently honors them both.
The Audio: Rating the Sound
'Cleopatra' comes equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, in addition to a compressed Dolby Digital 4.0 track. Unless you're a purist, the lossless option is preferable, and from the opening strains of the overture, it's immediately evident this is a high-quality effort distinguished by superior fidelity, subtle nuances, and marvelous tonal depth. Alex North's majestic, Oscar-nominated score has never sounded more full-bodied and robust, and the wide dynamic scale handles the blaring brass, soaring strings, and heavy percussion with ease. Not a hint of distortion creeps into the audio, even during the most cacophonous scenes, and no age-related imperfections, such as hiss, pops, or crackles, crop up either.
Surround activity isn't particularly pronounced, but crowd noise does penetrate the rear speakers, and the music score nicely fills the room. Solid stereo separation across the front channels adds some directional enhancement to the dialogue and widens the overall soundscape. Accents like footsteps and swordplay are crisp and distinct, and conversations are always properly prioritized and easy to comprehend, even when spoken in hushed tones. Not a lot of bass works its way into the proceedings, but what's there possesses good weight and blends into the audio fabric well.
'Cleopatra' isn't as bombastic as some epics, so it's soundtrack isn't very showy, but the presentation here is well modulated, clean, and smooth. And for a 50-year-old movie, you can't ask for much more. |
Kal
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