Robert Harris

A few words about...™ A Bridge Too Far -- in Blu-Ray

As MGM finally begins to add to their Blu-Ray releases as distributed by Fox, we get an idea of the ethic being used into translating their films from the selected 35mm element(s) to disc.

A Bridge Too Far (1977), directed by Richard Attenborough and photographed by Geoffrey Unsworth is noble choice for BD, but also one that may be misunderstood for quality.

Those familiar with Mr. Unsworth's final films (Superman, Tess, The Great Train Robbery, Caberet) will know where I'm coming from.

Those unfamiliar with his role as camera operator on earlier films and cinematographer in following years need only take a quick look at this list to know that they're in for a visual treat.

Working behind the camera in pre-cinematographer days:

The Four Feathers
The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp
A Matter of Life and Death

and later as cinematographer:

Blanche Fury
The Blue Lagoon
The Clouded Yellow
Scott of the Antarctic
A Night to Remember
Half a Sixpence
Cromwell

and 2001: A Space Odyssey

You see where this is going.

A Bridge Too Far is a terrific film, with a huge cast from around the globe, and the mix works nicely. Beautifully produced and designed, the film is a keeper. Standouts include the heroic score by John Addison, screenplay by William Goldman and editing by Antony Gibbs.

What may be troubling to some is the atmospheric look of the film as captured by cinematographer Unsworth. Exteriors are laden with filtration of different types, adding a softening and haze to the image.

And as I recall, this is not only quite correct, but serves to help obscure the use of the many matte shots and opticals, ie. aircraft in flight against bright skies, aircraft on the ground, etc.

There appears to be occasional barrel distortion in the original photography, which may also have some wondering about focus. This is the way that it was shot by someone who knew precisely what they wanted to capture on film.

Grain seems about correct, and overall the film looks like cinema, although it must be noted that in some scenes, blacks appear a bit high and have gone toward a slight milky blue.

A quality addition to the Blu-Ray circus and a release that has not been DNR'd to death.

Highly Recommended.

RAH

Danny_N

Re: A few words about...™ A Bridge Too Far -- in Blu-Ray

A Bridge Too Far is the only film I ever visited the set of while it was being filmed. A large part of the movie was shot in the town of Deventer which has a bridge that looks similar to the Arnhem bridge. My sister lived in Deventer at the time and I can still remember the fake houses, all the extras walking around in uniforms and the spectacular night attack on the bridge.

I have the Japanese BD and it is indeed a terrrific transfer. It looks exactly as I remember it looking in the cinema. It's one of my favourite BDs.

PaulDA

Re: A few words about...™ A Bridge Too Far -- in Blu-Ray

Excellent news. My list of Blu-ray purchases to be made grows ever longer thanks to you. I've been promised a BD player for Christmas--perhaps I can have that moved to Father's Day.

Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes time, and it annoys the pig.

DaViD Boulet

Re: A few words about...™ A Bridge Too Far -- in Blu-Ray

Definitely a BD to add to my library. Thanks RAH.

Be an Original Aspect Ratio Advocate

Supporter of 1080p24 video and lossless 24 bit audio.

Paul_Scott

Re: A few words about...™ A Bridge Too Far -- in Blu-Ray

[quote=Robert Harris]Those familiar with Mr. Unsworth's final films (... Tess, The Great Train Robbery, Caberet) will know where I'm coming from.
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And none of these fine films have been given a competent DVD release. I would love to see them skip the middleman with these and see each of them given a conscientious Bd release.
Good news about ABTF...but a shame they left out the contextual extras. Historical based films are one of the few instances for me where the extras can totally swing a purchase.