![A Bridge Too Far [Blu-ray]](http://cdn.hometheaterforum.com/3/36/50x50px-ZC-B000WC39SG-51Llnl6zSFL.jpg)
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
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
