- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,396
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
I got to know Hugh Hudson a bit through David Lean, who had a very high opinion of Mr. Hudson's Chariots of Fire, which won four Academy Awards in 1981, inclusive of Best Picture.
There are a number of films that are based upon challenges to the human spirit, but very few the reach the stratosphere in terms of quality. There's another from WB, that I've been waiting to see on Blu-ray, and it's by master filmmaker Phil Kaufman.
Mr Hudson's work holds that same excitement, but takes it a step further in a different direction. Actually, a David Lean direction, which I presume is at least one reason for the collegial regard.
Chariots of Fire is, at least to me, something akin to a classic Bentley Continental or going back to even earlier times, a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.
Think Wilton carpet, Connolly hides. Hand-hewn, with each element designed and struck with perfection. While I can't state that every detail in the film is dead on, that certain places or things may not have existed as they appear in the film on the dates represented, that's not what this is about. Rather, viewing this film, especially on a large screen, and this is one of those films that demands a large screen and a great sound system -- more on that shortly -- as it is the overall aura that takes you back to the period, and that works. Needless to say, production design is magnificent.
In brief, the film concerns two British runners competing in the 1924 Olympics, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.
The film is peopled with great British actors of the period. Ian Holm, Sir John Gielgud, Nigel Davenport, along with a turn by filmmaker Lindsay Anderson. The leads, Ben Cross, Nicholas Farrell, Nigel Havers and Ian Charleston are magnificent. I've often wondered, but never asked, if in casting the production team went for actors who could run (or appear to run), or whether the actually running was learned during production.
Brilliantly photographed by David Watkin, with an immense attention to detail, the new Blu-ray from Warner Bros. is a perfect example of the reproduction capabilities of Blu-ray as a system, and absolute proof, once again, that film can be replicated on Blu-ray.
Chariots of Fire is a magnificent image harvest by Warner's MPI, with color and densities by the incomparable Jan Yarbrough. For those who may be into the details, the film was referenced from a new answer print stuck in 1997, from the original timing lights, with occasional touch-ups improving the grading. Original color reference from 1981 was no longer viable, as prints had faded.
Grain structure is dead on. Colors are perfect, with black levels, shadow detail, etc. all in place. I would expect no less.
The film was scanned in 4k from the OCN, and everything was done correctly. Actually, they took it a step further than that, and I'm thrilled with the results. An early sequence always had dupes, and it was obvious. Warner's Ned Price was able to locate, and scanned the original elements from which the dupe had been prepared, and replaced those dupes with original.
For sound, the original stems were pulled from the UK, and a new 5.1 mix was created at Warner Sound, presented on the Blu-ray uncompressed. The film's score by Vangelis is a standout.
I'm trying hard not to gush about this Blu-ray, but it's just that good.
Extras include a commentary and interview with director, Hugh Hudson. Four documentaries, deleted scenes and screen tests.
My advice. Preorder while the initial release book packaging is still available. This one is worthwhile. The Blu-ray is currently under $29 at Amazon, and worth far more, as this is a must own release.
When you receive your copy, play it loud.
Final thoughts.
Look for a young Kenneth Branagh as a Cambridge student.
For those into packaging, the cover is beautifully done.
Very Highly Recommended.
RAH
There are a number of films that are based upon challenges to the human spirit, but very few the reach the stratosphere in terms of quality. There's another from WB, that I've been waiting to see on Blu-ray, and it's by master filmmaker Phil Kaufman.
Mr Hudson's work holds that same excitement, but takes it a step further in a different direction. Actually, a David Lean direction, which I presume is at least one reason for the collegial regard.
Chariots of Fire is, at least to me, something akin to a classic Bentley Continental or going back to even earlier times, a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.
Think Wilton carpet, Connolly hides. Hand-hewn, with each element designed and struck with perfection. While I can't state that every detail in the film is dead on, that certain places or things may not have existed as they appear in the film on the dates represented, that's not what this is about. Rather, viewing this film, especially on a large screen, and this is one of those films that demands a large screen and a great sound system -- more on that shortly -- as it is the overall aura that takes you back to the period, and that works. Needless to say, production design is magnificent.
In brief, the film concerns two British runners competing in the 1924 Olympics, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.
The film is peopled with great British actors of the period. Ian Holm, Sir John Gielgud, Nigel Davenport, along with a turn by filmmaker Lindsay Anderson. The leads, Ben Cross, Nicholas Farrell, Nigel Havers and Ian Charleston are magnificent. I've often wondered, but never asked, if in casting the production team went for actors who could run (or appear to run), or whether the actually running was learned during production.
Brilliantly photographed by David Watkin, with an immense attention to detail, the new Blu-ray from Warner Bros. is a perfect example of the reproduction capabilities of Blu-ray as a system, and absolute proof, once again, that film can be replicated on Blu-ray.
Chariots of Fire is a magnificent image harvest by Warner's MPI, with color and densities by the incomparable Jan Yarbrough. For those who may be into the details, the film was referenced from a new answer print stuck in 1997, from the original timing lights, with occasional touch-ups improving the grading. Original color reference from 1981 was no longer viable, as prints had faded.
Grain structure is dead on. Colors are perfect, with black levels, shadow detail, etc. all in place. I would expect no less.
The film was scanned in 4k from the OCN, and everything was done correctly. Actually, they took it a step further than that, and I'm thrilled with the results. An early sequence always had dupes, and it was obvious. Warner's Ned Price was able to locate, and scanned the original elements from which the dupe had been prepared, and replaced those dupes with original.
For sound, the original stems were pulled from the UK, and a new 5.1 mix was created at Warner Sound, presented on the Blu-ray uncompressed. The film's score by Vangelis is a standout.
I'm trying hard not to gush about this Blu-ray, but it's just that good.
Extras include a commentary and interview with director, Hugh Hudson. Four documentaries, deleted scenes and screen tests.
My advice. Preorder while the initial release book packaging is still available. This one is worthwhile. The Blu-ray is currently under $29 at Amazon, and worth far more, as this is a must own release.
When you receive your copy, play it loud.
Final thoughts.
Look for a young Kenneth Branagh as a Cambridge student.
For those into packaging, the cover is beautifully done.
Very Highly Recommended.
RAH
