This is the first time that the (almost) original cut of the film has been seen in decades in a quality version, and there are myriads of extraordinary sights and sounds that are offered by the film.
If this epic suffers from a single negative force, it would probably be its tendency toward the elephantine. Everything is huge. In a way it reminds me of David O. Selznick’s 1946 Duel in the Sun, even if this later epic bests Duel by 86 minutes.
The questions that many of you, after hearing about the film as a “disaster,” may be asking yourselves, are “Is it worth my time? Is it worth the purchase?”
My answer would be a resounding Yes!
Look past the size of the production, and an equally huge story comes to the fore. Today, three decades after it’s original release, and a disastrous 70 minute re-cut down to 149 minutes, we finally have a viable representation of the film on Blu-ray.
And that is a major event.
With the original negative used for the re-cutting, and previous home video versions taken from a used 70mm print, we finally have the opportunity to see the film with Vilmos Zsigmond’s cinematography coming to the fore. With an image harvested from a set of complete separation masters, the original look of the film still shines through. Rich blacks, with a superb gray scale and equally rich shadow detail, tells us that this was a well-made set of sep masters. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always occur.
Criterion’s support of the project also needs to be noted, as without their perseverance, and especially that of Criterion’s Lee Kline, this might never have been seen.
Audio was been re-mixed from the original 6-track mags down to 5.1, and is a treat for any high-end audio system.
With sales on their way for the holiday season, Amazon’s current $35 price may come down, but the point should be made, that even at that number, this Blu-ray is a steal.
Heaven’s Gate is a film that must be seen, and evaluated without the baggage that has surrounded it for decades.
Image – 5
Audio – 5
Very Highly Recommended.
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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