Elia Kazan’s 1976 film, produced by S.P. Eagle with a screenplay by Harold Pinter is a class act.
Paramount’s new Blu-ray is a credible representation of the film as photographed by Victor Kemper. I’m not familiar enough with it to be precise, but I’m hoping that whomever did the final work toward Kino’s Blu-ray checked reference. Black levels in the opening appear a bit heavy, but I can’t say that they’re incorrect. They certain work.
Grain seems in place and the palette works beautifully. Do not adjust your set-ups. Parts of the film are in black & white.
The film has an interesting construction, which I’ll leave you to discover.
Cast is superb.
Monroe Stahr (patterned after M-G-M wunderkind, Irving Thalberg is played by Robert De Niro. If you’re seeking names before you purchase — Tony Curtis, Robert Mitchum, Jeanne Moreau, Jack Nicholson, Donald Pleasence, Ray Milland and Dana Andrews.
A warning. I happen to like this film, for which Mr. Kazan came out of retirement. Some reviewers were not kind. It works for me. Your mileage may vary.
Image – 9
Audio – 5 (DTS-HD MA 2.0)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Works in projection – Yes
Works up-rezzed to 4k – Yes
Upgrade from DVD – Absolutely
Worth your attention – 6 to 9
Slipcover rating – 3
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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