Blu-ray Review The Tales of Hoffmann Blu-ray Review (1 Viewer)

[Matt Hough]

What their innovative, masterful The Red Shoes did for cinematic ballet, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s The Tales of Hoffmann does for cinematic opera, a one of a kind hauntingly artistic endeavor that transfixes with its own brand of eccentric, melancholic frivolity.



The Tales of Hoffmann (1951)



Released: 13 Jun 1952
Rated: Not Rated
Runtime: 128 min




Director: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger
Genre: Fantasy, Music, Musical



Cast: Moira Shearer, Robert Rounseville, Ludmilla Tchérina
Writer(s): Dennis Arundell, Jules Barbier, Michael Powell



Plot: A melancholy poet reflects on three women he loved and lost in the past: a mechanical performing doll, a Venetian courtesan, and the consumptive daughter of a celebrated composer.



IMDB rating: 7.1
MetaScore: N/A...

Continue reading...

 

[Stephen_J_H]

Re: why no 4K release? I suspect Criterion may be wanting to see how the BD sells before considering a 4K release. It is also possible that Criterion has only licenced BD rights at this time.

 

[Andrew Budgell]

This has been on my list of films to see for ages, and this release sounds like the perfect opportunity for me to fix this oversight. Thanks for another great review, Matt!

 

[Noel Aguirre]

I am gonna be broke once the B&N sale hits this summer.
Fantastic review Matt! Thanks

 

[Darby67]

Matt:

A terrific and insightful review of one of my abolsutely favorites films. Bravo!

Sean

 

[AnthonyClarke]

This is my absolute favourite Powell and Pressburger movie ... but there's no suggestion here that the Criterion is superior to the Region B Studio Canal edition. No need to double-dip.

 

[lark144]

This is my absolute favourite Powell and Pressburger movie ... but there's no suggestion here that the Criterion is superior to the Region B Studio Canal edition. No need to double-dip.

I also have the Studio Canal Blu. My friend Bruce, who did the commentary, said that they worked on the master from Studio Canal, and improved it considerably, and that I would have to buy the Criterion because of that. But I doubt that it's improved to the extent that you need to buy it again. I don't think I would. I'm getting it again for Bruce's commentary, which I collect. And also to have The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in HD. But probably not until a sale at some point in the future.

 

[bujaki]

I also have the Studio Canal Blu. My friend Bruce, who did the commentary, said that they worked on the master from Studio Canal, and improved it considerably, and that I would have to buy the Criterion because of that. But I doubt that it's improved to the extent that you need to buy it again. I don't think I would. I'm getting it again for Bruce's commentary, which I collect. And also to have The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in HD. But probably not until a sale at some point in the future.

Barnes & Noble's 50% off Criterion sale coming next month, I believe. Perfect timing.

 

[Matt Hough]

I also have the Studio Canal Blu. My friend Bruce, who did the commentary, said that they worked on the master from Studio Canal, and improved it considerably, and that I would have to buy the Criterion because of that. But I doubt that it's improved to the extent that you need to buy it again. I don't think I would. I'm getting it again for Bruce's commentary, which I collect. And also to have The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in HD. But probably not until a sale at some point in the future.

Your friend Bruce is one of the very best commentators in the business, and while I respect Martin Scorsese very much, I was so glad every time Bruce took over the track.

 

[titch]

I also have the Studio Canal Blu. My friend Bruce, who did the commentary, said that they worked on the master from Studio Canal, and improved it considerably, and that I would have to buy the Criterion because of that. But I doubt that it's improved to the extent that you need to buy it again. I don't think I would. I'm getting it again for Bruce's commentary, which I collect. And also to have The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in HD. But probably not until a sale at some point in the future.

Bruce Eder's commentaries on laserdisc are among the best ever recorded. I always used to listen to them. The commentaries on Scorsese's, as well as Powell and Pressburger's Criterion laserdiscs, were incredibly informative and well-presented. Being able to listen to the commentary again on Tales Of Hoffman is absolutely worth double-dipping for me!

 

[Filmgazer]

Barnes & Noble's 50% off Criterion sale coming next month, I believe. Perfect timing.

It will most likely begin on July 1st. I'll check beforehand and post the starting date as soon as I find out.

 

[lark144]

Bruce Eder's commentaries on laserdisc are among the best ever recorded. I always used to listen to them. The commentaries on Scorsese's, as well as Powell and Pressburger's Criterion laserdiscs, were incredibly informative and well-presented. Being able to listen to the commentary again on Tales Of Hoffman is absolutely worth double-dipping for me!

I agree. I find myself listening to them over and over. I especially like his commentary for HENRY V, which I'm glad to see that ITV ported over for their Blu-Ray.

 

[AnthonyClarke]

Well ok you profligate rotters .. I'll pop in to Barnes & Noble for their sale....

 

[titch]

Well ok you profligate rotters .. I'll pop in to Barnes & Noble for their sale....

We knew you'd crack in the end

 

[roxy1927]

Criterion gets a cover right!
Great review for such an unusual film Mr. Hough.

 

[ABaglivi]

Criterion''s cover duplicates the cover of the original press book.

 

[roxy1927]

Yes the original artwork which is always nice to see.

 

[mskaye]

It will most likely begin on July 1st. I'll check beforehand and post the starting date as soon as I find out.

I'm going to buy this. I didnt realize how much of an influence this film was on Kenneth Anger's Inauguration of Pleasure Dome.

 

[roxy1927]

I'm somewhat familiar with the opera having seen it a couple of times at the Met and listening to recordings. I imagine I will find this very different. More Powell and Pressburger than Offenbach. Though as uncompleted at his death many feel that we don't know how Offenbach might have really wanted it.

Might the 4k really be a possibility? Maybe I'll wait.

 

[Noel Aguirre]

Utterly gorgeous transfer. Well worth the upgrade over the DVD especially the sound. Tomorrow I will watch The Red Shoes to see how that compares to the blu.