The Sword and the Dragon Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Sword and the Dragon" by Deaf Crocodile represents a significant advancement in the film’s visual presentation, thanks to a meticulous New 4K restoration from original 35mm picture and sound elements by Mosfilm. This cinematic endeavor, captured on 35mm film using Sovscope anamorphic lenses, presents itself with a theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The restoration is visually stunning, allowing the audience to admire the ornately detailed costumes and exotic set decor reminiscent of opulent illustrations. While there are inherent limitations, such as soft focus on optically printed titles and certain heavy visual effects sequences, the overall sharpness and clarity remain impressive. The transfer takes great care to maintain a film-like appearance with a fine grain structure and strong source conditions devoid of any speckling or signs of aging.

Color fidelity is nuanced, steering away from exaggerated faux-Technicolor towards a palette akin to watercolors or Japanese woodblock prints. The vividness of reds, blues, and sporadic yellows punctuates the film’s rich painterly aesthetic while supporting its storybook allure. Although skintones remain purposefully heightened, they are rendered appreciably within the overall color grading scope. Some scenes exhibit minor Cinemascope “mumps” due to the original Sovscope lenses' nature; however, these are representative of the film’s authentic visual style.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray debut of "Ilya Muromets" manages to visually captivate with its pristine restoration, offering the grandeur of the original production as never seen before. While it overcomes artifacts from past iterations and cropped versions, the film is effectively resurrected in an HD format that complements its profound artistic value. This restoration embodies both historical fidelity and modern enhancements, ensuring an engaging visual experience for new viewers and longtime fans alike.

The audio presentation of "The Sword and the Dragon" Blu-ray primarily features a Russian 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mono track, accompanied by English subtitles. The audio mix, while satisfactory, presents certain limitations, likely due to its reliance on original mono optical tracks, as the original multichannel magnetic mix was unavailable. This results in somewhat restricted fidelity, especially noticeable in the music score by Igor Morozov, which comes across as slightly thin. Additionally, there are moments of excessive sibilance in dialogue, although overall clarity remains intact.

Dialogue is preserved well, maintaining the broad performances inherent to the film. However, audio balance can be inconsistent, with levels occasionally shifting mid-scene. The scoring cues are notably pronounced, delivering an orchestral richness, albeit within the confines of the mono format. Sound effects are blunt but serve their purpose effectively within the narrative context. There is an absence of hiss or age-related deterioration such as cracks or pops, contributing to a clean audio output.

Despite the absence of the original 4-track magnetic stereo mix and the charm of an English-dubbed version, the DTS-HD MA mono track offers a respectable auditory experience. It carefully maintains the integrity of the film's soundscape, achieving a satisfactory blend of dialogue, music, and effects. This creates an engaging yet technically constrained listening experience that aligns with the aesthetic intention of its period.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Sword and the Dragon" offer a well-curated selection of informative features that significantly enhance the viewing experience. The Audio Commentary by Stephen R. Bissette, an esteemed film historian and cartoonist, stands out as a detailed exploration of the cultural significance of Ilya Muromets in Russian folklore and popular culture. Bissette skillfully bridges Western and Eastern perspectives, offering insightful comparisons between various versions of the tale and its cinematic adaptation. The Booklet provides an engaging introduction by Dennis Bartok, complemented by magazine articles delving into the career of the director Aleksandr Ptushko. The Restoration Trailer offers a glimpse into the restored visuals, providing additional context to this classic film’s legacy. Overall, these features are thoughtfully compiled, adding substantial value to the disc.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Insightful track by Stephen R. Bissette exploring folklore and film production.
• Booklet: Intro by Dennis Bartok and articles on Aleksandr Ptushko's career.
• Restoration Trailer: Preview of the film's restored version.

The 1956 classic "Ilya Muromets," known in the United States as "The Sword and the Dragon," exemplifies Aleksandr Ptushko’s pioneering influence in Russian fantasy cinema. Initiated as a grandiose Cinemascope spectacle inspired by Russian folk tales, the film was tailored to showcase Ptushko's imaginative prowess. His creative fidelity is seen in the vivid presentation of mythological themes, which although dense with Russian cultural elements and character intricacies, remains visually captivating throughout. The plot centers on Ilya, a noble warrior who emerges from the ruins of destruction instigated by the villainous Tugar Tsar Kalin, intent on defending Kiev. Despite occasionally intricate storylines tailored for native audiences, the film's essence flourishes through Ptushko’s ability to marry colossal narrative scope with spellbinding cinematic execution.

Visually, "Ilya Muromets" is an opulent feast for the eyes, often likened to mid-century Russian filmmaking's response to the epic scale of modern classics like the "Lord of the Rings." Employing thousands of extras, detailed costumes, and innovative effects ranging from large puppetry to matte painting techniques, Ptushko crafts a spectacle replete with grandeur. This re-release, faithfully restored by Mosfilm to its original Russian glory, complements the film’s intense visual splendor with a coherent narrative arc—one previously lost in Western adaptations. The restoration fundamentally amplifies the original's enchanting allure and immersive depth, making it accessible and engaging even for non-Russian viewers.

The restoration arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Deaf Crocodile, presented with a wealth of enhancements that enrich viewer experience beyond mere visual restoration. Included are insightful essays that contextualize the film within Russian cinematic history, embodying works deserving of exploration by any ardent film aficionado. This meticulous preservation not only reinstates the film’s intended narrative rhythm but also accentuates its cultural resonance amidst contemporary socio-political landscapes, providing a timeless cinematic experience etched into both past and present geopolitical consciousness.

The recent Blu-ray release of "The Sword and the Dragon" by Deaf Crocodile Films and Vinegar Syndrome is a noteworthy addition for enthusiasts of epic fantasy cinema. This restoration brings Aleksandr Ptushko's "Ilya Muromets" to U.S. audiences in its authentic Russian-language version, offering an immaculate visual experience. The vibrant imagery and grand visuals originally crafted by Ptushko remain fully intact, thanks to a meticulous restoration effort. This release also includes a spotless audio mix, making for an engaging home cinema presentation that honors the film's legendary status.

Accompanying the visual and auditory feast, the Blu-ray offers valuable extras including two insightful essays and an engaging audio commentary. These additions provide deeper context and enrich the overall viewing experience, making it an essential acquisition for collectors and new audiences alike. This restoration highlights not only the artistry of Ptushko’s filmmaking but also serves as a timely cultural touchstone, resonating with current global themes in its portrayal of heroism and villainy.

In conclusion, "The Sword and the Dragon" is a must-have for fans of epic folklore fantasy cinema. The restoration is a testament to the dedication to preserving cinematic history in a year that continues to be outstanding for physical media releases. With hints at future restorations, like Ptushko’s "Sampo," this Blu-ray proves to be a significant contribution to the canon of restored classic epics. Highly recommended for both new viewers and long-time fans seeking to experience the grandeur in its full restored glory.