Sense and Sensibility Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Sense and Sensibility" comes with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, showcasing a generally high-quality presentation. This edition is suggested to be from the same master as the previous UK Blu-ray, but with a noticeably brighter transfer. Colors are well-suffused and vibrant, and film grain is natural, avoiding any evident Digital Noise Reduction artifacts. The cinematography by Michael Coulter, which was Academy Award-nominated, retains its glossy and diffused look, especially in exterior shots of rural England. Close-ups provide abundant detail, especially in costume fabrics and furniture.

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer offers mixed initial impressions. Without definitive technical details about the source, it appears to be a new master, likely scanned at 4K as standard practice at Sony Pictures. Some scenes are highly sharp and detailed, with vivid colors and well-maintained film grain structure. However, certain instances reveal fluctuations in clarity and sharpness, particularly in candlelight scenes, which can appear noisy and distracting. Exteriors sometimes exhibit overly vibrant colors, giving a harsh digital appearance rather than a film-like texture.

Notably, the grain appears more toned down in the latter half of the film, highlighting exceptional close-up shots of the actresses' faces and intricate production design details. While the overall impressions of the transfer lean favorably, certain aspects might seem overly digital relative to the expected softer textures of 35mm theatrical prints. This Blu-ray offers a largely favorable visual experience but could benefit from more balanced textures to align closer to traditional film aesthetics.

The Blu-ray release of "Sense and Sensibility" offers two primary audio options: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The 5.1 track is notably immersive during scenes that utilize ambient environmental effects or interior sequences accompanied by music, while still remaining somewhat conservative from an overall sound design perspective. Nevertheless, both tracks maintain superb clarity and prioritization, ensuring dialogue, even at its quietest, remains discernible. Despite a somewhat constrained dynamic range, the fidelity throughout the presentation is consistently excellent.

Originally mixed in the now-defunct SDDS format for its theatrical run, the Blu-ray maintains commendable audio quality. Patrick Doyle's score is presented with rich musicality, enhancing the film’s emotional undertones. Notably, subtle auditory details such as crackling fires and creaking wood are rendered with exceptional precision. Surround activity is minimal, with both options featuring negligible bass presence. Despite this, the attention to clean audio and nuanced sound effects ensures a satisfying auditory experience, even within the limitations of a more dialogue-driven film.

The Blu-ray release of "Sense and Sensibility" impressively carries over all the bonus features from previous editions, albeit with mixed quality in video presentation, often appearing upscaled and ragged. Audio commentaries by both Emma Thompson and Producer Lindsay Doran, as well as Ang Lee and James Schamus, provide rich insights into acting, writing, and production challenges. New to this Blu-ray are several featurettes primarily sourced from vintage Electronic Press Kits. These additions, while promotional, offer intriguing looks into adapting Jane Austen's novel, costume design intricacies, location scouting, character development, and Ang Lee’s unique directorial choices. The disc also includes deleted scenes and trailers in various formats. An isolated score track presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 rounds out the thoughtful audio experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Emma Thompson and Lindsay Doran: Focuses on script structuring and adapting the novel.
• Audio Commentary with Ang Lee and James Schamus: Emphasizes production anecdotes.
• Deleted Scenes: Includes character moments and key interactions.
• Emma Thompson's Golden Globe Acceptance Speech: A charming reflection on Jane Austen and the awards ceremony.
• Theatrical Trailers: Both domestic and international versions.
• Adapting Austen: Interviews and behind-the-scenes footage on screenplay adaptation.
• Elegance & Simplicity: The Wardrobe of Sense and Sensibility: Insights from the costume designers.
• Locating the World of Sense and Sensibility: Discusses authentic locations used in filming.
• A Sense of Character: Explores casting choices and character approaches.
• A Very Quiet Man: Background on hiring Ang Lee as director.
• Isolated Score Track: Patrick Doyle’s music in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

In an era long past, the works of Jane Austen remain surprisingly relevant, particularly for modern women who admire her resilient characters. Emma Thompson's adaptation of "Sense and Sensibility" aligns with this sentiment, deftly balancing fidelity to Austen's original themes with appealing cinematic flourishes. Set against Ang Lee's sumptuous production, the story captures the plight of the spirited Dashwood sisters—Elinor (Thompson) and Marianne (Kate Winslet)—as they navigate a society that limits women's autonomy while at the same time highlighting their ability to shape their own destinies within such constraints. While not as viscerally romantic as other Austen adaptations, this film offers a nuanced exploration of the economic realities faced by women in Austen's era.

The inheritance laws central to the plot serve as a catalyst for the Dashwood's tribulations, providing the narrative framework for this emotionally resonant film. Upon Mr. Dashwood's death, his estate passes not to his daughters but to his son from a previous marriage, epitomizing the restrictive patrilineal norms of the time. This sets the stage for Elinor and Marianne's romantic entanglements—Elinor with the reserved Edward Ferrars (Hugh Grant) and Marianne with both the older Colonel Brandon (Alan Rickman) and the charismatic John Willoughby (Greg Wise). Thompson’s script, rich with intelligent and occasionally humorous dialogue, modernizes Austen’s language just enough to appeal to contemporary audiences without losing the essence of the period.

Exceptional performances elevate this adaptation. Thompson’s portrayal of Elinor is marked by a mastery of conveying repressed emotions, a skill she perfected in "The Remains of the Day." Alan Rickman’s Colonel Brandon brings unexpected emotional depth, while Kate Winslet shines as Marianne, embodying both youthful impulsiveness and poignant vulnerability. Ang Lee’s direction affords the film a polished yet somewhat detached feel, focusing on character interactions within the beautifully filmed English countryside. Despite some criticisms of its occasionally impersonal tone and dependence on marital resolutions to plot conflicts, "Sense and Sensibility" stands as an elegant, intelligent, and heartfelt adaptation that continues to be a benchmark for subsequent interpretations of Austen's work.

The Blu-ray release of Ang Lee's "Sense and Sensibility" is an intriguing addition to any cinematic collection. With a keen eye for detail, the video transfer presents a mostly faithful rendition of this beloved adaptation, capturing the film's lush visual essence. The picture quality is generally sharp, with a refined color palette that brings out the film’s period elegance, though some occasional inconsistencies in clarity may be noted. The audio mix is meticulously balanced, allowing the dialogue, score, and ambient sounds to blend seamlessly, contributing to an immersive viewing experience.

From a performance standpoint, the film shines brightly. Emma Thompson leads the cast with impeccable grace, supported by equally compelling performances from Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, and Hugh Grant. The screenplay, penned by Thompson herself, distills Jane Austen’s narrative into a screenplay ripe with emotional depth and wit. Ang Lee’s direction brings a subtle yet profound touch to the storytelling, with each scene meticulously crafted to maintain the story’s integrity while offering a visually engaging portrayal of Austen's regency world.

This particular "Sense and Sensibility" may forego a few of Jane Austen's original conceptions for both character and plot dynamics, but it’s also a decidedly authentic-feeling adaptation benefitting from sterling performances, smart writing, and an elegant directorial touch from Ang Lee. Unerringly beautiful from production design and cinematography standpoints, "Sense and Sensibility" may not have the sexual tension that informs the Firth "Pride and Prejudice," but it offers a wonderful wit and intelligence that have their own magnetic qualities. Highly recommended.