The Name of the Rose Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Name of the Rose" presents an AVC-encoded 1080p transfer in 1.77:1 that emphasizes both the strengths and limitations of this classic film. While the movie has never been a visual masterpiece due to its inherent design choices, the Blu-ray edition offers significant improvements over previous DVD releases, particularly in the interior monastery sequences. The film’s opening sequence, hindered by the opticals of the titles, should not be indicative of the overall quality. Intentional soft focus and misty atmospheres are preserved to align with Jean-Jacques Annaud's directorial vision, while whole new levels of fine shadow detail emerge—a notable advancement from prior formats.

Adhering to Tonino Delli Colli's original photography, the presentation maintains a drab and dreary color palette true to the source material, with primary colors accurately rendered in their subdued state. The high-definition transfer ensures clarity and resolution remain steadfast despite the lifeless color scheme. Black levels are impressively deep, offering strong shadow delineation, crucial for the film’s many dimly lit scenes. The grain structure, thick yet not intrusive, adds to the film-like quality of the presentation, enhancing the texture and fine details within the monastery’s architecture. Facial complexions appear well-rendered, revealing nuances such as blemishes and wrinkles, adding to the authenticity of the period setting.

Overall, "The Name of the Rose" on Blu-ray delivers a higher fidelity visual experience compared to its DVD predecessor, capturing intricate detailing without succumbing to digital noise. Although it may not serve as a showpiece for display technology, it provides an engaging and accurate reproduction of the film's original aesthetic intent, enriching the viewing experience of this fascinating mystery thriller.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for The Name of the Rose significantly enhances the film's atmospheric tension, portraying the eerie ambiance of the medieval monastery with striking precision. Echoes and lingering sound effects deftly traverse the soundfield, contributing to a menacing tone from the outset. The soundstage is expansive with meticulous channel separation that ensures a balanced and immersive auditory experience. Fidelity is robust, and dynamic range is impressive, maintaining clarity throughout. While some dialogue can be difficult to decipher due to the international cast, the overall delivery remains strong. Environmental effects are expertly handled, adding a palpable sense of presence that complements the film's mysterious setting.

The front-heavy DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack boasts an inviting and highly engaging imaging profile. Dialogue reproduction remains largely clean and intelligible, barring a few mumbled whispers early in the film. Acoustics are precise, with discrete off-screen effects exhibiting convincing directionality. The mix also features a satisfying low-end, offering depth to both the score and infrequent action sequences. Narration that bookends the film benefits from improved mixing compared to previous DVD releases, presenting with less boxy resonance. Overall, this high-rez stereo presentation delivers an enjoyable audio experience befitting this dialogue-driven mystery drama.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Name of the Rose" offer a wealth of content for film enthusiasts, particularly those interested in the directorial intricacies and behind-the-scenes details. The dual audio commentaries by Jean-Jacques Annaud, available in heavily accented English and French with subtitles, provide a comprehensive and anecdote-rich exploration of the film's production, financing, and reception. "The Abbey of Crime: Umberto Eco's Name of the Rose" is a 43-minute German television special, presenting extensive behind-the-scenes footage but complicated by overlapping narrations and subtitles. The "Photo Video Journey" features Annaud's retrospective narration on the film's locations and production design, making it an excellent companion to his commentary tracks. The package is rounded off by the original theatrical trailer. All these features have been ported over from the DVD release, ensuring that nothing is lost for fans upgrading to Blu-ray.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentaries by Jean-Jacques Annaud: Insightful tracks in English and French covering the making of the film.
• The Abbey of Crime: In-depth making-of feature with extensive behind-the-scenes footage.
• Photo Video Journey: Retrospective focusing on locations and production design.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film.

Based on Umberto Eco’s intricate novel, “The Name of the Rose” is a gripping medieval mystery helmed by director Jean-Jacques Annaud. Sean Connery stars as William of Baskerville, a 14th-century Franciscan monk who combines empirical investigation with intellectual prowess to unravel a series of gruesome deaths at a Benedictine monastery. Connery’s portrayal echoes his other medieval characters, infusing the role with gravitas and wit. Christian Slater, as the novice Adso, delivers a naive yet poignant performance that complements Connery's seasoned sleuth. The supporting cast, including Ron Perlman, F. Murray Abraham, and William Hickey, add depth and complexity to the narrative, enhancing the eerie authenticity of their monastic world.

Visually, the film is a triumph in historical production design. Shot by Tonino Delli Colli and brought to life through meticulous set pieces, “The Name of the Rose” immerses viewers in a gritty, atmospheric vision of the Middle Ages. The film’s dark, dreary photography serves to heighten the tension, effectively transporting audiences to an era where superstition often triumphed over reason. Annaud’s adaptation remains faithful to the philosophical underpinnings of Eco's novel, weaving in rich themes of faith versus science and the perils of blind belief.

While the central mystery invites comparison to a medieval Sherlock Holmes tale, it’s the philosophical subtext and social commentary that elevate the film. The narrative probes complex questions of knowledge, power, and religious orthodoxy, often leaving viewers pondering long after the credits roll. As intellectually satisfying as it is visually compelling, “The Name of the Rose” stands as both a deeply layered detective story and a rich historical tapestry, ensuring its appeal to those who appreciate a mystery steeped in scholarly and historical intrigue.

"The Name of the Rose" Blu-ray release provides a substantial enhancement over its previous DVD iteration, demonstrating notable improvements in both video and audio quality. Set in a 14th-century monastery, this film adapts Umberto Eco's complex novel with a remarkable fidelity to its intricate themes and narrative depth. Director Jean-Jacques Annaud successfully encapsulates elements of superstition, faith, empirical knowledge, and the scientific method in this period murder mystery. The cast, featuring Sean Connery, Christian Slater, Ron Perlman, and F. Murray Abraham, delivers compelling performances that elevate the film’s intense and almost Fellini-esque ambiance.

Despite some inherent graininess and softness—a characteristic of the film’s original aesthetic—the Blu-ray's video presentation offers a clear improvement. The transfer respects the film's atmospheric lighting and historical setting while ensuring that the visuals remain engaging and immersive. The audio quality also sees an upgrade, providing a richer soundtrack that enhances the film's suspenseful and eerie undertones. While supplements match those of the previous DVD release, their quality remains robust, making this Blu-ray edition a commendable acquisition for both new viewers and long-time admirers.

The Name of the Rose was a one-of-a-kind novel that defied easy categorization and required close attention to uncover its many references and mysteries. This film adaptation might lose some depth and grandeur of Eco’s source material, but it faithfully captures the book's spirit with a viscerally creepy atmosphere. Though not quite as singular as the novel, it stands as a fascinating and compelling cinematic experience. The Blu-ray presentation significantly enhances the viewing experience, making it highly recommended for enthusiasts of the story and film buffs alike.