The Lion in Winter Blu-ray Review

"The Lion in Winter" is presented on Blu-ray by Kino Lorber's Studio Classics imprint, boasting an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio from a 2016 4K scan supervised by StudioCanal. The restoration work substantially enhances the visual quality despite some persisting issues inherent in the original source material. Notable are occasional signs of age-related wear, visible as minor blemishes throughout. The film exhibits a pronounced grain, which generally provides a pleasant texture and film-like feel, though some high-frequency filtering seems evident in certain scenes, reducing the granularity intermittently.

The color palette favors earthy tones, yet there are moments of vibrant color that stand out, such as Hepburn's red robe and the lush greens of the palace grounds. Detail levels are superb across close-ups and midrange shots, revealing intricate fabrics and facial features with impressive clarity. There are some issues, such as color temperature and brightness varying in outdoor scenes and minor wobble during the opening credits, but these do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience. Shadow delineation is top-notch, keeping black levels deep and inky while avoiding crush, and whites remain stable without blooming.

The cinematography of Douglas Slocombe is honored by this transfer, allowing fans to appreciate the meticulously captured environments and costumes. Despite some rough patches with noticeable damage and the occasional debate over a potentially superior master being available, the current transfer is generally regarded as the best home video presentation of this film to date. This Blu-ray edition ultimately delivers a rich, detailed visual experience that celebrates the film's 50th anniversary while acknowledging the constraints and compromises of its aged elements.

The Blu-ray release of "The Lion in Winter" features both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and 2.0 (mono) tracks. The 5.1 mix, derived from the original 2.0 monaural track, lacks abundant surround activity, but compensates with a fuller midrange and low end. This enhancement supports John Barry's Oscar-winning score, allowing its rich, immersive qualities to fill the room with ease. Dialogue remains clear and comprehensible across both mixes, though the 2.0 track imbues voices with a slightly hollow timbre, emphasizing the reverberations of the palace's stone-lined corridors.

While the 5.1 track does not deliver notable stereo separation or discrete channelization, it excels in tonal depth and superior fidelity. Crisp sonic details, like clanking swords and barking dogs, are precisely rendered, and the dynamic range affords both mixes the ability to handle highs and lows smoothly—though a few of Peter O’Toole’s passionate outbursts edge on distortion. No noticeable age-related hiss or pops disrupt the listening experience, maintaining immersion in this dialogue-heavy film. Despite some minor limitations, particularly a scene where Henry's lines momentarily sound low and echoey, the audio presentation of "The Lion in Winter" is commendable and period-appropriate.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Lion in Winter" provide valuable insights into the film's production and historical context, although some fans may find the offerings limited. The Audio Commentary by Director Anthony Harvey is a rich repository of behind-the-scenes details, including Harvey's approach to accurately depicting medieval living conditions and anecdotes about the cast's chemistry. This commentary, despite occasional gaps, adds depth to the film’s appreciation. The Interview with Sound Recordist Simon Kaye is another highlight, offering a technical perspective on avoiding post-production dialogue looping and the nuances of on-location sound recording. Although the interviews with major actors are notably absent, the included trailers and other features still enrich the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Director Anthony Harvey: In-depth discussion on production, shooting locations, and cast interactions.
• Interview with Sound Recordist Simon Kaye: Technical aspects and challenges of on-location sound recording.
• The Lion in Winter Trailer: Original 480p theatrical preview.

"The Lion in Winter" offers a masterclass in dynamic, character-driven storytelling, deftly balancing historical intricacies with deeply human conflicts. The film, while occasionally taking liberties with historical accuracy, creates an immersive, authentically medieval atmosphere, evidenced by extensive outdoor location shoots in Welsh and French castles. Driven by James Goldman’s Oscar-winning script, the dialogue sparkles with Shakespearean elegance interwoven with contemporary wit. Anthony Harvey's direction skillfully opens up the stage play source, infusing it with cinematic breadth without losing its inherent theatricality. Visual elements such as period-accurate costumes, evocative production design, and exquisite cinematography further enrich the historical tapestry.

Peter O'Toole's portrayal of Henry II is robust and magnetic, vividly capturing the King's intricate blend of braggadocio and vulnerability. His interactions—whether hostile or tender—with Katharine Hepburn's Eleanor of Aquitaine are electrifying, laying bare a tumultuous yet undeniably affectionate relationship. Hepburn's Oscar-winning performance combines fierceness, maternal devotion, and humor, forever etching her portrayal into the annals of cinematic history. The supporting cast, including a young Anthony Hopkins as Richard, John Castle as Geoffrey, and Timothy Dalton as King Philip II, delivers equally compelling performances, all contributing to the film’s intricate web of political machinations and familial strife.

"The Lion in Winter" thrives on its richly layered character negotiations, each scene meticulously crafted to elevate the stakes while maintaining a high tension throughout. The film’s dialogue delivery reveals deep-seated familial complexities and rivalries, encapsulating a universal relatability despite its grand historical setting. Yet, uncertainty lingers at the film's conclusion, leaving some plot threads tantalizingly unresolved. This deliberate ambiguity might either vex or intrigue viewers, suggesting perhaps Goldman’s intent to reflect the incompleteness inherent in historical records. Overall, Harvey’s execution, blending rich performances with meticulous technical prowess, underscores "The Lion in Winter" as a deeply satisfying examination of power and familial dynamics.

Anthony Harvey's The Lion in Winter stands as a searing historical drama interlaced with biting domestic comedy, painting a riveting portrait of the royal family entangled in a power struggle during Christmas 1183. Based on James Goldman's Broadway play, the film delves into the Machiavellian maneuvering of King Henry II, portrayed by Peter O'Toole, and his formidable wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, played by Katharine Hepburn. Their exchanges, filled with crackling, literate dialogue, bring to life their toxic yet fascinating relationship. The authentic atmosphere is enhanced by beautiful cinematography from cinematographer Douglas Slocombe and stirring music by John Barry, whose inventive score deservedly received an Oscar.

Kino's 50th anniversary Blu-ray presentation of The Lion in Winter employs a meticulous 4K remaster that restores the film’s grandeur to an often breathtaking level. Accompanied by both 5.1 and 2.0 lossless soundtracks, the audio-visual experience is notably elevated. Supplementary features may be limited, but the overall technical merit is significant enough to warrant high praise. The powerful performances by O'Toole and Hepburn—alongside Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton in their premiere roles—imbue the narrative with compelling drama and wit. O'Toole’s nuanced portrayal of an older, if no wiser, Henry II provides a stark continuity with his younger self in Becket, underscoring the consistency of his characterization.

If you haven't seen Becket or The Lion in Winter, they make for an absolutely fascinating double feature, especially with regard to O'Toole's characterization. I'd love to know whether he screened Becket before undertaking The Lion in Winter, for as different as the underlying plot mechanics are in each film, Henry II seems like the same character in both, albeit older if no wiser in this film. O'Toole manifests some of the very same mannerisms, including furtive glances, bowed head, and occasionally hyperbolic bellowing, all to fantastic effect. Hepburn, who famously shared a Best Actress Academy Award that year with someone named Streisand or something, delivers one of her finest latter-day performances as well. Production elements are top-notch, including Goldman's Oscar-winning screenplay and Barry's similarly Oscar-winning score. Technical merits have some intermittent obstacles to overcome, but my hunch is those who have had previous home video versions of The Lion in Winter will indeed be putting this release in the glass-half-full category. Recommended.