Excalibur Blu-ray Review

Excalibur’s 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 Blu-ray transfer exhibits a distinct character true to the film’s original visual essence, preserving its soft lensing and gauzy filter effects. The aspect ratio is presented at 1.78:1, though it originally showcased a 1.66:1 frame in theaters, resulting in a slightly cramped look, especially noticeable in specific shots but with no significant loss of vital image information. The transfer respects the film’s grain structure without any signs of digital noise reduction (DNR), offering a genuine filmic experience despite inherent minor print blemishes like small pops and flecks that occasionally appear.

Color reproduction is both vibrant and muted—blending the bold greens of the foliage and Excalibur’s glow with more subdued reds and earthy tones. Despite the dreamy haze that smothers some intensity, the palette appears consistent with Alex Thompson's original vision, which relies more on earthy, arcane hues than on primary colors. Although blacks are deep, they can crush under minimal lighting, leading to poor shadow delineation particularly in night scenes or dark castle interiors. Several outdoor and daylight scenes fare better, although the presence of fog and smoke intentionally softens the overall clarity, sometimes muddying fine details.

The high definition format does reveal certain age-related deficiencies of the film elements. The clarity can expose crew reflections in the shiny silver armor and aged mattes during effects shots. Yet, this same clarity allows for an appreciation of textural details—chain-mail intricacies, fabric textures, and heraldic details are notably more defined. Edges remain smooth without egregious enhancement, with a few shots suggesting edge delineation as part of the cinematography rather than processing defects. While not flawless or transformed into a modern high-definition spectacle, Warner’s Blu-ray transfer is a loyal representation that celebrates Boorman’s stylistic intentions and improves considerably over previous standard definition releases.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track of the "Excalibur" Blu-ray offers a mixed but generally underwhelming auditory experience. Although technical limitations due to the original elements are acknowledged, the mix itself reveals several shortcomings. Dialogue clarity is inconsistent and plagued by occasional synchronization issues, detracting from intelligibility. The surround effects, although present, are minimal and leave much to be desired in terms of immersion, with most action confined to the front channels. This is particularly evident in battle scenes where the clamorous clashes of swords and armor lack heft and directional precision, rendering these segments less impactful than they should be.

The audio has some redeeming qualities, especially for fans of the film’s original style. The utilization of Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" during pivotal scenes is thunderously powerful and stands out within the mix. The subwoofer contributes significantly during sequences involving battering rams and catapults, providing a palpable, if sporadic, sense of depth. However, ambient sound elements such as birdsong and running water lack clarity and prominence, further diminishing the overall immersive experience. Occasionally, rear speaker activity does contribute fleeting but noticeable imaging effects, such as horses moving through the channels or a mace's trajectory in combat, showcasing glimpses of potential that remain largely unfulfilled.

Ultimately, while this lossless audio mix may represent an improvement over previous DVD releases, it fails to truly leverage the capabilities of modern surround sound systems. The soundtrack remains front-heavy with pronounced musical dominance over dialogue and effects, leaving a muddled and inconsistent soundscape. Despite its nostalgic authenticity to the film's original audio design, it appears in dire need of a meticulous overhaul to meet contemporary expectations fully. Adjustments to balance and dynamic range could have significantly elevated this presentation without compromising its historic fidelity.

The Blu-ray release of "Excalibur" is underwhelming in its extras, particularly on such a milestone as its 30th anniversary. The primary special feature, a recycled audio commentary by director John Boorman, offers some insightful production anecdotes and reflections on casting, effects, and Helen Mirren’s performance. However, the commentary's sporadic silences and occasional meandering make it somewhat tedious. Additionally, the inclusion of a theatrical trailer adds little value. Fans expecting more comprehensive behind-the-scenes content or new features will likely be disappointed by this scant offering. The packaging falls short, failing to capture the iconic essence once celebrated in the original poster art.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: John Boorman's detailed account of production challenges and film interpretation.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material for the film.

John Boorman’s Excalibur remains a compelling Arthurian interpretation, blending Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur with elements from other legends and texts. The film's narrative covers King Arthur’s journey from his conception through various battles, the establishment of the Round Table, and ultimately his demise at the hands of his son, Mordred. This adaptation is notable for its grandiose yet flawed vision, filled with themes of lust, betrayal, and tragedy.

Visually, Excalibur is both stunning and inconsistent, delivering a dark, muddy aesthetic that enhances its mythic quality but struggles to meet high-definition expectations. While a restoration would have been ideal, the current transfer on Blu-ray is respectable for those familiar with the film's original visual style. The performances are equally varied; Nigel Terry’s portrayal of Arthur ranges from sincere to stilted, while Nicol Williamson’s Merlin is compellingly erratic. Helen Mirren shines as Morgana, delivering a powerful and consistent performance amidst a cast that sometimes falters into theatrical excess.

Not just a historical piece, Excalibur indulges in both melodrama and high fantasy, creating a potent if uneven cinematic experience. The screenplay, co-written by Boorman and Rospo Pallenberg, is rich in ornate language and covers a broad scope encapsulating Arthur's entire saga. Despite narrative issues like episodic storytelling and character shifts without clear transitions, Boorman’s direction imbues the film with a Shakespearean gravitas. Trevor Jones’ music score and Alex Thompson’s cinematography further amplify the film's haunting allure. 

Excalibur's legacy persists not only because of its flaws but because of its ambition and epic grandeur. The Blu-ray presentation faithfully captures this dichotomy, making it both a magnificent fantasy epic and a subject of ongoing debate among fans and critics alike.

John Boorman's "Excalibur" is an outstanding visual rendition of the Arthurian legends, achieved impressively on a modest budget. The film's narrative follows the rise and fall of King Arthur, starting with Uther Pendragon and concluding with Arthur's despair and quest for the Holy Grail. Boorman's direction infuses the movie with a distinctive visual style, characterized by soft focus, vibrant pools of colored light, and strikingly iconic imagery such as the knights riding through apple blossom petals. The performances, although occasionally stilted, fit the narrative's grandiosity perfectly. Notably, Nigel Terry excels as Arthur, while Nicol Williamson’s portrayal of Merlin alongside an early career appearance by actors like Helen Mirren, Liam Neeson, and Patrick Stewart add depth to the film.

Warner's Blu-ray release offers a solid upgrade over the previous DVD edition. It maintains the original film’s integrity with a 1080p high-definition image, showcasing refined detail, true-to-original colors, and decent contrast. While the image remains softer due to the chosen film stock and era-specific optical processes, it serves the film well. The audio presentation in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio format stays true to the theatrical experience but is front-biased with clear dialogue and dynamic range. Trevor Jones’ score benefits significantly from the lossless format. However, the Blu-ray’s supplemental content is sparse, retaining only a commentary by Boorman and the theatrical trailer from previous editions.

In conclusion, "Excalibur" is a divisive yet compelling film that visual purists and fans of Arthurian lore will particularly appreciate. Though the Blu-ray video transfer is commendable, the audio could benefit from further remastering. The lack of extensive bonus content might disappoint some collectors. Nevertheless, the affordable price and improved high-definition presentation make it a worthy addition for enthusiasts of the film or genre.