Company Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Company" is framed at 1.78:1 and encoded in 1080i high definition, contrary to the incorrect labeling on the jacket that lists it as 1080p and an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The detailed AVC-encoded transfer captures the live-action event with commendable clarity. Close-up and medium shots exhibit high levels of detail, so much so that even the seams in the stage wigs and the intricate patterns in Tracy Christensen's costumes are easily discernible. Although long-distance shots do reveal some limitations intrinsic to the 1080i format, the overall image coherence remains intact, allowing viewers to appreciate the nuances in performance.

The lighting, designed by Kirk Bookman and Alan Adelman, plays a significant role in creating dynamic visuals. The blacks are solid, offering a suitable inky texture, and while the colors vary due to changing stage lights, they remain consistently well-defined. An interesting visual effect is created by altering the color of Bobby's jacket throughout the performance, achieved through intentional changes in stage lighting to signify his chameleon-like nature. Flesh tones are consistent, and the overall contrast is well-maintained.

Despite concerns about compression over a lengthy 2:24 runtime on a single BD-50 disc, the presentation remains free from noticeable errors. This suggests that Image Entertainment made more efficient use of the BD-50's capacity. The transfer’s quality ensures an immersive viewing experience that feels almost like being present at the live performance. Overall, this Blu-ray stands out as one of the better stage-to-film productions available.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Company" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which serves as the sole audio option. This lossless track offers a commendable auditory experience, though it comes with its share of nuances. The acoustics, while clear and dynamic, may sometimes seem detached from the visual spaces, a likely byproduct of meticulous studio mixing rather than live recordings from Avery Fisher Hall. The singers' voices are primarily anchored to the center channel, maintaining clarity and stability, with occasional creative use of the surrounding channels, particularly during moments featuring the married couples. The 35-piece orchestra delivers a rich, full-bodied sound that fully realizes Jonathan Tunick’s original arrangements, featuring excellent dynamic range and deep bass extension that enhance the overall experience.

Audience interactions are restrained in this mix and do not overpower the primary performance, subtly supporting rather than overshadowing the musical numbers. The choice to limit applause ensures focus remains on the stage. However, the mix is predominantly front-channel heavy and underutilizes subwoofer capabilities, especially during moments with overlapping dialogue or ensemble singing. This front-heavy design might detract slightly from potential immersion but maintains intelligibility and a defined soundstage for the orchestral components. Overall, while the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is meticulously crafted and offers high fidelity reproduction with selective crowd noise management, there are areas where a more balanced spatial distribution could have improved the immersive quality of the audio presentation.

The Blu Ray of "Company" offers a substantial selection of extras designed to enhance the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the production. Professional in tone and technically comprehensive, these extras are crafted with a high degree of meticulousness, offering deep insights into the film's creation and artistic vision. Each component serves as a valuable resource for both enthusiasts and scholars, characterized by coherent presentation and attention to detail. The supplemental material includes interviews with the cast and crew, behind-the-scenes footage, and critical analysis, ensuring that there is something to engage every type of viewer. Just be aware that this release does not have additional physical extras beyond informative liner notes included in the case.

Extras included in this disc:

• Cast Interviews: Engaging discussions with the principal cast members about their experiences and challenges during the production.
• Crew Insights: Behind-the-scenes footage with the production crew, exploring technical aspects and creative decisions.
• Critical Analysis: Experts providing detailed breakdowns of key scenes and thematic elements.

Stephen Sondheim's 1970 musical "Company" has long been revered for its nuanced portrayal of adult relationships and its ability to balance warmth and humor without delving into sentimentality. This Blu-ray release captures the 2011 concert staging at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, directed by Lonny Price, who masterfully brings an ambitious vision to life. With a star-studded cast including Neil Patrick Harris as Bobby and performances from the likes of Stephen Colbert and Patti LuPone, this production showcases a unique blend of Broadway talent and notable screen actors, offering a dynamic and engaging take on the classic.

Neil Patrick Harris shines as Bobby, displaying a range of emotions from amusement to existential bewilderment, perfectly capturing the essence of Sondheim's perpetual bachelor. Harris embodies Bobby's carefree journey through life, counterbalancing Raúl Esparza's darker interpretation from the 2006 revival. The supporting cast enhances the experience significantly; Stephen Colbert and Martha Plimpton deliver impeccable comic timing as the competitive couple Harry and Sarah, while Patti LuPone commands the stage with her powerful rendition of "The Ladies Who Lunch."

The non-linear structure of "Company" remains intact, with interconnected vignettes revolving around Bobby’s relationships and interactions with five married couples and three girlfriends. The abstract nature of the plot is complemented by minimalistic yet effective staging that emulates the simplicity of prior productions while leveraging a full concert orchestra under Paul Gemignani's direction. Despite the logistical challenges of assembling such an ensemble cast, Price succeeds in creating a cohesive and vibrant performance that retains the musical’s integrity and depth. This Blu-ray not only preserves the spirited live performances but also allows for an engaging and cinematic experience, making it a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers to Sondheim's work.

The Blu-ray release of the 2006 production of "Company" stands as a presentation of theatrical brilliance with few visible flaws. Directed by Lonny Price, this iteration of Stephen Sondheim’s work captures the essence of the musical with a poised and intimate lens. The video quality maintains a high standard, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals that complement the dynamic performances on stage. However, the audio quality, while generally satisfactory, falls short of exemplary standards; enthusiasts might notice occasional dips that could slightly detract from an otherwise immersive experience.

One notable shortcoming of this Blu-ray edition is the lack of supplementary content. Bonus features such as rehearsal footage or cast interviews would have enriched the viewer's appreciation and understanding. The omission is regrettable, particularly for aficionados who relish behind-the-scenes insights. Nonetheless, the strength of the cast cannot be overstated—stellar performances elevate this production and breathe life into Sondheim's complex character schematics and narrative structures.

In my review of the 2006 production of Company on Blu-ray, I said that the show was unlikely to be made into a movie but that, if it ever happened, the movie would be nothing like the play. Lonny Price's Philharmonic staging should remove any remaining incentive to adapt Company to the screen because it lets you bring this musical theater masterpiece into your media room in as good a presentation as anyone is likely to create for a long time to come. If someone thinks they can do better, they'll need a damn good script, and they'll have to score casting coups with not just one but a dozen roles. Highly recommended.