One Hundred Steps Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "One Hundred Steps" from Raro Video is offered in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, utilizing an MPEG-4 AVC codec, and delivers a 1080p resolution. The visual fidelity, while resting on an older master, presents notable strengths in clarity, delineation, and depth. Instances of very light black crush are present but not prevalent enough to detract significantly from the viewing experience. Impressively, darker indoor and nighttime scenes display unexpected levels of detail and nuance. Although there are no signs of disruptive digital alterations, the grain lacks the expected consistent organic density. Color balance retains its integrity despite a deliberate warm stylization, reminiscent of the R2 DVD release from Italy.

Overall, the video achieves commendable quality with vivid detailing devoid of substantial artifacts such as debris, cuts, or stains. The transfer—although it could benefit aesthetically from a new master—remains largely unmarred by common physical defects. This suggests an enduring stability in its core elements and authentic reproduction without overt interference. As a Region-Free Blu-ray, it offers broad accessibility for international audiences, bolstering its value as a solid offering in Raro Video's catalog.

The Blu-ray release of "One Hundred Steps" delivers an Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo track, accompanied by optional English subtitles for the main feature. While a 5.1 track may be preferred by some, particularly those anticipating a more immersive audio experience, the existing 2.0 track performs adequately. Dialog is consistently clear, sharp, and maintains stable levels throughout the film, ensuring that viewers can engage with the narrative without distraction. The English translations provided are of high quality, catering effectively to non-Italian-speaking audiences.

Despite not offering a multi-channel surround sound experience, the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track competently supports the film's audio needs. It is not particularly aggressive but serves the content well given the film's original production constraints. Audiophiles may notice that while the track isn't expansive, it does capture the intended ambiance and nuances of the film's score and sound design effectively.

Overall, while the audio presentation might not fully satisfy those with high expectations for modern surround sound mixes, it represents a faithful reproduction in line with the film's original audio characteristics. The focus on clarity and stability in dialog ensures that the primary elements of storytelling are preserved, allowing for an unobtrusive viewing experience. This release caters well to both purists seeking authenticity and general viewers seeking satisfactory audio quality.

The Blu-ray extras of "One Hundred Steps" offer a comprehensive and insightful look into the film’s creation and historical context. Andrea Purgatori provides a compelling audio commentary, enriching the viewer's experience by exploring intricate details of the screenplay and the inspiration behind the story. The extras are meticulously crafted to provide both entertainment and informative content for audiences who seek deeper engagement with the film. The disc maintains a high-quality presentation throughout, with particular attention given to both audio fidelity and visual clarity, ensuring an immersive supplementary experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: An audio commentary recorded by writer and actor Andrea Purgatori, offering detailed insights into the film's development and thematic elements.

Marco Tullio Giordana's "One Hundred Steps" is a gripping biographical drama that delves into the complex socio-political landscape of Sicily during the 1970s, focusing on the life of Peppino Impastato (1948-1978). The film presents a detailed portrayal of Impastato, a young left-wing activist who bravely condemned the influence of the Sicilian Mafia, confronting the entrenched societal structures within his hometown. Although the screenplay and direction may appear ordinary, akin to typical made-for-cable or streaming biopics in the U.S., the film's unique perspective on Italian socio-political nuances is noteworthy. The narrative captures the overshadowed significance of Impastato's murder, which coincided with the discovery of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro’s body, leaving his execution underreported and misunderstood as either accidental or suicidal until the truth emerged over two decades later.

In "One Hundred Steps," Giordana reconstructs Impastato's experiences through episodic storytelling, highlighting his evolution from a passionate critic of mafia influence to a disillusioned idealist. The film meticulously explores Impastato's personal conflict stemming from his father's traditionalist association with elder mafia figures, viewed as protectors rather than criminals within their local economy. Crucially, it underscores how Impastato's radicalization blinds him to the potential repercussions of replacing local mafia control with a communist regime. This substitution poses a risk of transferring power to state authorities in Rome, thus stripping the region of its autonomy—an element vital to understanding the enduring North-South divide in Italy. Despite the film's partiality towards Impastato’s political ideologies, it succeeds in exposing various Italian socio-political dynamics, though it arguably glamorizes aspects of his story, contrasting with more rigorous deconstructions of Southern Italian history as depicted in films such as "Salvatore Giuliano."

Raro Video’s Blu-ray release of "One Hundred Steps," distributed through Kino Lorber, offers a robust technical presentation that respects the film's historical and artistic value. The 1080p high-definition transfer in a 1.85:1 widescreen format meets contemporary standards, particularly considering the film's age. Visual quality is commendable with vivid color reproduction, sharp detailing, and balanced contrast. This ensures that the viewer experiences the film as it was intended, preserving its original aesthetic integrity. The audio, presented in Italian DTS-HD Master Audio (2.0 stereo), provides a clear and satisfactory auditory experience, though it lacks the aggressiveness that might be expected from more modern releases. Optional English subtitles are well-synchronized and serve effectively for non-Italian speakers.

The film itself reconstructs the real-life events surrounding the mafia and its deep-rooted associations with Southern Italy, offering a lens into one of the most intriguing socio-political landscapes. However, it tends to take a staunchly one-sided approach, potentially overlooking an opportunity to provide a broader and more nuanced exploration of the complexities plaguing this era and region. Despite this, the narrative is impactful and remains an important cinematic portrayal that sheds light on significant historical events.

In conclusion, "One Hundred Steps" is a compelling film that combines historical significance with engaging storytelling. While its perspective might be limited, the Raro Video Blu-ray ensures a quality viewing experience with its respectable video and audio presentations. This release is particularly appealing for history enthusiasts and cinephiles interested in Italian culture and politics, making it a recommended addition to any collection.