Out of Africa Blu-ray Review

The recent video transfer of "Out of Africa" on Blu-ray is a marked improvement from its previous 2010 release. Universal’s meticulous ground-up restoration showcases David Watkin's Oscar-winning cinematography in stunning detail, capturing the lush African landscapes with a newfound vibrancy. The remaster addresses previous complaints, such as edge halos and noise reduction, though some issues still persist to a minimal extent. Edge halos, while still present, are far less distracting and appear infrequently, such as during the funeral scenes near the film's end. Noise reduction has been applied more judiciously, preserving fine textures and maintaining a natural filmic look, with only occasional cases of semi-waxy faces. While some may notice these effects intermittently, they are generally easy to overlook.

The remastered visuals are breathtakingly crisp and beautifully lush, providing a vivid representation of the film's rich color palette. Colors have been fine-tuned to perfection, offering lifelike skintones and true-to-life contrast that honors Watkin's original photography. Black levels are deep and rich, free from artifacting, banding, or crush issues. The film's details are finely rendered, with close-ups revealing intricate textures such as hair and pores, while African sunsets and vistas boast remarkable clarity. Articles within Blixen’s home, safari scenes, and even the party costumes exude a pleasing sharpness that makes the decor come alive.

Despite minor inconsistencies and the occasional presence of edge halos, this 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 remaster represents a colossal improvement over its predecessor. Those previously disappointed by the 2010 release will find this version highly satisfying, with colors finally popping as intended and depth markedly pronounced. This restoration is so significant that it warrants a double dip for any admirer of Sydney Pollack's romantic epic.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Out of Africa" is both capable and respectful of its Academy Award-winning score by John Barry. While the mix remains unchanged from previous releases, it offers a rich and satisfying auditory experience. The sound design effectively captures the essence of the African setting, from the quietest buzz of insects to the thunderous roar of a fire. Ambient effects, such as rustling leaves and wildlife sounds, are well-rendered, creating an immersive experience despite a somewhat subdued low end. Dialogue is consistently clear and positioned front and center, with foley effects and underscore complementing the surround channels.

However, some aspects of the audio presentation merit attention. The track suffers an initial jarring moment during the opening credits where the high volume and shrillness of Barry's score are disconcerting, though it does stabilize thereafter. The balance between dialogue and score occasionally appears uneven, which can detract from the overall experience. Surround activity is limited but still effective in creating a pleasing ambient atmosphere, particularly with sporadic sounds like the distant buzzards making their presence felt in the rear channels. Despite these limitations, dynamic range is adequately maintained with clean dialogue and some decent stereo separation enlivening key scenes.

Overall, while "Out of Africa" does not offer a cutting-edge or highly immersive audio experience, it remains a crisp and nicely directional track that envelops the listener in its soundfield. The technical presentation is serviceable and free of imperfections such as hiss or surface noise, though the lossless improvements are somewhat minimal given the film’s age. Despite these minor drawbacks, the mix honors the lyrical and romantic theme of Barry’s score, making it a complementary component to the film.

The Blu-ray extras for "Out of Africa" offer a rich and insightful look behind the scenes of this classic film, providing both technical details and engaging anecdotes. Sydney Pollack's audio commentary is thorough and thoughtful, blending technical aspects of the production, such as the unique natural light in Africa, with personal stories about the cast and the challenge of adapting Isak Dinesen's episodic book into a cohesive screenplay. "A Song of Africa," despite being in standard definition, delivers an extensive exploration of Karen Blixen’s life and Pollack's filmmaking approach, enriched by interviews with key contributors like Meryl Streep and composer John Barry. Additional features like deleted scenes further flesh out characters and relationships, while the original theatrical trailer showcases the film’s initial marketing.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Sydney Pollack's detailed insights on production challenges.
• A Song of Africa: In-depth documentary on Karen Blixen and film production.
• Deleted Scenes: Collection of extended and deleted scenes.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the film.

Universal's remastered 2012 Blu-ray presentation of "Out of Africa" impressively addresses the shortcomings of the 2010 release. Utilizing a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer from high-resolution 35mm film elements, the upgrade is stark. Abandoning the outdated master and correcting overzealous edge enhancement issues, this release presents an image that, while still occasionally prone to inherent softness and grain, offers a significantly improved visual experience. As advertised on the back cover, the film has been digitally remastered and fully restored, ensuring a crisper and more faithful representation of the original cinematic beauty.

"Out of Africa" remains a signature piece of epic romantic cinema, laden with descriptive visuals and ambitious narrative scope that initially captivated audiences and Academy voters alike. Its portrayal of the relationship between Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep) and Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford) against the backdrop of intricate Kenyan landscapes showcases the keen eye of Academy Award-winning cinematographer David Watkin. Despite its lush visual presentation and Streep's meticulously crafted performance, the film struggles to evoke a strong emotional connection, often feeling distant. The absence of Redford’s British accent undermines his role's authenticity, further detracting from the deeply historical context.

Yet, the film remains a testament to Sydney Pollack's directorial prowess and Streep's magnetic screen presence. The remaster accentuates Watkin's cinematography, enhancing sunsets, aerial vistas, and detailed interior scenes with vibrant color depth. However, the meandering plot and the subdued, sometimes mechanical portrayal of the central romance dampen some of its narrative impact. While it may not unerringly stir the soul, "Out of Africa" in this pristine Blu-ray edition is undeniably a visual feast and an ode to accomplished filmmaking.

Universal's second Blu-ray release of "Out of Africa" masterfully addresses the pitfalls of its 2010 predecessor, particularly through a meticulous restoration of the 35mm original elements and a high-quality video transfer. Although minor edge halos persist, judicious application of noise reduction enhances the overall image quality, rendering previous versions nearly obsolete. This edition stands out due to its substantial technical upgrades. The audio remains consistent with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that, while unchanged, continues to deliver a robust auditory experience. Special features have not seen an upgrade, yet the restoration alone provides a compelling incentive for enthusiasts to revisit this classic.

The new remastered edition breathes fresh life into Sydney Pollack's Oscar-winning romantic epic. The exceptional clarity, contrast, and color timing redefining the visual experience immerse viewers deeply into its exotic landscapes and poignant drama. This enhanced video quality shifts what was once a patience-trying experience into an engaging and immersive journey. The upgraded Digibook packaging further enriches this release, containing stunning photographs and thoughtfully crafted text, making it a visually appealing collector's item. Fixing the problematic video was the paramount goal for this release, and Universal has undeniably succeeded in that aspect.

In conclusion, despite the unchanged audio and supplemental features, this upgraded edition of "Out of Africa" is highly recommended. The substantial improvements in video quality and thoughtful packaging elevate the viewing experience significantly. This release is an excellent justification for double-dipping, ensuring both longtime fans and new viewers will find satisfaction.