The Immortal Story Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray presentation of "The Immortal Story" is a carefully crafted visual treat. This edition offers an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio of 1.66:1, sourced from a 35 mm original camera negative and a 35 mm interpositive, and digitally transferred in 4K resolution. Restoration was carried out in 2K resolution, and the results are evident in the exceptional portrayal of colors and details. Most notable are the sumptuous royal purples and cool blues, though occasional variances in the thickness of the grain field and a slight bluish undertone indicate the blend of different source elements. These nuances, however, do not detract but rather add texture to an already high-caliber presentation.

This transfer surpasses all prior video editions, boasting excellent color rendition and striking detail levels, particularly in Welles' close-ups where texture and facial detail are rendered with impressive clarity. Skin tones maintain their natural appearance without any discernable digital noise reduction (DNR) applied, preserving the authenticity of the film's visual composition. Although minor imperfections such as fleeting jitter and uneven grain structure appear occasionally, they are minimal distractions in what is otherwise an outstanding restoration effort.

Criterion's commitment to preserving the original cinematic experience through this robust transfer ensures that both new viewers and longtime fans can fully appreciate the visual intricacies of Orson Welles' "The Immortal Story." This edition offers a significant upgrade, effectively balancing historical fidelity with contemporary restoration technologies to deliver an exemplary viewing experience.

The Blu-ray of "The Immortal Story" offers two versions of the film, each with its respective LPCM Mono track: an English language version and a slightly shorter original French broadcast version. The soundtrack, derived from 35mm sound negatives, delivers a commendable audio experience free from common issues such as dropouts, distortion, or other forms of damage. Erik Satie’s enchanting compositions, including "Gnossienne No. 3" and "Gymnopédie No. 1," are captured in full-bodied detail, maintaining clarity and avoiding any harsh upper register frequencies. The dialogue and narration are consistently clean and distinct in both versions.

Despite the film's era-typical sound recording limitations, the English version is particularly notable for its lack of muffled sounds or lip-synch problems often associated with Welles' other works. Dialogue, while generally intelligible, can occasionally be indistinct due to the mono recording quality of the time. Moreau’s dual rendition of lines in both English and French add an interesting nuance, while Welles and Eshley deliver their parts distinctly in English. Ambient details such as off-screen insect sounds are effectively positioned on the front left channel, demonstrating an attentive sound design that enhances the overall auditory experience. This mono track stands out as dependable and effectively reminiscent of a traditional theater presentation.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Immortal Story" are rich and diverse, providing deep insights into Orson Welles' filmmaking. Highlights include the 1968 documentary by François Reichenbach and Frédéric Rossif, which offers candid footage and anecdotes of Welles. Actor Norman Eshley's 2016 interview shares his unique experiences working with Welles. Additionally, cinematographer Willy Kurant's 2004 interview delves into his technical approaches, particularly his experimentation with Eastmancolor. Welles scholar François Thomas provides thorough analysis on Welles' admiration for Isak Dinesen in a 2016 interview. The disc also features an audio commentary by Adrian Martin from 2005, offering insightful observations and historical context. Both English and French language versions of the film are available.

Extras included in this disc:

• Portrait: Orson Welles: Intimate documentary with rare footage.
• Interview with Norman Eshley: Actor discusses his role and experiences.
• Interview with Willy Kurant: Cinematographer's technical perspectives.
• Interview with François Thomas: Scholar's detailed analysis.
• Audio Commentary by Adrian Martin: Insightful feature-length commentary.
• English and French Language Versions: Full versions in both languages.
• Essay by Jonathan Rosenbaum: A comprehensive essay included as a leaflet.

Orson Welles's "The Immortal Story," based on a short tale by Isak Dinesen, presents an intriguing, albeit flawed, narrative execution that only a filmmaker of Welles’s stature could devise. Filmed for French television in 1968 and set in nineteenth-century Macao, it tells the story of a wealthy merchant, Mr. Clay (Orson Welles), who attempts to bring an old seafaring yarn to life by hiring a sailor, Paul (Norman Eshley), to impregnate Virginie Ducrot (Jeanne Moreau), a woman whose father Clay had ruined. The plot entangles themes of destiny, melancholy, and voyeuristic obsession, meticulously reflecting Welles’ fascination with disillusionment and human regret.

The production, Welles’s first in color, showcases some of his most evocative visuals. Cinematographer Willy Kurant employs hazy, dreamlike shots suffused with a pale yellow gauze that creates a strikingly golden hue in the interiors of Clay’s domicile. Notably, the film features long takes and static shots that seemingly halt the narrative momentum but simultaneously enhance its atmospherics. The use of Erik Satie’s music adds to the film's ethereal quality, juxtaposing the narrative's innate smarminess with a sort of fantasy-like veneer. Though budget constraints are evident in parts, the film remains a visually engaging period drama with distinct stylistic elements reminiscent of Welles's earlier works, such as "Touch of Evil," with its precise compositions and occasional claustrophobic group shots.

Despite some critiques regarding its narrative pace and limited dynamism, "The Immortal Story" is rife with technical brilliance. Welles’s manipulation of color and unique framing techniques, alongside the thematic exploration of stories within stories and reality versus fiction, imbue the film with a meta-cinematic quality. As much as it might frustrate conventional tastes with its deliberate pace and theatrical monologues, Welles’s penultimate film finds a place within his oeuvre worth critical rediscovery. Criterion Collection’s splendid presentation further elevates the film as an essential study in cinematic craftsmanship and storytelling experimentation.

'The Immortal Story' is a sumptuously photographed film that lingers on love and death. Criterion has lovingly restored both the English and French versions and given Welles's film the deluxe treatment it deserves with bountiful extras. Most highly recommended.

With Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Immortal Story," audiences are treated to an exquisite restoration of Orson Welles' evocative narrative. The film boasts lush cinematography, accentuated by Criterion's meticulous attention to detail in the transfer, ensuring that every frame is rendered with utmost clarity and depth. The disc not only includes both the English and French versions, which allows viewers to appreciate the film's linguistic nuances, but it also is replete with insightful supplements that delve into Welles’ creative process and the film's production history. This makes it an essential addition for enthusiasts of classic cinema.

Welles completists will probably want to check out this odd but kind of weirdly captivating piece. It has some of the hallmarks of Welles' often florid framings, but it's also kind of curiously static a lot of the time. Technical merits are solid, and as usual Criterion has assembled some interesting supplements, for those who are considering a purchase.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Immortal Story" brings to the fore the essence of Orson Welles’ visual and narrative style in an arresting manner. The film's striking cinematography, captured in both English and French versions, is meticulously restored, showcasing Criterion's commitment to fidelity in home media releases. The transfer is exemplary, with each scene displaying improved clarity and depth that underscores the emotive power of Welles’ direction. Supplemental materials provide invaluable context, enhancing appreciation for Welles’ artistic choices and the film's thematic profundities.

This Blu-ray edition is more than just a high-definition restoration; it is an immersive cinematic experience that delves into themes of love and mortality with Welles' distinctively expressive framing. Despite some moments of curious stasis in its pacing, the film remains a compelling watch, complemented by Criterion's high-caliber technical presentation and thoughtfully assembled extras.

Welles completists and classic cinema aficionados alike should consider adding "The Immortal Story" Blu-ray to their collections. Its technical merits are solid, capturing the hallmarks of Welles' florid visuals, while the extensive Criterion-curated supplements offer deep insights into the film’s production and legacy. This release is not only a testament to Welles' genius but also to Criterion’s dedication to preserving cinematic artistry.