Henry V Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Henry V" from Shout! Factory is a mixed bag, encapsulating both positive and negative aspects in its 1080p AVC encoded transfer. Sourced from the MGM catalog, the elements used are noticeably aged, leading to instances of dirt, small scratches, and minus density, particularly evident in darker scenes. The film's pervasive darkness further exacerbates issues, leading to unconvincing shadow detail and occasionally outright crush. A discernible sickly yellow hue during the first part adds to the less-than-ideal flesh tones and limits the detail presentation.

Despite these challenges, there are some notable improvements when the film transitions to brighter outdoor environments, albeit relative given the typically rainy and grimy ambiance. In these scenes, colors appear more vibrant, and clarity and sharpness improve, although the overall softness persists. Additionally, grain is variable throughout—clumpy and inorganic in darker scenes and more natural in brighter segments. Telecine wobble during credits is minimal, but the relatively anemic bitrate due to the release being on a BD-25 rather than a BD-50 could account for some of the transfer's shortcomings. While this presentation is not optimal and leaves room for improvement, it remains watchable and devoid of intrusive digital manipulation.

The Blu Ray audio presentation of "Henry V" is powered by a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that impeccably supports Patrick Doyle's acclaimed score and the film's dense, frequently intense dialogue. Kenneth Branagh's direction intensifies sonic elements in battle scenes, with fierce explosions and other auditory conflagrations rendered with vivid precision. The track maintains excellent fidelity throughout, offering a consistently clear and immersive experience without any technical issues.

Imaging in this DTS-HD MA stereo soundtrack is impressively broad and expansive, ensuring a balanced distribution of sound across the channels and delivering convincing off-screen effects. The soundstage demonstrates clean separation between frequencies, enabling each clang of swords and scream to be distinctly heard. While the bass response may not be highly impressive, it is adequate, providing a palpable feel during key sequences. Dialogue is precisely rendered and well-prioritized in the center channel, enhancing the emotional impact of each scene. The score spreads seamlessly across the soundstage, maintaining the clarity and fidelity of every orchestral instrument.

The Blu-ray of "Henry V" offers an exceptional array of extras that enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of this cinematic classic. The special features are well-curated, offering a deep dive into both the historical context and the film's production processes. The high-quality content, while sometimes presented in standard definition, is comprehensive and informative. Viewers can enjoy interviews with the cast and crew, along with insightful commentary that delves into the intricacies of adaptation and direction. The supplements are meticulously crafted to provide a fuller picture of the artistic endeavor behind "Henry V," mirroring the professional tone and attention to detail of the movie itself.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Brief promotional overview presented in SD.
• Commentary Track: In-depth analysis by experts.
• Making Of Featurette: Behind-the-scenes look at the film's production.
• Cast and Crew Interviews: Personal insights from key contributors.
• Historical Context Feature: Discussion on the historical background and its interpretation in the film.

Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of William Shakespeare's Henry V skillfully bridges historical stagecraft with modern cinematic techniques, delivering a compelling portrayal of both King Henry V and the intricate tapestry of his reign. Branagh’s film embraces Shakespeare’s original metatextual elements, exemplified by Derek Jacobi’s Chorus, who breaks the fourth wall to address the audience directly. This conscious nod to the limitations of theatrical and cinematic recreation sets the tone for the film, acknowledging the challenges faced when translating historical epics to the screen. Such a strategy not only invites viewers to use their imaginations but also underscores the storytelling's shift from factual recounting to dramatic fiction.

The early sequences are stark and intimate, eschewing elaborate production design for focused close-ups that capture the essence of Shakespeare’s dense language. The interplay between the Archbishop of Canterbury (Charles Kay) and the Bishop of Ely (Alec McCowen) is used to set up the political machinations that compel Henry to lay claim to the French throne, adorned with dark humor like the notorious tennis balls exchange. Branagh maintains a dual portrayal of Henry V: an amiable and accessible leader juxtaposed with a ruthless monarch, capable of severe actions against those who cross him, as poignantly depicted in Bardolph’s (Richard Briers) execution.

Interspersing flashbacks to Henry's dissolute youth, a narrative device helps modern audiences better grasp Henry's transformation from rebellious prince to resolute king. This thematic exploration extends to Branagh's depiction of war's horror and its effect on leadership, with battle scenes marked by a verit� style that heightens their visceral impact. The score by Patrick Doyle amplifies this intensity, ethically vivifying the stirring language and action without overpowering them. The ensemble cast, featuring Judi Dench, Robbie Coltrane, Emma Thompson, and others, breathes life into Shakespeare’s occasionally impenetrable dialogue, transforming Henry V into an enduring cinematic triumph.

Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of "Henry V" is a masterful cinematic rendering of William Shakespeare's historical play, bringing the Bard's intricate language and complex characters to vivid life. As Branagh's directorial debut, it features his commanding performance in the titular role alongside a stellar ensemble of British actors. Branagh’s nuanced portrayal excels in capturing the multifaceted nature of King Henry, balancing ruthlessness with humanity. The film's outstanding performances and exceptional camerawork uphold the richness of Shakespeare's literary legacy.

The Blu-ray release from Shout Factory, however, presents a mixed bag in terms of technical quality. While the video transfer does not significantly improve upon the DVD version and exhibits some issues that may diminish viewers' experiences, the audio presentation benefits greatly from the high-definition format. The soundtrack is crisp and clear, enhancing the auditory experience of Shakespeare’s eloquent dialogue and compelling score.

In conclusion, "Henry V" is an exemplary film adapting Shakespeare’s work with spectacular performances and dedicated direction by Kenneth Branagh. Although the Blu-ray’s video quality may not meet current high-definition standards, the film's merits make it highly recommended for fans of Shakespeare and classic cinema.