The Exterminating Angel Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Luis Buñuel's "The Exterminating Angel" features a 1080p transfer encoded in MPEG-4 AVC within the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Sourced from a 35mm duplicate negative using a high-definition digital transfer created with a Spirit DataCine film scanner, this release underwent extensive restoration. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps were manually removed using MTI Film's DRS, while Digital Vision's Phoenix addressed jitter, flicker, small dirt, and noise. The results yield a satisfactory if not remarkable image quality.

While the print maintains a light to moderate grain layer, at times, there are moments of fuzziness and softness that detract from fine texture and depth expected from modern HD transfers. There are also minor density fluctuations contributing to this sporadic softness, which sometimes affects the overall sharpness. It's worth noting the solid grayscale rendering without traces of digital boosting or resharpening attempts that often mar similar restorations. Close-ups exhibit nicely rendered details, though some shots do appear a tad dim and blacks somewhat elevated. Despite these issues, image stability is good with large debris and damage marks efficiently minimized.

Overall, this Blu-ray retains a decidedly modest image, handling age-related imperfections competently but stopping short of profoundly impressing. It's clear that an older master was utilized, and while the transfer does an adequate job, the sense persists that a newer master could facilitate a superior viewing experience. Criterion has done commendable restoration work here, yet the final outcome occasionally feels limited by inherent source constraints.

The audio presentation for the Blu-ray release of "The Exterminating Angel" features a Spanish LPCM mono track, with optional English subtitles. While the clarity of the audio is generally pleasing, various sections of the film reveal light background hiss and a thinning sound, indicating potential deterioration in the optical soundtrack prints used. Efforts to clean and stabilize these sections were evident, yet the issues have not been completely resolved. Despite these imperfections, the dialogue remains easy to follow, and the overall balance is fairly satisfactory.

Despite some noticeable quirks, including the thin sound of the dialogue and a slightly strained quality in both single-channel effects and music cues, the audio track remains serviceable. Periodic background hissing is detectable throughout the runtime, but these age-related problems do not detract significantly from the viewing experience. The mono track conveys its intended atmosphere and effect, proving effective even though it occasionally exhibits its vintage limitations. The presentation, while rough around the edges, retains its intelligibility and supports the film's narrative effectively.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Exterminating Angel" features a compelling collection of extras that delve into the influential legacy of director Luis Buñuel. These supplements offer a rich, multi-faceted view into Buñuel's work and life through a mix of archival materials and fresh insights. The extras are primarily in 1080i with Dolby Digital sound, making for an immersive viewing experience. Notably, the 2008 documentary "The Last Script: Remembering Luis Buñuel" stands out for its in-depth exploration of the director's career, narrated through conversations between screenwriter Jean-Claude Carriere and Buñuel's son, Juan Luis Buñuel. Archival interviews with actress Silvia Pinal and filmmaker Arturo Ripstein provide unique personal perspectives on working with Buñuel. The original film trailer is also included, offering a nostalgic glimpse of its initial promotion.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "The Exterminating Angel," in Spanish with optional English subtitles.
• The Last Script: Remembering Luis Bunuel: Archival documentary featuring screenwriter Jean-Claude Carriere and filmmaker Juan Luis Bunuel revisiting key locations from Bunuel's life.
• Silvia Pinal: Archival interview where Pinal discusses her work with Buñuel on three films including "The Exterminating Angel."
• Arturo Ripstein: Archival interview with director Ripstein discussing the impact of Buñuel's work on his own career and Mexican cinema.

Luis Bunuel's "The Exterminating Angel" is a piercing critique of the upper-class society, effectively ridiculing the pretentiousness and hollow social conventions that dominated General Franco's Spain. The film primarily unfolds within the lavish mansion of Edmundo Nobile (Enrique Rambal) and his wife Lucía (Lucy Gallardo), who host an opulent dinner party for their distinguished friends. The guests find themselves inexplicably unable to leave the living room after the dinner, leading to a surreal, absurd scenario. As night turns into day and then back to night, their inability to exit the room forces these sophisticated elites to confront their primal instincts, resulting in dramatic character transformations.

Bunuel employs this bizarre premise to strip away the shallow facades of his characters, offering a darkly comedic examination of class dynamics, social etiquette, and existential despair. Through repetition and deliberate pacing, Bunuel gradually amplifies the absurdity of the situation, using wide shots and extended takes to emphasize the claustrophobia and increasing desperation of the group. The dream sequence involving a disembodied hand and other surreal imagery further solidifies the film's enigmatic tone. While Bunuel seems to relish humiliating the elite, he leaves much of the interpretation to the audience, making his intentions potently ambiguous but deeply satirical.

The Criterion Blu-ray release of "The Exterminating Angel" is a meticulous presentation, with high-definition visuals that highlight Bunuel's thematic and stylistic choices. Supplementary features include archival interviews with actress Silvia Pinal and director Arturo Ripstein, alongside insightful essays and a documentary on Bunuel's legacy. The imagery and narrative flow are carefully preserved, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the nuanced satire embedded in this cinematic classic. The release also incorporates optional English subtitles and is regionally locked, ensuring an accessible yet authentic viewing experience for international audiences.

Luis Bunuel's 'The Exterminating Angel' takes viewers on a dryly absurd journey into the depths of surreal satire, masterfully critiquing Franco's regime and the elitism of his supporters. The Criterion Blu-ray release, while sourced from an older master, delivers a respectable technical presentation despite showing minor signs of age. The film's narrative remains engagingly ambiguous, darkly humorous, and thought-provoking, allowing audiences ample room for interpretation.

On a technical level, both video and audio performances meet expectations, though they do reflect their antiquated origins at times. Despite these occasional lapses, the overall visual and auditory experiences remain sufficiently strong to support the film’s intricate storytelling. The supplemental material, though not extensive, is valuable; the included documentary and interviews provide insightful context and deepen the viewer’s appreciation of Bunuel’s work.

In conclusion, Luis Bunuel unleashes an uncompromising attack on Franco's regime and the elitists that supported it in the classic The Exterminating Angel. Criterion's new Blu-ray release is sourced from a master that I believe was prepared a while ago, but the technical presentation is good. This is an essential film to see and own, so consider having a spot for it in your collections. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.