The Music Room Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Satyajit Ray's “The Music Room” presents the film in an aspect ratio of 1.34:1 with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC transfer, meticulously remastered from a second-generation 35mm fine-grain master positive. Despite the original camera negative being destroyed, Criterion’s transfer impresses with consistently strong detail levels and exceptional clarity. The restoration process, utilizing Spirit 4K Datacine, MTI's DRS system, Pixel Farm's PFClean, and Digital Vision's Phoenix system, effectively removes thousands of instances of dirt, scratches, and other imperfections. The color correction by Gregg Garvin ensures the blacks are rich without being overly boosted, while the grays and whites remain stable and fresh throughout the film.

Although moderate grain is natural and occasionally unevenly distributed, it adds to the authentic texture of the presentation. Contrast levels are well-balanced and edge enhancement is minimal, maintaining the image's integrity. Some minor frame transition issues—such as skips and jumps—and small scratches can be observed but do not notably detract from the viewing experience. These challenges are a testament to the age and condition of the source material rather than flaws in the restoration. Despite occasional fluctuations in black levels and visible signs of the film's age, particularly in the first half with scratches and pulsing, the transfer still manages to reveal the intricate layers of Ray’s cinematography with satisfying depth and richness. Overall, this strong presentation underscores Criterion’s commitment to preserving cinematic history even when dealing with challenging source elements.

The Blu-ray disc of "The Music Room" features a single audio track: Bengali LPCM 1.0, with well-crafted optional English subtitles. Notably, the monaural soundtrack has undergone meticulous remastering at 24-bit from the original 35mm print. Employing Pro Tools HD, clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum were manually excised, while AudioCube's integrated workstation was used to attenuate crackle. These efforts result in a cleaner, more stable auditory experience devoid of excessive distortions or pops.

The sound design, though limited to a mono presentation, capably delivers the essence of the film's classical Indian compositions and performances. The musical segments display a commendable dynamic range despite occasional fluctuations traceable to the original print. While the dialogue maintains clarity and stability, it can occasionally lack depth. The subtleties of modern audio fidelity are understandably absent, but the overall integrity and artistic intent of the soundtrack remain intact, showcasing "The Music Room" in a respectful light given its historical and technical constraints.

In summary, while this LPCM mono track cannot rival contemporary multi-channel mixes in terms of immersive audio experience, it preserves the original artistic vision with commendable fidelity. The restorative efforts ensure that the music and dialogue are presented cleanly and engagingly, honoring the historical significance of Satyajit Ray's work.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Music Room" features an exceptional collection of extras that extensively cover the life and work of celebrated director Satyajit Ray. The supplements, presented in 1080p with Dolby Digital mono tracks and optional English subtitles for non-English content, are insightful and meticulously curated. Highlights include an interview with biographer Andrew Robinson, who dives deep into Ray's artistic vision and love for music, and acclaimed director Mira Nair's discussion on Ray's influence and their personal friendship. An excerpt from a French television roundtable provides further insights, while a comprehensive documentary by Shyam Benegal explores Ray's filmography in detail. Additionally, the package includes a richly illustrated booklet featuring essays by film scholars.

Extras included in this disc:

• For the Love of Music: Andrew Robinson discusses Ray's legacy and style.
• Mira Nair: Director Mira Nair shares thoughts on Ray and "The Music Room."
• French Roundtable: A discussion with Ray, Michel Ciment, and Claude Sautet.
• Satyajit Ray: A feature-length documentary by Shyam Benegal.
• Booklet: Essays and interviews offering in-depth analyses.

Satyajit Ray's "The Music Room" is a rich and poignant exploration of passion, decline, and the inevitable passage of time, encapsulated within the opulent yet decaying walls of an aristocrat's beloved music room. Chhabi Biswas delivers a masterful performance as Huzur Biswambhar Roy, an aging landowner who clings to the fading vestiges of his luxurious lifestyle, especially his cherished music gatherings, in the face of financial ruin and social change. The plot deftly intertwines Roy’s personal disintegration with broader societal shifts, making it an evocative narrative that parallels Visconti's "The Leopard" in its depiction of nobility's decline.

From a stylistic standpoint, Ray's direction is marked by a contemplative visual strategy—employing lingering shots and graceful camera movements that reflect Roy’s inner turmoil. Cinematographer Subrata Mitra’s careful composition and use of visual motifs, such as close-ups of insects and flames, evoke powerful symbols of foreboding and transformation. The musical sequences, featuring eminent Indian musicians, are integrated with reverence and authenticity, immersing viewers in the cultural milieu. While the character Ganguly, played by Gangapada Basu, can occasionally veer into theatricality, his presence underscores the stark contrast between the old and new worlds vying for prominence.

"The Music Room" is more than just a nostalgic look at a dying era; it’s a universal study of human resilience against societal tides. Ray’s attention to atmospheric detail and character depth renders it a compelling experience. Roy's tragic trajectory evokes echoes of "Citizen Kane," especially in scenes where he navigates the decrepit grandeur of his palace. Despite minor flaws, such as moments of overacted rivalry and a somewhat straightforward plot, Ray’s film holds its ground as a seminal piece of cinema that eloquently celebrates the transient beauty of art and tradition against the backdrop of inevitable change.

Satyajit Ray's "The Music Room" is a cinematic masterpiece that delves deeply into the life of a fading aristocrat, encapsulating the poignancy of cultural transition and personal decline. Criterion's Blu-ray presentation elevates this classic with its meticulous restoration work, ensuring that the film's visual and auditory elements are preserved in high quality. While the video shows some signs of age, the sharpness, contrast, and faithful color reproduction bring out the film’s intricate details. The audio track efficiently captures the essence of Ray’s musical narrative, delivering a balanced and immersive experience that honors the director's original intent.

The supplemental features included in this Criterion edition are exemplary. They offer rich contextual insights into Satyajit Ray’s oeuvre and filmmaking style. Interviews, documentaries, and critical essays provide a thorough exploration of Ray's impact on cinema and the cultural significance of "The Music Room." These extras not only enhance the viewing experience but also enrich one's appreciation for Ray's artistic vision and expertise.

In conclusion, Satyajit Ray's "The Music Room" is a fascinating film about a powerful man in love with music and the end of an era. As expected, Criterion's presentation of the film is of exceptionally high quality and is complemented with a set of very good supplemental features. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.