The Damned Blu-ray Review

The Damned arrives on Blu-ray with a 2K restoration, presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 with a 1080p transfer utilizing the MPEG-4 AVC codec. Executed by Cineteca di Bologna and Institut Lumiere, this version draws from the 35mm original camera negative and a 1969 print for color correction, marking an attempt enriched by the supervision of Daniele Nannuzzi, son of the original cinematographer. Despite these meticulous efforts, the transfer suffers significantly from a pronounced digital appearance, resulting in numerous visual anomalies that are notably distracting on large screens or projectors. The grading emerges as problematic, introducing issues such as the loss of fine nuances in darker scenes, where instead large blocks of digital grays and blacks predominate, significantly compromising depth and fluidity.

In comparison, the restoration does show an overall improvement in sharpness and detail over the previous DVD release, with well-saturated colors capturing certain scenes vividly. Nevertheless, inconsistent black levels, tending towards a milky tone and occasionally missing shadow details, detract from the viewing experience. Some sections also present soft focus, which might stem from the original cinematographic choices rather than the restoration flaws. English subtitles for non-English dialogue are printed in clear white, ensuring they are easy to follow whether opting for the German or Italian audio tracks. Despite being divided into a convenient 21 chapters for navigation, the restoration’s technical pitfalls overshadow its potential to deliver a seamless visual experience worthy of Criterion's reputed standards.

The Blu-ray release of "The Damned" includes two audio tracks: English/German LPCM 1.0 and Italian LPCM 1.0, each offering clarity in dialogue but lacking depth in bass. The absence of a more robust bass presence contributes to a slightly tinny quality that might not align with the director’s original intention for the film's epic nature. Notably, Maurice Jarre’s background score, along with other sound effects, is mixed with precision and remains free from age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, or crackles, ensuring a professional auditory experience.

In comparative studies against previous DVD editions, the English/German audio track shows noticeable restoration. Users will detect some minor dynamic unevenness, particularly evident during mass scenes such as the execution sequence after the party. This fluctuation in clarity does mirror the original soundtrack's characteristics and is not a result of this release's sound design. Provided subtitle options, including English SDH, accommodate all primary languages, enhancing accessibility without impacting the overall sonic delivery.

Overall, while the LPCM 1.0 tracks deliver high fidelity in certain aspects like dialogue and background score, the sound mix could benefit from a more substantial low-end representation to fully evoke the film’s intended dramatic impact. This Blu-ray audio presentation effectively preserves the film's historical context while making certain allowances for its original production limitations.

The Blu Ray extras for "The Damned" present an impressive collection of archival footage, interviews, and insightful commentary, expertly curated to deepen the viewer's understanding of this cinematic masterpiece. The disc includes not only historical interviews with key figures such as Luchino Visconti and cast members like Ingrid Thulin and Helmut Berger but also modern perspectives from film scholars offering in-depth analyses of the film’s impact and themes. Through a mix of English and French-language content, supplemented by optional English subtitles where necessary, these extras serve to enrich both historical context and technical appreciation. Visual and audio presentations are of commendable quality, ensuring an immersive viewing experience for enthusiasts and scholars alike. This collection stands as a robust companion to the main feature, providing valuable insights into the film’s production, thematic depth, and its enduring legacy in cinema history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for The Damned, in English.
• Helmut Berger: Archival episode from Le monde du cinema about his role preparation.
• Charlotte Rampling: Discusses her contribution and director interactions on Musiques au coeur.
• Ingrid Thulin: Talks about acting choices and working with Visconti on Pour le cinema.
• Stefano Albertini: New interview discussing the film’s elements.
• Visconti on Set: Focuses on Visconti’s methods during production.
• Luchino Visconti: Archival interview about the film’s conception and historical accuracy.
• Leaflet/Poster: Featuring an essay by D. A. Miller and technical credits.

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Luchino Visconti's "The Damned" marks a significant release for cinema enthusiasts, offering both English and Italian audio options with English subtitles. Renowned for its thematic depth and opulent visuals, the film remains a potent exploration of the moral and societal decay set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany's rise. Visconti constructs an allegorical narrative through the Essenbeck family, whose internal power struggles mirror the insidious nature of National Socialism's societal infiltration. The film’s intricate layers are further enhanced by the screenplay's Shakespearean allusions, notably reflecting influences from Macbeth. Helmut Berger's performance as Martin is particularly evocative, capturing both the character's inherited depravity and his unsettling drive for power, despite a somewhat inexperienced execution. Visconti's adept use of filmic excess and meticulous staging enhances the film’s chilling allure, often leaving viewers captivated by its intensity.

The narrative intricately unravels through treachery and ambition as the Essenbeck family grapples with maintaining their industrial empire amidst the political upheaval. Central to this saga are Friedrich Bruckmann (Dirk Bogarde) and Baroness Sophie Von Essenbeck (Ingrid Thulin), whose Machiavellian pursuits underscore the film's thematic core. The screenplay dares to delve into deep moral turpitude, reflected poignantly in scenes such as the unsettling Night of the Long Knives, which Visconti presents with harrowing detail. The film does not shy away from exploring internal discord and depravity within the family, making it a striking metaphor for Germany’s seduction by totalitarianism.

Despite its sprawling length and occasional narrative meandering, "The Damned" is an undeniable cinematic achievement, characterized by its bold storytelling and compelling performances. While sometimes overwhelming in its thematic execution and visual richness, it remains a must-watch for those seeking an unflinching look at human corruption under fascist rule. Visconti's heavy yet magnetic approach ensures the film's enduring impact within historical melodrama, making it a pivotal piece in his oeuvre.

The Blu-ray release of Luchino Visconti's "The Damned" presents a duality of strengths and significant weaknesses. The film, notorious for its symbolic political and Machiavellian overtones, now enjoys a visual presentation unmatched by previous iterations, showcasing a much-improved picture quality. Alongside this visual upgrade, the disc is complemented by an array of bonus materials, which successfully enrich and extend viewers’ understanding of this intricate and multifaceted narrative. This inclusion is crucial for deciphering the complex layers that Visconti imbues into his work, serving both avid cinephiles and newcomers seeking to grasp the full weight of its thematic content.

However, the technical restoration undertaken by large European labs falls considerably short of expectations. The invasive digital alterations, chiefly concerning color schemes and film identity, are a disservice to Visconti's original vision. These modifications not only disrupt the integrity of the film but also set a concerning precedent for how timeless classics are being preserved—or thwarted—in modern times. With questionable decisions by inadequately informed colorists overshadowing the restoration efforts, the digital enhancements appear more destructive than beneficial.

For collectors and purists yearning for an unadulterated experience of this classic film, the pursuit of earlier releases, such as Warner's vintage DVD edition, is advised despite its scarcity. This Blu-ray iteration serves as a reminder: while technological advancements can elevate historical works, careless execution risks their essence. If future restoration endeavors are to contribute meaningfully to cinematic culture, they must prioritize authenticity and respect for the original artistry. AVOID this Blu-ray if you seek an experience true to Visconti’s vision.