Chimes at Midnight Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release of "Chimes at Midnight" boasts a meticulously rendered 1080p transfer, encoded with AVC in the original aspect ratio of 1.66:1. Derived from a 2009 restoration supervised by Luciano Berriatua at the Filmoteca Española, this high-definition digital transfer sources from the 35mm original camera negative and a 35mm optical soundtrack element. Subsequent restoration efforts by the Criterion Collection utilized MTI Film's DRS for the removal of dirt, debris, and scratches, and Digital Vision's Phoenix for managing jitter, flicker, and grain. Audio imperfections were addressed manually using Pro Tools HD and iZotope RX 4.

The overall video quality is striking, reflecting Orson Welles' chiaroscuro aesthetic with captivating precision. Fine detailing is exemplary, particularly in close-ups such as those of Falstaff’s intricately textured nose, enhancing Welles’ unique framing techniques. Outdoor scenes offer a stark yet inviting autumnal or wintry ambiance, underscoring good depth of field in wide vistas. The film's sumptuous visual presentation does exhibit minor variances; some interior midrange shots might appear slightly soft, and occasional signs of age-related wear are evident but not distracting. The grain structure resolves naturally throughout with no noticeable compression anomalies.

Professional evaluations agree that this transfer represents "Chimes at Midnight" in its finest form yet, with balanced blacks and whites, crisp contrast, and impressive shadow details in low-light scenes. Despite a minor blip of damage around the 46-minute mark and a singular white tramline, the image transfer is a revelation, decisively making it the best this neglected film has ever looked.

The audio presentation of "Chimes at Midnight" on Blu-ray features an LPCM Mono track that, while offering the clearest rendition to date, highlights some long-standing issues inherent from its original production. With Orson Welles having re-recorded all dialogue and integrated it in post-production, the film frequently exhibits inconsistencies in synchronization. While these issues have been largely mitigated, occasional lip-sync discrepancies remain observable. Despite this, the dialogue generally comes through with excellent fidelity, although it might often necessitate turning up the volume or resorting to the provided optional English SDH subtitles.

The soundtrack's low-budget origins manifest in some suboptimal mixing and recording levels. Engineers have admirably cleaned up age-related issues like hiss and crackle, but original problems persist. Angelo Francesco Lavagnino’s score oscillates between being potently present and nearly indiscernible. The mix primarily restricts audio to the center and front channels, creating a somewhat thin texture for both effects and score. Noteworthy are minor pops at the beginning and end of the track, which could have been refined with more attentive editing. Overall, although the track retains some historical imperfections, it remains a significant improvement on previous releases and adds appreciable clarity to this classic film.

Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "Chimes at Midnight" offers a wealth of additional content, providing deep insights into the film and its production. The audio commentary by James Naremore delivers an academic perspective on Orson Welles' masterpiece, though it occasionally shifts to simply describing scenes. Keith Baxter’s interview sheds light on his experience with Welles and his co-stars. Beatrice Welles shares charming anecdotes from her childhood on set, while Simon Callow discusses the thematic intricacies of Welles' work. Joseph McBride provides a broadened view of Welles' later career, reinforced by his personal encounters with the auteur. Additionally, the disc includes a vintage interview on The Merv Griffin Show, a theatrical trailer, and a fold-out poster featuring an essay by film scholar Michael Anderegg.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Film scholar James Naremore offers a comprehensive analysis.
• Keith Baxter Interview: Discusses his role and working with Welles.
• Beatrice Welles Interview: Recounts her childhood experiences during production.
• Simon Callow Interview: Explores Welles' thematic approaches.
• Joseph McBride Interview: Details Welles' later career and personal anecdotes.
• The Merv Griffin Show: Features 1965 interview with Welles during post-production.
• Trailer: Original re-release trailer.
• Fold-out Pamphlet: Contains an essay by Michael Anderegg and production details.

Orson Welles' "Chimes at Midnight" stands as a testament to his tenacity and brilliance, even amid the tumultuous later years of his career. Adapting five Shakespearean plays into a cohesive narrative, this 1966 film follows the story of Sir John Falstaff (Welles) and his complex quasi-father-son relationship with Prince Hal (Keith Baxter). Despite facing numerous challenges, including severe funding issues and inconsistent actor availability, Welles delivers a visually captivating experience aided by cinematographer Edmond Richard. Their use of high-contrast lighting and deep-focus shots infuses the film with a stark, immersive aesthetic, rendering each frame a meticulously crafted tableau.

The narrative, set during King Henry IV's reign (John Gielgud), seamlessly blends elements from "Henry IV Part 1," "Henry IV Part 2," "Richard II," "Henry V," and "The Merry Wives of Windsor." This synthesis accentuates the themes of loyalty, duty, and the passage from youthful exuberance to royal responsibility. The film's centerpiece, the Battle of Shrewsbury, is a masterclass in editing and choreography. Comprised of 200 shots with 150 extras, Welles skillfully juxtaposes chaos with clarity, embedding his Falstaff amidst the fray to heighten the viewer's engagement.

However, not all is flawless. The film's dubbed soundtrack often misaligns with the visual dialogue, creating intermittent disjunctions that can detract from the viewing experience. Despite these imperfections, "Chimes at Midnight" captivates with its profound performances and striking visual composition. Welles' portrayal of Falstaff is among his finest, a poignant combination of humor, pathos, and gravitas. Supporting roles from actors like John Gielgud, Jeanne Moreau, and Norman Rodway further enrich the film's tapestry. "Chimes at Midnight" is an intellectual and cinematic treat that remains a notable achievement in Welles' storied career.

Orson Welles' "Chimes at Midnight" stands as a formidable testament to his directorial ingenuity and his remarkable ability to reimagine Shakespeare. Often hailed as a masterpiece, this film intricately amalgamates several Shakespearean plays, inviting enthusiasts of The Bard to immerse themselves in identifying the rich tapestry of sources Welles draws upon. While Welles himself delivers a characteristically grandiose performance as Sir John Falstaff, it is the stellar supporting cast that imbues the film with its distinctive and memorable flavor.

The film’s technical merits are commendable, particularly in this Criterion Blu-ray release. The picture quality is notably superior, offering the best-ever visual presentation of this historically elusive work. Sound-wise, there are some minor audio anomalies that slightly detract from full immersion, yet they do not overshadow the overall excellence of the experience. The supplementary package is robust and thoughtfully curated, providing additional context and insight that enrich the viewing experience.

Welles was on record stating that "Chimes at Midnight" was his personal favorite of his films, and it's not hard to see why. Despite some technical imperfections, the film possesses an inestimable charm and profound narrative depth. The Criterion release honors this cinematic achievement with care and reverence. For Shakespeare aficionados and devotees of Welles’ storied career alike, this Blu-ray edition is highly recommended.