Helen of Troy Blu-ray Review

Helen of Troy's Blu-ray presentation, crafted from a fresh 4K restoration of the original camera negative, offers a striking depiction in 1080p with an AVC encode. Utilizing the 2.55:1 CinemaScope aspect ratio, the transfer delivers a visually engaging experience, though sharpness varies. While close-ups and medium shots display clarity, sweeping long shots are softer due to the incorporation of matte paintings and process shots. WarnerColor enhances the immersion with its vibrant and earthy hues, escalating the viewing aesthetic without overprocessing the image. The encoded bitrate of 34911 kbps supports a robust visual condition.

Director of photography Harry Stradling, Sr.'s work on this 35 mm film is particularly noteworthy in scenes such as the Knossos palace, where the cinematography captures the historical essence with painterly finesse. However, the directional choices in staging feel slightly static during dialogues. Nevertheless, Robert Wise capitalizes on the film’s considerable budget through grand visuals, making the best use of widescreen presentations during battle sequences. An intentional color transition, possibly via matte artistry, outside a Spartan hut is subtly executed, indicating time flow through shifts from lavender to pink hues.

Despite occasional soft black levels that fall short of achieving profound depths, the Warner Archive Collection ensures a faithful representation of historical imagery while refraining from excessive digital sharpening or smoothing. The Blu-ray splits the movie into 28 chapters, which can be navigated through remote access. Overall, Helen of Troy's Blu-ray offers a balanced visual journey through ancient Troy with both technical precision and artistic flair.

The Blu-ray release of "Helen of Troy" features an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix, encoded at 3925 kbps, 24-bit. This audio track effectively preserves the integrity of the original four-track stereo mix, with the dialogue and sound effects predominantly delivered through the front channels. Notably, Max Steiner’s majestic and rousing score is faithfully rendered and fills the entire soundstage, making excellent use of the rear speakers for an immersive auditory experience. The overture, known for its evocative orchestrations, is optimally restored, free from age-related issues such as hiss or pops, providing a warm and authentic listening experience.

Dialogue clarity remains a priority, with dubbed voices for performers Rosanna Podesta and Jack Sernas due to their Italian and French origins being seamlessly integrated. The English subtitles are highly accurate, offering a reliable transcription of the dialogues with minimal errors, such as an isolated instance where “journey” is subtitled as “travel.” Sound effects play a critical role in enhancing the film's immersive quality, particularly during battle sequences, where they effectively contribute to the epic atmosphere of the scenes.

The overture preceding the film enhances the experience by setting an engaging tone. Overall, this release does justice to the complexity and grandeur of Steiner’s score while maintaining a clear and dynamic balance across the soundstage. The effort to eliminate any imperfections has resulted in an exemplary sound quality that enriches the cinematic presentation.

The Blu Ray extras for "Helen of Troy" offer a fascinating glimpse into the classic film's production, providing both historical context and technical insights. The vintage featurettes, originally aired in 1956 and hosted by Gig Young, have been upconverted to 1080p format, preserving the charm and educational value of the original broadcasts. Each segment dives into a different facet of the filmmaking process, from the practical use of Vitaphone equipment to the artistic approaches in set design. Notably, the re-creation of Homeric sound effects is a highlight for those interested in early film sound engineering. Additionally, the vibrant cartoon "Napoleon Bunny-Part" and the original theatrical trailer complement this collection of historical cinema artifacts with their own unique appeal.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Look of Troy: Behind-the-scenes featurette with models and historical artifacts.
• Interviewing Helen: Interview segment with actress Rossana Podest�.
• Sounds of Homeric Troy: Exploration of sound effects used in the film.
• Napoleon Bunny-Part: Bugs Bunny animated short.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer for "Helen of Troy."

"Helen of Troy" (1956), directed by Robert Wise, ambitiously brings Epic CinemaScope grandeur to Homer’s timeless Iliad. Centered on the infamous love story during the Trojan War, this film adopts a Trojan-centric narrative and features Jacques Sernas as Paris and Rossana Podestà as Helen. Despite their limited English, Sernas's compelling presence and Podestà's beauty are magnified on screen, with their lines seamlessly dubbed. The chemistry between the leads is palpable though occasionally marred by overrated romantic dialogues, reflecting a divergence from their mythological origins. The screenplay, by John Twist, Hugh Gray, and further adapted by Richard Nash, intriguingly reshapes characters into heroes rather than traditional antagonists, which could amuse or dismay purists.

The production tells a story not only of on-screen drama but also of off-screen adversities. The film faced significant hurdles, including devastating fires that destroyed sets and managing an enormous Italian ensemble. Raoul Walsh's controversial involvement as a second unit director during battle scenes with over 2,000 extras brought an undeniable vivid dynamism, despite setbacks like injuries among actors. These battles underscore the film’s visual appeal, justifying its then high $6 million production cost. Torin Thatcher as Ulysses and Stanley Baker as Achilles deliver strong performances, bringing engaging folklore to life with colorful characterizations.

While "Helen of Troy" struggled commercially and faced critique for its inconsistent pacing—being described as a "slow-moving mastodon" by Wes Gehring—it still delivers visually compelling sequences, particularly in grand battle scenes enhanced by Alan Hume's cinematography. With larger-than-life sets and the iconic Trojan Horse majestically looming over Troy, these details not only celebrate the film’s historical source but fulfill its epic aspirations. This Blu-ray remaster restores the original film's vibrant color and soundscape, presenting a polished version for contemporary audiences to reevaluate this ambitious cinematic spectacle.

The Blu-ray release of "Helen of Troy" highlights the film's artistry, offering a renewed perspective on a classic epic. While often criticized for its performances, primarily due to language constraints affecting lead actors Rossana Podestà and Jacques Sernas, the film manages to deliver a compelling narrative under Robert Wise's direction. The production values and the framing of battle scenes by Director of Photography Harry Stradling showcase the epic scope of the film, with scenes that effectively balance personal tribulations amidst grand conflicts.

Despite its initial reception, the Warner Archive Collection excels in transferring the original WarnerColor in CinemaScope, providing a visually stunning experience that mirrors its 1950s debut. While the performances might not break historical perception barriers, and the absence of a historical commentary is noticeable, the release remains a spectacle-driven triumph that reminds viewers of an era when films were crafted to dazzle with widescreen extravagance.

In conclusion, this Blu-ray edition is an essential acquisition for both enthusiasts of classic cinema and genre aficionados. It offers a faithful representation for modern audiences and underscores Robert Wise's ability to create a handsome epic with enduring appeal. "Helen of Troy" may not have achieved legendary film status; however, this release elevates its artistic contributions and promises a viewing experience that both long-time fans and new viewers can appreciate. A solid recommendation for those seeking both nostalgia and film history in vibrant high definition.