Moulin Rouge! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Moulin Rouge!" offers a stellar visual feast, showcasing a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that has been meticulously approved by director Baz Luhrmann. Displayed at a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.40:1, the video quality breathes new life into the film's extravagant visuals. Colors are notably vibrant and punchy, with the Moulin Rouge's interior scenes and Satine's room standing out due to their ultra-saturated palette and dense textures, devoid of any color bleed or unnatural hues. The deep blacks and precise contrast enhance the visual depth, presenting inky black levels and great separation, particularly evident in scenes filled with characters donning black attire. Despite the occasional softness in some shots and minor artifacting against the blue night sky, the overall sharpness is commendable, with close-ups revealing remarkable detail that underscores the meticulous costuming and set design.

The transfer honors the film's original grain structure, maintaining a natural filmic appearance without succumbing to digital noise reduction abuses. This approach preserves the intended aesthetic of Luhrmann and cinematographer Donald McAlpine, balancing finely tuned grain with clear, resolved images. Flesh tones remain consistent throughout, even amid the frequent use of colored lighting and shadow play, showcasing the transfer's fidelity to natural skin colors amidst the surreal vibrancy of the film's palette. However, the high-definition format slightly undercuts some of the digital effects' believability and introduces minor issues in scenes utilizing green screens or post-production slow-motion effects, pointing out the limitations of early 2000s digital effects when viewed under the unforgiving clarity of modern transfers.

Despite these negligible quibbles, the Blu-ray video presentation of "Moulin Rouge!" stands as an exceptional restoration and transfer effort. With its dynamic range, attention to detail, and respect for the film’s original photographic intent, it provides both longtime fans and newcomers with a visual experience that significantly surpasses previous home video editions, solidifying its place as a benchmark for how beloved films should be presented in the Blu-ray format.

The audio presentation of "Moulin Rouge!" on Blu-ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track, delivers an auditory experience that's as vibrant and immersive as the film itself. This musical's heart and soul lie in its dynamic range and the clarity of its songs, and this audio mix rises to the occasion, albeit with minor hiccups. There's a moment early on where Zigler's vocals seem drowned out by the exuberant orchestration, a distraction that occasionally recurs, though never as pronouncedly. Despite these fleeting lapses, the track excels in its rich, expansive musical portrayal, allowing listeners to discern individual instrument timbres while enveloping them in a 5.1 channel mix that skillfully employs the .1 LFE for impactful low-end response. The nuanced use of rear speakers adds a layer of ambience and directional movement, enhancing scenes with subtlety and without overshadowing crisp, clear dialogue.

The Blu-ray's audio prowess is further underscored by its meticulous balance between vocals and instrumentation. Vocals, from powerful ballads to tender whispers between the leading characters, are presented with a clarity that positions them perfectly within the mix, emanating predominantly from the front center channel without being overshadowed by the music's force. The subwoofer plays a significant role, lending weight to tracks like "Lady Marmalade" with distortion-free bass that complements rather than overpowers. The sound design delights in its creativity, utilizing a broad spectrum of effects to emphasize action and humor with cartoonish exaggeration when appropriate—such as the audible sweep of the windmill arm through the soundscape—thereby enhancing the film's atmospheric depth and character engagement.

In sum, while this Blu-ray audio track is not without its flaws—with occasional vocal levels feeling slightly submerged—the overall quality is commendable. Its robust DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track ensures that each song pulsates with life, anchored by spotless bass that enriches without intruding. Dialogue clarity, instrumental distinction, and inventive soundscaping merge to create an audio experience that both honors and elevates "Moulin Rouge!" to near-auditory perfection, ensuring fans and audiophiles alike are treated to a feast of sonic excellence that mirrors the film's narrative vibrancy and visual splendor.

The "Moulin Rouge!" Blu-ray extra features offer a comprehensive and immersive dive into the making of this cinematic masterpiece, showcasing the elaborate efforts of Director Baz Luhrmann and his creative team. These extras not only include high-definition interviews with the cast and crew, diving deep into their personal experiences and artistic contributions but also feature an array of behind-the-scenes footage, extended dance sequences, and exploration of the film's music and design. Particularly notable is the Spectacular Spectacular Picture-in-Picture commentary that seamlessly blends insightful discussions with visual supplements like storyboards and pre-production artwork. While much of the additional content is framed in high definition, some archival footage remains in standard definition, carefully preserved within a visually appealing HD picture frame. This meticulous curation ensures both the authenticity and enhanced viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike, making it an essential collection for appreciating the nuances of "Moulin Rouge!".

Extras included in this disc:

• Spectacular Spectacular Picture-in-Picture Commentary: In-depth film aspects discussion by the director and creative team, with an innovative picture-in-picture option.
• A Word From Baz: Insights on the high-definition transfer and staying true to the film's theatrical presentation.
• A Creative Adventure: Overview of Luhrmann's creative vision across his works.
• The House of Iona: A glimpse into Baz Luhrmann's collaborative creative space.
• The Making of Moulin Rouge: Detailed making-of featurette including interviews and film clips.
• From the Bazmark Vault: Extensive collection of behind-the-scenes material and alternate scenes.
• The Stars: Interviews with the main cast sharing their experiences.
• The Writers: Insight into the screenplay's development with Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce.
• The Design: A deep dive into the elaborate costuming and set design of the film.
• The Dance: Extended dance sequences and an interview with choreographer John O'Connell.
• The Music: Exploration of the film's iconic music, including interviews and music videos.
• The Cutting Room: Insights on editing from director Luhrmann and editor Jill Bilcock.
• Toulouse Tonight Web-Series: A mock TV show featuring John Leguizamo as Toulouse.
• Marketing: Trailers and a peek at the Cannes premiere.

Baz Luhrmann’s “Moulin Rouge!” stands as a bedazzling spectacle, a testament to the director's ambition to rejuvenate the movie musical genre with a film that is nothing short of an extravaganza. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris in the Montmartre Quarter, the film introduces us to Christian (Ewan McGregor), an archetype of the penniless writer who embarks on a journey fueled by the bohemian ideals of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love. Through his unexpected alliance with Toulouse-Lautrec (John Leguizamo) and their artistic endeavors, Christian finds himself in a chaotic love triangle with Satine (Nicole Kidman), the star courtesan of the Moulin Rouge, and the Duke (Richard Roxburgh), whose financial backing comes with a hefty price.

Luhrmann's narrative might tread on familiar territory, but it's elevated by the fusion of contemporary pop tunes with the story's period setting, crafting a sound and visual palette that is both anachronistic and mesmerizing. The use of songs from artists like Elton John and Nirvana, performed with heartfelt sincerity by McGregor and Kidman, breathes new life into the musical landscape. This reinvention extends to the film’s visual flair – a kaleidoscopic blend of turn-of-the-century opulence, Bollywood vibrancy, and music video aesthetics – which, coupled with award-winning art direction and costume design, transforms the movie into a moving painting that is as much about the spectacle as it is about the story.

At its core, “Moulin Rouge!” captivates with its sheer creativity and theatricality. Luhrmann, along with co-writer Craig Pearce, prioritizes execution over narrative depth, resulting in a film that is both a loving homage to and a radical departure from traditional musicals. The performances – especially from Kidman and McGregor – are charged with an over-the-top yet charming theatricality, perfectly complementing the film’s extravagant style. Though it may veer towards the saccharine for some tastes, for those enchanted by Luhrmann’s audacious vision, “Moulin Rouge!” remains a glitter-dusted fantasy of love and artistry, unapologetically grandiose and visually intoxicating.

The "Moulin Rouge!" Blu-ray redefines the viewing experience of Baz Luhrmann's masterpiece, delivering an audiovisual feast that catapults the film into modern relevance. Released in 2001, the movie broke conventional boundaries, blending decades of pop music with a post-modern aesthetic that makes it stand apart from traditional musicals. This Blu-ray edition presents Luhrmann's vibrant and eclectic vision with unparalleled clarity and richness, allowing both new audiences and longtime fans to appreciate the film's intricate details and bold colors like never before. The transfer to high definition is exemplary, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship woven into every frame and song, reinforcing why "Moulin Rouge!" is hailed as one of the century's finest musical endeavors.

Notably, this Blu-ray is not simply an upgrade but a necessity for those who cherish cinematic excellence. Its ability to breathe new life into the movie's fast-paced, kaleidoscopic sequences, while maintaining the integrity of its emotional depth, is commendable. The sound and visual quality surpass expectations, ensuring that each song and dance number immerses viewers in the fantastical world of the Moulin Rouge. The commitment to preserving the film's dynamic range, from its whispering silences to its soaring crescendos, highlights why this release is a superior choice for enthusiasts seeking the definitive version of Luhrmann's work.

In conclusion, the "Moulin Rouge!" Blu-ray is a triumph in home entertainment, serving both as a testament to Baz Luhrmann's innovative direction and as a beacon for the evolution of musical cinema in the 21st century. Its allure lies not only in the enhanced technical presentation but also in its ability to make the genre accessible and engaging for a broad audience. This release is unequivocally recommended, offering a transcendent viewing experience that reaffirms "Moulin Rouge!" as a timeless spectacle of sight and sound.