Senso Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Luchino Visconti's "Senso" is presented in a 1080p transfer utilizing the MPEG-4 AVC codec, framed in an aspect ratio of 1.37:1. This new digital restoration was undertaken by L'Immagine Ritrovata at the Cineteca di Bologna from the original 3-strip Technicolor camera negatives, which had suffered severe shrinkage and decay. The restoration team scanned each of the three negatives separately in 2K resolution to correct long-standing registration issues digitally. The meticulous color correction process involved consultation with cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno and Martin Scorsese, relying on a 1954 positive print and a 2001 photochemical restoration print as key references. DaVinci's Revival system played a crucial role in enhancing frame steadiness, reducing flicker, and cleaning up dirt, scratches, and other visual imperfections.

The resulting video quality marks a substantial upgrade over previous releases, notably the Cristaldi Film/Dolmen Home Video R2 Italian SDVD. Despite inherent limitations from the original material, fine object detail is impressively strong and clarity is well maintained, even in challenging nighttime scenes. The contrast levels are well-balanced, and the color scheme sees significant improvement. Color pulsations noted in earlier editions have been effectively mitigated, and aside from the execution scene towards the film's conclusion, colors appear well balanced throughout. Reds are particularly vivid, and fleshtones are consistent. The texture of intricate architectural elements and costumes is captured beautifully, conveying the ornate interiors of the opera house and the weathered exteriors of city buildings with palpable detail.

However, some minor issues persist. The image occasionally loses sharpness around the frame's edges, causing objects to blend without distinct lines. Nonetheless, the restoration provides good depth, notably in wide shots during the battle scenes. No major digital artifacts were evident, and overall stability issues were minimal or nonexistent. This Region-A locked Blu-ray disc mandates a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access.

The audio presentation of "Senso" on this Blu-ray disc is exclusively available in Italian LPCM 1.0, with portions of German. The soundtrack has been remastered at 24-bit from a 35mm positive print sourced from the original soundtrack negative. Pro Tools HD and AudioCube's integrated workstation were utilized for manual cleaning, targeting clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum, while crackle was effectively attenuated. This meticulous restoration results in an impressively stable and balanced audio track that delivers crisp and clean dialogue without any noticeable dropouts.

Significantly, the audio reveals its dynamic range most prominently in the opening opera scene, where the singers and orchestra perform together, exhibiting a robust clarity. While impact during battle scenes, particularly cannon fire, is somewhat underwhelming due to limited LFE response, the overall elements are skillfully balanced in terms of loudness and mixing. The use of optional English subtitles aids non-Italian speakers in following the dialogue, which is essential as there is a slight flatness due to the actors being dubbed by other performers. However, this does not majorly detract from the high quality of the audio restoration, maintaining a faithful representation of the original soundscape.

The Blu-ray release of "Senso" includes an impressive array of extras that meticulously explore the film’s rich historical and cultural context. The alternative English-language version "The Wanton Countess" provides an intriguing look at how the film was adapted for different markets, while "The Making of Senso" offers a deep dive into its creation through insightful interviews with key contributors like cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno and costume designer Piero Tosi. The "Viva Verdi: Visconti and Opera" feature explores the integral role opera played in Visconti’s life and filmmaking, adding a layer of scholarly perspective. "Peter Cowie's" visual essay breaks down the biographical and thematic elements of the film, and "Man of Three Worlds: Luchino Visconti" episode from BBC’s "Sunday Night" program enriches understanding of Visconti’s multifaceted career across film, theater, and opera. Each of these features is crafted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the enduring legacy of "Senso".

Extras included in this disc:

• The Wanton Countess: The English-language version produced for the UK market.
• The Making of Senso: Documentary with interviews detailing the film's production history.
• Viva Verdi: Visconti and Opera: Discussion on the significance of opera in Visconti's work.
• Peter Cowie: Visual essay on the biographical and thematic elements of "Senso".
• Man of Three Worlds: Luchino Visconti: BBC program episode examining Visconti’s legacy.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with essays on "Senso" and an excerpt from Farley Granger's autobiography.

Luchino Visconti's "Senso" (1954) is a grand theatrical adaptation of Camillo Boito's novella that thrives in the richly detailed world of nineteenth-century Italy. Filmed in magnificent 3-strip Technicolor, the film immerses viewers in both the opulent aristocratic milieu and the fervent socio-political climate of the Risorgimento. The cinematography, a defining feature awarded the Silver Ribbon for Best Cinematography by the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists, showcases breathtaking lensing by G.R. Aldo and Robert Krasker, capturing Venice and Verona's historic beauty with an operatic sensibility. The camera techniques primarily feature wide shots, emphasizing period details and dramatic settings, avoiding close-ups to convey a more theatrical vista.

The narrative unfolds during the Austrian occupation in Venice in 1866, framed by a performance of Verdi’s Il Trovatore. This setting becomes a battleground for cultural and political rivalries, epitomized by Italian patriot Marquis Roberto Ussoni (Massimo Girotti) and Austrian Lt. Franz Mahler (Farley Granger). Their altercation sets the stage for a romance with Countess Livia Serpieri (Alida Valli), Ussoni's cousin. Valli's portrayal of Livia—an unhappily married aristocrat who falls desperately in love with Mahler—serves as the emotional core of this melodrama. The affair grows ever more complex against a backdrop of escalating war, leading Livia to extreme measures to keep her lover near.

Visconti deftly intertwines the personal and the political, presenting a multilayered narrative where individual passion mirrors national struggle. Historical context is meticulously reconstructed, aiding in conveying the prevailing sentiments of enthusiasm and disillusionment among Italian patriots and Austrian soldiers. Notably, Franco Zeffirelli and Francesco Rosi’s contributions as assistant directors underscore the film’s production excellence. While censorship altered its intended conclusion, "Senso" remains a poignant exploration of personal and national turmoil, artfully balancing intimate drama with historical scope.

The Blu-ray release of Luchino Visconti's "Senso" by Criterion stands as an exemplary model of film restoration. The video restoration reflects the dedication to preserving its visual integrity, offering a rich and detailed portrayal of the 19th-century setting. Colors are vibrant and lifelike, with deep blacks and nuanced shadows that enhance the film’s dramatic atmosphere. The effort to retain the original film grain adds to the authenticity, ensuring a cinematic experience true to Visconti's vision.

The supplementary materials included in the Criterion release provide invaluable insights into the making of "Senso" and Luchino Visconti's directorial approach. These supplements are thoroughly researched, offering a depth of information about the historical context and character development that lends the fictional narrative a sense of realism. Interviews, documentary features, and commentary tracks add layers of understanding, making this Blu-ray a comprehensive resource for both enthusiasts and scholars.

I must speculate that had it not been for director Martin Scorsese and the Film Foundation, this beautiful new restoration of Luchino Visconti's "Senso" more than likely would have not existed. Of course, Criterion deserves an enormous amount of credit for making it available on Blu-ray in North America. "Senso" has never ever before looked this good. Period. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.