Richard III Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Richard III" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio, flawlessly maintaining the visual integrity of the film. This 20-year-old movie has undergone a stunning transformation with this transfer, offering impressive clarity and detail. Close-ups exhibit remarkable sharpness, showcasing every piece of dirt, bead of sweat, and individual hair strand on the actor's faces. The Academy Award-nominated WWII costumes are rendered with exceptional accuracy, capturing every thick stitch and scuff mark. Colors, particularly the reds in blood and uniforms, are vivid and striking.

Grain is heavily present throughout the presentation, contributing to the filmic texture, though it occasionally resolves unnaturally. The direction and cinematography often incorporate shooting into light and misty settings, imparting a gauzy, impressionistic quality in certain scenes. Despite this, clarity remains commendable. Wider shots appear slightly softer in comparison to close-ups but still maintain excellent quality. Black levels are consistently deep and inky, and flesh tones appear natural. While minor issues with video noise are noted, the transfer is generally free from compression problems.

Overall, "Richard III" delivers a visually appealing experience with this robust HD transfer. The meticulous care taken in preserving the film's aesthetic integrity while enhancing details makes it a noteworthy addition to any Blu-ray collection.

The audio presentation of "Richard III" on Blu-Ray is delivered through a pristine DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that enhances the viewing experience far beyond expectations for a Shakespeare adaptation. Despite the possibility of anticipating a dialogue-heavy track, this mix offers an immersive and often bombastic environment. The surround channels are utilized effectively, delivering an array of impressive effects that leverage the semi-modern setting of the film. Gunfire, explosions, and other war-related sounds are robust, loud, and pack a formidable punch, elevating the auditory experience significantly. Each sound is balanced with clear directionality and contributes to a realistic soundscape.

Dialogue remains crystal clear throughout, consistently well-prioritized against the film's sound effects. There is an absence of any distracting noise, such as cracks, hisses, or pops, ensuring seamless comprehension of each line. Trevor Jones' compelling score is flawlessly integrated into the surround mix, enhancing the emotional depth and suspense of pivotal scenes. This score permeates the audio landscape, providing excellent support and fidelity. Additionally, the dynamic range and LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) are prominent, with bass rumbling powerfully during intense action scenes. Overall, this expertly crafted audio presentation stands out with its excellent clarity, dynamic range, and immersive qualities.

The Blu-ray extras for "Richard III" provide a rich assortment of supplementary material that enhances the viewing experience. The inclusion of high-quality audiovisual content, such as an isolated music and effects track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, allows a deep dive into the film's auditory landscape, sans dialogue. The original theatrical trailer and the MGM 90th Anniversary trailer offer nostalgic glimpses of the movie's initial release and its historical significance. Additionally, a thoughtful 6-page color booklet featuring images from the film and an essay by film historian Julie Kirgo adds scholarly depth, making it a treasured addition for any film enthusiast.

Extras included in this disc:

• Original Theatrical Trailer: Offers a nostalgic glimpse of the film's initial release.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Celebrates the rich history of MGM studios.
• Isolated Music and Effects Track: Enables listening to the movie without dialogue.
• Booklet: Includes images from the film and an essay by historian Julie Kirgo.

Richard Loncraine's 1995 adaptation of "Richard III" boldly reimagines Shakespeare’s classic play by situating it in a fictional 1930s fascist Britain. The film, co-adapted by and starring Ian McKellen, diverges significantly from traditional interpretations and historical facts, leaning into a provocative and visually striking narrative. This audacious choice, though potentially off-putting to purists, succeeds in rendering the story gripping and viscerally engaging. The adaptation's brisk pace is facilitated by significant cuts to the script, streamlining Shakespeare's famously lengthy work and focusing on the core narrative. Notable performances by McKellen, Robert Downey Jr., Annette Bening, Jim Broadbent, and Maggie Smith contribute to the film’s modern yet timeless appeal.

McKellen's portrayal of Richard is notably less grotesque in physical appearance compared to Olivier’s iconic 1955 version but no less menacing. His involvement in both the initial stage production and the film adaptation provides a depth of understanding and consistency that enriches the character's portrayal. London landmarks are repurposed with creative flair, providing an almost surreal layer to the already complex play. For instance, St. Pancras Station is reimagined as a royal palace, an insider nod that adds a layer of cultural texture for those familiar with British history.

The film’s revisionist approach extends beyond its setting to its treatment of Shakespeare's text. Lines are interpolated, and characters combined or omitted entirely, reflecting a contemporary sensibility. As emphasized in the accompanying study guide developed with McKellen's input, Shakespeare himself was more of a dramatist than a historian, which justifies the film’s liberties. The result is an adaptation that not only entertains but also invites viewers to reconsider both the historical and dramatic narratives surrounding Richard III, positioning it as a remarkable reinterpretation of Shakespeare for modern audiences.

This 1995 adaptation of "Richard III" is a bold and innovative rendering of Shakespeare's classic, transporting the historical conflicts of the play into an alternative 1930s fascist Britain. With Ian McKellen delivering a chilling and masterful performance as Richard, the film achieves an astonishing balance of dark humor and profound drama. The clever direction and adaptive screenplay stand out, making it a dynamic and engaging experience even for purists of Shakespearean literature.

Technically, this Blu-ray edition excels in delivering crystal clear visuals with pristine detail and vibrant colors that enhance the unique period setting. The audio quality is equally impressive, providing clear dialogue and a robust soundtrack that immerses the viewer fully into the intense atmosphere of the narrative. However, the package is somewhat let down by the lack of substantial extras, which could have provided valuable insights into the making of this distinctive film.

This Richard III is pretty cheekily audacious quite a bit of the time, but it's also surprisingly apt and effective. Buoyed by a chilling and menacing lead performance by Ian McKellen, the film moves at a relative breakneck pace (at least for a Shakespeare history) and creates an unexpected amount of emotional heft by the sad, inexorable conclusion. Anyone wanting a Masters' level thesis on adaptive techniques would be well advised to watch this in a double feature with the Olivier version. Neither may be actual history, but each offers superb pleasures, albeit in completely different ways. Technical merits are generally strong, and Richard III comes Recommended.