All That Jazz Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray presentation of "All That Jazz" is an impressive showcase for Bob Fosse's visionary work. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the film receives a 1080p transfer from a meticulous 4K digital restoration, supervised by Twentieth Century Fox and the Academy Film Archive. Color correction and image stabilization were executed at Sony Colorworks in Culver City, perfectly recapturing cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno's intended visual aesthetic.

The 4K restoration results in remarkable improvements across key visual attributes such as definition, clarity, and image depth. The picture quality is a significant leap over previous home video editions, especially during dream sequences, now vividly displaying their intended ethereal quality. The source print is pristine, with a moderate layer of natural film grain adding a textured richness throughout. Colors are generally stable and natural, although a slightly broader range of nuanced reds and a more subdued green would have better aligned with the original trailer's hues. Fortunately, the transfer is free of problematic degraining or sharpening artifacts, maintaining the integrity of the original film.

Following the flick's distinctly stylish visual narrative, the Blu-ray transfer effectively balances contrast and black levels, despite some dark hues appearing slightly crushed in certain sequences. The overall color palette leans towards an undersaturated look, yet it bursts to life during the climactic, vibrantly lit dance scenes. Highlights include Scheider’s stark portrayals and visually arresting musical numbers in the final act. Thankfully, this transfer avoids any digital artifacts, ensuring a flawless viewing experience. This Blu-ray edition of "All That Jazz" stands as a definitive home video release, showcasing the film's visual brilliance through an exceptional high-definition presentation.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "All That Jazz" is rendered in English DTS-HD Master Audio 3.0, complete with optional English SDH subtitles. Upon evaluation, the audio quality and restoration are notably impressive. The depth and clarity of the sound significantly enhance the viewing experience, exemplifying a superior level of fidelity. This improvement is uniformly evident throughout the film—whether in routine dialogues or pivotal musical sequences, the audio consistently delivers without pops, cracks, background hiss, dropouts, or distortions.

Primarily centered around the middle channel, the DTS-HD MA 3.0 mix offers a solid and articulate presence that distinguishes it from typical mono mixes. Dialogue is cleanly rendered, and musical scenes particularly shine with expanded stereo separation to the left and right channels. These musical numbers demonstrate excellent range and fidelity, occasionally providing surprising low-frequency impact. Although true directionality is scarce, isolated sounds are effectively utilized to enrich the narrative and emotional landscape of various scenes. The balance between dialogue, music, and ambient sounds is handled proficiently, contributing to an immersive auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "All That Jazz" offers an extraordinary set of extras that deeply enrich the viewing experience. This collection includes insightful commentaries, in-depth interviews, and archival footage that provide an exhaustive look into both the film's production and Bob Fosse's career. The Selected-Scene Commentary by Roy Scheider offers unique perspectives on the demanding nature of Fosse’s directorial style, while interviews with Ann Reinking, Erzsebet Foldi, and editor Alan Heim delve into their personal experiences and the film's intricate editing process. Furthermore, archival interviews with Fosse himself provide historical context and a fuller understanding of his artistic vision. Each feature is presented in 1080p or upscaled 1080i, maintaining high-quality visual and audio fidelity.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for "All That Jazz".
• Selected-Scene Commentary: Roy Scheider discusses scenes and Fosse’s direction.
• Reinking and Foldi: Conversation about working with Fosse and dance techniques.
• Alan Heim: Interview with the Academy Award-winning editor.
• Tomorrow: 1980 interview with Bob Fosse and Agnes de Mille.
• Sam Wasson: Discusses Bob Fosse's life and legacy.
• The South Bank Show: 1981 interview with Bob Fosse.
• Gene Shalit Interview with Bob Fosse: 1986 interview exploring differences between stage and film.
• On the Set: Archival footage of Bob Fosse directing.
• Portrait of a Choreographer: Focuses on Bob Fosse's choreography style.
• The Making of the Song On Broadway: Interview with George Benson.
• Commentary: Full-length commentary by editor Alan Heim.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Hilton Als.

Bob Fosse's "All That Jazz" is a cinematic marvel that offers an unflinching look into the life of Joe Gideon, a Broadway choreographer and movie director mirroring Fosse himself. Roy Scheider's portrayal of Gideon is masterful, capturing the essence of a man who is both compelling and repulsive—narcissistic yet charismatic, unraveling under the weight of his own genius. Fosse's direction imbues the film with a frenetic energy, blending reality and fantasy in a style reminiscent of Fellini’s "8½." Through fragmented scenes, vivid lighting, and dramatic contrasts, the narrative oscillates between the dazzling and the bleak, presenting Broadway as both a dream and a nightmare.

The film's musical sequences are extraordinary, particularly due to Fosse’s innovative choreography and Giuseppe Rotunno’s cinematography. Standout performances by Leland Palmer, Ann Reinking, and Jessica Lange elevate the film's emotional core. Lange's role as Angelique, the Angel of Death, adds a hauntingly surreal layer to Gideon’s internal struggles. The soundtrack, curated by Ralph Burns, seamlessly ties together original compositions with rearrangements of classic tunes like George Benson's "On Broadway" and Harry Nilsson’s "Perfect Day," enhancing the film's thematic depth.

"All That Jazz" is not just a musical; it's a layered exploration of art, obsession, and mortality. The film deftly transitions from routine life to surreal spectacles, culminating in a climactic sequence that juxtaposes Gideon’s heart surgery with a fantastical Broadway production. This metafictional brilliance underscores Fosse’s self-critique while ensuring that each frame is both visually and emotionally arresting. Winner of multiple Academy Awards and preserved in the National Film Registry, "All That Jazz" remains a culturally influential masterpiece that challenges traditional genre conventions.

Bob Fosse's 'All That Jazz' is heralded as a groundbreaking and deeply introspective work. It masterfully blends autobiographical elements with a surreal narrative structure, offering a unique commentary on the director's own life and personal tribulations. The innovative choreography and mesmerizing musical sequences create an enchanting spectacle that still captivates audiences today. Criterion's release of this film on Blu-ray has undergone a meticulous 4K restoration by Twentieth Century Fox, the Academy Film Archive, and The Film Foundation, ensuring that the visual and auditory presentation is nothing short of extraordinary.

The video transfer in this release is impeccable, highlighting the vibrant visuals and intricate details of Fosse’s intricate direction. The audio mix has been expertly rendered to enhance the dynamic range of the film’s musical and dramatic elements, providing a rich auditory experience. Furthermore, Criterion has enriched this Blu-ray edition with a plethora of valuable supplemental features. These include archival materials and newly produced content that offer comprehensive insights into both the film’s production and its enduring legacy. Each feature is meticulously curated to augment the viewer's appreciation of this cinematic gem.

In conclusion, there is nothing that can be said about Bob Fosse's 'All That Jazz' that has not already been stated by critics and fans alike. It remains a timeless masterpiece, with its originality as striking today as it was upon its initial release. The 4K restoration ensures the film looks its best, and combined with Criterion’s full suite of innovative supplemental features, this Blu-ray presentation is a must-have for any serious collector or cinephile. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.