The Strange Case of Angelica Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Manoel de Oliveira's "The Strange Case of Angelica" arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer rendered by Cinema Guild. The high-definition transfer is solid, featuring exceptional detail particularly during daylight scenes where imagery is crisp and life-like. Close-ups display remarkable depth and fluidity. The color palette is commendable, presenting rich, well-saturated colors that maintain a natural appearance. Dream sequences and the airborne journey of Isaac and Angelica, although dark, exhibit excellent detail without appearing overprocessed or sterile.

Some minor issues do exist. The pillarboxed presentation suggests a probable 1.78:1 or 1.66:1 aspect ratio rather than the stated 1.85:1. Elevated black levels lead to occasional washed-out visuals and reduced overall contrast, resulting in a softer appearance in specific scenes. Despite this, the transfer is generally pleasing, with minimal grain present and no notable stability or serious post-production noise corrections. The imagery effectively captures the ethereal and painterly compositions typical of Oliveira's style.

In summary, while there are minor concerns with contrast and black levels, the Blu-ray’s video quality respects the director's artistic intent, presenting a healthy and vibrant picture. This Region-Free Blu-ray ensures compatibility across different players, making it accessible to a broad audience without any significant technical impediments.

The Blu-ray for "The Strange Case of Angelica" delivers two audio tracks: Portuguese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and Portuguese DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with optional English subtitles for the main feature. Both tracks provide a commendable audio experience, with particular emphasis on balance and detail. The 5.1 track is notably impressive in its nuanced dynamics, expertly capturing ambient sounds like falling rain and piano solos to enhance the film's unique atmosphere. Various incidental noises, such as clicks, bells, and birds chirping, are rendered with exceptional clarity, contributing to an immersive soundscape. Dialogue is consistently crisp, stable, and easy to follow, ensuring that viewers remain engaged with the narrative.

Despite its strengths, the audio mix on "The Strange Case of Angelica" can be described as relatively subdued. While dialogue remains clean and full without any crackles or pops, and the auditory elements are well-balanced, the overall dynamism is somewhat flat. Rear channel activity is minimal, resulting in a sound field that feels a touch static. The bass presence is mostly absent, except for a few instances where harsher mechanical sounds make their appearance. While these limitations might keep the track from fully exercising high-end audio systems, the deliberate ambiance achieved through ticking clocks, clicking cameras, and other subtle sounds effectively supports the film's visual and emotive tones.

Overall, while the Portuguese DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track may not be the most robust sonic experience available, it excels in fidelity and maintaining the film's atmospheric integrity. The quiet nature of the movie suits the restrained yet effective sound mix, offering a serviceable and respectful presentation of this introspective work.

Cinema Guild has curated an exceptional array of supplements for the Blu-ray release of "The Strange Case of Angelica," each contributing invaluable insights into the world of director Manoel de Oliveira. The extras encompass both audio and visual formats, from an informative commentary by James Quandt that deconstructs Oliveira’s cinematic techniques and influences, to historical pieces such as Oliveira’s directorial debut, "Douro, Faina Fluvial," restored in high definition. Noteworthy is the documentary "Oliveira’s L'architecte," which delves into the director’s expansive career, providing a comprehensive look at his philosophical approach to art and filmmaking. Additionally, the supplementary video "Absoluto" features Oliveira’s critical perspectives on modern cinema versus classical artistry, offering both enriching and contemplative narratives. Each piece is supported by Portuguese Dolby Digital 2.0 sound and English subtitles, enriching the viewing experience for international audiences. Overall, these extras make the Blu-ray an essential collector's item for Oliveira enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

Douro, Faina Fluvial: Manoel de Oliveira's silent film debut documenting life by the Douro River. Commentary: Insightful audio commentary by film critic James Quandt. Absoluto: 2010 video piece featuring Oliveira’s thoughts on cinema. Oliveira's L'architecte: Documentary exploring Oliveira’s legacy and filmography. Theatrical Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for "The Strange Case of Angelica". Eccentricities of a Blonde-haired Girl: Teaser for Oliveira's 2009 film. Trailers: Trailers for other Cinema Guild releases. Booklet: Essay by Harvard Film Archive director Hayden Guest.

Manoel de Oliveira's The Strange Case of Angelica, screened at the Cannes Film Festival, is a reflection on the mutable boundary between life and death, told through the lens of a quiet yet haunting supernatural love story. Ricardo Trepa stars as Isaac, a photographer summoned in the middle of a rainy night to capture the image of the recently deceased Angelica, portrayed with ethereal grace by Pilar López de Ayala. Strikingly, through his viewfinder, Angelica momentarily seems to come to life, her smile captivating Isaac and drawing him into a journey both real and metaphysical. Oliveira’s contemplative direction focuses on the interplay between material reality and ephemeral dreams, using slow, reflective visuals that create a painterly stillness again and again throughout the film.

Oliveira's deliberate pacing enhances this mood, with wide, motionless shots capturing the existential weight of Isaac’s internal conflict. The languid composition is punctuated by serene piano melodies that echo the film’s somber atmosphere. The cinematographic choices are deliberate and thoughtful, balancing spatial planes with careful attention to foreground, midground, and background elements that together frame each scene in a painterly manner. By letting scenes breathe without unnecessary manipulation, the film crafts a suspended sense of time that feels both dreamy and naturalistic.

Despite these strong stylistic elements, The Strange Case of Angelica falters in execution. The narrative meanders, and Isaac’s character remains enigmatic, making it challenging for viewers to connect emotionally with his journey. This lack of narrative focus can lead to a sense of detachment, as scenes blend into one another without building toward a compelling climax. The film grapples with deep themes—love, spiritualism, and the nature of cinema—but these ideas often feel underdeveloped. Consequently, while Oliveira’s work is visually compelling and thought-provoking on a conceptual level, it does not fully coalesce into a satisfying whole, leaving its grand philosophical inquiries somewhat incomplete.

The Strange Case of Angelica, directed by the esteemed Manoel de Oliveira at the extraordinary age of 102, offers a captivating viewing experience characterized by its enchanting visuals and thoughtful narrative. This Blu-ray release, courtesy of Cinema Guild, truly brings the film's rich aesthetic to life, capturing de Oliveira's meticulous craftsmanship with commendable clarity. The video quality, while not revolutionary, is respectable and does justice to the film’s surreal and haunting imagery. The audio presentation, though modest, adequately supports the film’s atmosphere, ensuring that the nuanced soundscape complements the visual storytelling.

This Blu-ray edition also boasts a selection of insightful supplements that provide further context and appreciation for de Oliveira's work. Noteworthy among these is his first feature film, "Douro, Faina Fluvial," made in 1931, which offers a fascinating look at the early stages of his long and illustrious career. Additionally, the included documentary "Oliveira's L'architecte" by Paulo Rocha enriches the viewer’s understanding of the Portuguese director's artistic vision and enduring influence in cinema. These extras significantly enhance the overall value of this release and provide a deeper appreciation for film enthusiasts.

The Strange Case of Angelica is a fascinating, beautifully-lensed fairytale meant for adults. Directed by a true master of cinema, 102-year old Manoel de Oliveira, the film is now available on Blu-ray courtesy of independent distributors Cinema Guild. In addition to the main feature, the Blu-ray also contains the Portuguese director's first feature film, Douro, Faina Fluvial, which he directed in 1931, as well as Paulo Rocha's outstanding documentary film Oliveira's L'architecte. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.