The Trial Blu-ray Review

Studio Canal's Blu-ray release of Orson Welles' "The Trial" offers a visually compelling, yet imperfect presentation, particularly considering the film’s age. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and presented in a 1080p high-definition format, with a 1.66:1 (or noted as 1.64:1 in some reviews) theatrical aspect ratio, this version showcases the black-and-white imagery in remarkable contrast. The film’s visual fidelity highlights the excellent preservation of the source material, delivering crisp and sharp visuals that, at times, make the movie appear much more recently-shot. Print damage is minimal, with only occasional scratches observable, an impressive feat for a 50-year-old film. However, it is essential to note the application of Digital Noise Reduction (DNR), which, while helping achieve a cleaner image, has also led to the loss of much grain structure and some finer details.

Despite these commendable aspects, there are notable drawbacks. Moderate edge-enhancement is apparent, particularly on larger screens, along with sporadic grain fluctuations and minor filtering corrections. Contrast and brightness levels have been slightly elevated, sometimes compromising skin textures and fine object details. Additionally, minor stability issues like frame transition problems and edge flicker were observed but are not overly distracting. Overall, while this Blu-ray release represents a significant upgrade over previous DVD iterations and stands as an obvious enhancement in visual quality, it leaves room for further improvements. This Region B-locked Blu-ray shows noticeable effort in restoring a classic but misses the mark on becoming a reference-quality release. Nonetheless, it’s a commendable attempt by Studio Canal to rejuvenate a richly preserved classic for modern audiences.

The audio presentation of "The Trial" Blu-ray is anchored by a remastered English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by French and German DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. The English track in particular delivers a clear and coherent auditory experience, free from the cracks and pops typically associated with films of its vintage. While Orson Welles's distinct dubbing of non-English-speaking cast members is noticeable, it does not detract from the overall quality of the audio. The dialogue remains stable and crisp, with only an occasional, extremely light hiss that does not interfere with the viewing experience.

Furthermore, the score's haunting tones enhance the film's sense of claustrophobia and surrealism, though higher end elements can distort if the volume is pushed too high—a common issue with older films. Despite this minor drawback, the track maintains a lively and engaging quality, respecting the original material and satisfying both audiophiles and fans of the film alike. Additionally, Studio Canal has provided optional English SDH, French, and German subtitles, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience. Overall, this audio track is a technically sound and immersive complement to Welles's classic.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Trial" by Studio Canal provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the film and its creation, reflecting a professional presentation. Headlined by detailed documentaries and interviews, every aspect is examined, from Orson Welles’ visionary direction to the unique challenges of the European shoot. “Welles, Kafka and The Trial” delves extensively into the film's production and literary roots, while "Welles, Architect of Light" offers insights from cinematographer Edmond Richard about the film's arresting visuals. The “Tempo Profile: Orson Welles” documentary enriches understanding of Welles’ multifaceted career. Actor Steven Berkoff’s interview adds depth with his adaptations of Kafka's works. Notable inclusions like a deleted scene and the original trailer further enhance this robust collection.

Extras included in this disc:

• Welles, Kafka and The Trial: An in-depth French documentary on the film’s production and literary inspirations.
• Welles, Architect of Light: Interview with Director of Photography Edmond Richard.
• Tempo Profile: Orson Welles: Documentary on Orson Welles' life and career.
• Interview with Steven Berkoff: Discusses adaptations of Kafka’s works.
• Deleted Scene: Significant deleted segment presented in HD.
• Trailer: Original European trailer for the film.
• Booklet: Essay by esteemed film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum.

Orson Welles' adaptation of Franz Kafka's "The Trial" is an unparalleled cinematic achievement that compellingly translates the dense, paranoid atmosphere of Kafka's narrative into a visual tour de force. The film stars Anthony Perkins as Joseph K., a nondescript office worker who is inexplicably arrested and thrust into a nightmarish bureaucratic labyrinth without understanding his charges. Perkins embodies the bewildered protagonist to near perfection, transitioning seamlessly from calm rationality to frantic desperation. This performance, coupled with Welles' evocative direction, crystallizes the essence of Kafka's tale—a surreal, oppressive indictment of authoritarianism and social conformity.

Visually, "The Trial" is a meld of classic film noir elegance and German expressionist horror. The cinematography by Edmond Richard, known for his collaborations with Luis Buñuel, enriches the film with a stark, retro-industrial aesthetic. The labyrinthine sets and shadow-laden compositions heighten the sense of inescapable dread, making the viewer feel as ensnared as Joseph K. himself. Certain sequences, particularly during the second half, evoke a Lynchian surrealism and Cronenberg-like unease—testament to the film’s lasting influence and stylistic foresight.

While some may find the narrative’s inherent ambiguity and philosophical depth difficult to penetrate, this quality contributes to the film's enduring appeal. The Blu-ray release by Studio Canal accentuates the film’s visual and auditory elements like never before, ensuring that enthusiasts and novices alike can fully appreciate this seminal work. This release includes interviews, an archival featurette, and a documentary on Welles' legacy, further enriching one’s understanding of this complex film. Despite its potential inaccessibility, "The Trial" remains an indispensable masterwork in the annals of cinema.

The Trial’s Blu-ray release, while not the standout in Studio Canal's latest classic collection, still deserves recognition. With a significant improvement in video and audio quality compared to previous DVD editions, this release brings Orson Welles' Kafkaesque vision to life more vividly than ever before. The impeccable black-and-white transfer preserves the film's stark, expressionistic cinematography, maintaining high contrast levels and sharp details that were previously lost in older formats. Audio enhancements ensure clearer dialogue and a more immersive experience overall, even if some of the original audio limitations naturally persist.

Equally commendable is the array of supplementary materials included. The bonus features provide profound insights into the making of The Trial, including interviews with film historians and a behind-the-scenes look into Welles' directorial choices. These extras significantly enrich the viewing experience—offering context and depth that both casual viewers and cinephiles will find valuable. Additionally, the packaging and liner notes exemplify Studio Canal’s attention to detail, adding another layer of appreciation for collectors.

In conclusion, The Trial’s Blu-ray edition may not be the crown jewel of Studio Canal's classic collection—especially when compared to the highly praised That Obscure Object of Desire and Le Quai Des Brumes. However, its noticeable enhancements in audiovisual quality and its robust supplemental features make it a worthy addition to any film connoisseur’s library. For those who admire Orson Welles’ directorial prowess or have an interest in cinematic adaptations of literary giants like Kafka, this release is undeniably worth considering—particularly if found at a discount.