Absolution Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Absolution" utilises a newly restored 2K HD transfer, presented with an AVC encoded image in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The transfer brings satisfactory detail to the forefront, particularly through facial textures, such as the trademark wrinkles on Burton’s face, and the production design, notably the school setting. Color grading remains faithfully restrained to suit the film's somber tone, though exterior scenes, especially green landscapes, provide a noticeable visual uplift. Black levels are robust, maintaining adequate contrast without crushing detail. Film grain is preserved, providing a cinematic texture that complements the detailed visuals while skintones and delineation uphold a natural appearance.

However, the visual experience does present occasional drawbacks. Some viewers might find the grain field appearing noisy and intrusive during darker scenes, creating an insect-like interference. Furthermore, the print isn't flawless; it suffers from continuous speckling and minor rough patches attributable to the source's age. The final act reveals a discernible dip in resolution and color fidelity due to being sourced from an alternate print, resulting in paler hues and increased speckling. These issues, while noticeable, do not significantly detract from what is otherwise a commendable restoration effort that cinephiles will appreciate for its attention to historical authenticity and visual quality.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Absolution" employs an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that unmistakably reveals the film's age. Persistent hiss and crackling pervade the audio throughout, impacting the overall clarity without being overwhelmingly disruptive to the viewing experience. Dialogue generally remains comprehensible, although quieter conversations occasionally suffer from subdued audibility, necessitating volume adjustments. Atmospheric elements, while adequate, lack distinctiveness, presenting a somewhat dense and unremarkable soundscape for environments such as school settings and forest scenes.

Despite these age-related audio imperfections, the mix succeeds in maintaining a basic sense of spatial immersion. Sound effects, though slightly tinny, contribute to a palpable sense of environment, particularly within scenes set in the expansive chapel and long corridors. The scoring, while not crisply defined, manages to convey dramatic intensity, marked by sharp highs during musical swells. Overall, this DTS-HD 2.0 mix is functional and conveys the necessary elements of the film, but it does not offer a remarkable or pristine auditory experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Absolution" are a commendable collection that enriches the viewer's experience. The inclusion of both theatrical and thematic trailers in a mix of HD and SD formats provides a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original promotion. Featuring trailers for other relevant titles like 'True Confessions' and 'The Rosary Murders' adds substantial value for enthusiasts of the genre. These curated selections not only serve to augment the understanding of the film but also offer a historical context that enhances the disc's overall appeal. The technical quality of the trailers remains consistent with the era's standards, preserving the authenticity and charm that fans will appreciate.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer of 'Absolution' in SD.
• 'True Confessions' Trailer: Promotional material for 'True Confessions' in HD.
• 'The Rosary Murders' Trailer: Trailer for 'The Rosary Murders' presented in HD.

"Absolution," directed by Anthony Page and penned by esteemed screenwriter Anthony Shaffer, is a gripping cinema from 1978 that dives deep into psychological gamesmanship and moral unraveling. Capturing the slow burn of tension and manipulation, the film artfully handles themes of religious pressure, human cruelty, and the potent force of isolation. Richard Burton stars as Father Goddard, a priest at a Catholic boys' school whose strict discipline is put to the test by his students. Burton's performance is a meticulous portrayal of a man whose ironclad control begins to slip, leading him down a path of deception and murder orchestrated by those meant to follow him.

The film's narrative hinges on the delicate interplay between Father Goddard and his star pupil, Benjamin Stanfield (played effectively by Dominic Guard). When an itinerant figure, Blakey (Billy Connolly), disrupts the school's rigid order, Benjie slowly becomes disillusioned with Goddard's authoritarianism. The film captures this escalating tension with precision, showing Goddard’s increasing frustration as he tightens his grip on Benjie through punitive measures. A seemingly innocent prank by Benjie spirals into tragic consequences as he claims to have committed murder. The film explores the theme of confession and its inviolable boundaries, capturing Goddard's fear and escalating paranoia as he grapples with his inaction and disbelief.

"Absolution" sets itself apart with a taut runtime of approximately 95 minutes, meticulously building suspense before delivering a shocking climax that defies audience expectations. This methodical buildup makes the surprising twists more impactful, rewarding attentive viewers with a richly layered and emotionally charged thriller. The performances are uniformly strong, with Burton bringing depth to his role, while Guard and Connolly provide solid support that underscores the film’s dark and foreboding atmosphere. “Absolution” holds up as a cleverly crafted and compelling thriller with a gut-punch ending that is both memorable and rewatchable.

"Absolution" is a thriller that navigates the complexities of faith, control, and sin, driven by a compelling narrative and heightened by Richard Burton's formidable performance. The film, penned by Anthony Shaffer, is methodically constructed, meticulously maintaining suspense through its riveting set-up that dissects religious traditions and explores a murder mystery enshrouded in the silence of its participants. Although the latter part of the film struggles to maintain the initial intensity, the journey there is captivating and thought-provoking.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Absolution" presents the film with a commendable new transfer, offering crisp visuals that enhance the viewing experience. The audio track, while serviceable, doesn't quite match the quality of the video but remains adequate for most audiences. The lack of substantial extras, apart from a collection of trailers, slightly diminishes the overall value of this release from a collector’s standpoint.

In conclusion, despite minor shortcomings in the final act and certain technical aspects of the Blu-ray release, "Absolution" remains a solid thriller worth watching. Richard Burton's exceptional performance and Anthony Shaffer's gripping screenplay make it a notable addition to any mystery connoisseur's collection. For those intrigued by themes of religious control and moral conflict, this Blu-ray is an engaging investment.