Crossed Swords Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Crossed Swords," presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, offers a commendable, yet varied visual experience. The film is sourced from an old master supplied by StudioCanal, which, while healthy, leaves room for enhancement. The color balance reveals some inconsistencies; although no intense primaries typical of recent 4K restorations are evident, darker scenes exhibit noticeable black and brown crushing that obscure detail. Despite these limitations, density and delineation levels offer moments of good to very good depth and fluidity. Image stability is generally solid, although viewers may notice slight shakiness during the opening credits and sporadic scenes. This release, locked in Region-A, requires a compatible player for viewing.

In sharp contrast, another perspective highlights the movie sourced from a fresh 4K master crafted for this release, maintaining the original Saul Bass designed WB logo continuity. Here, the film's presentation in its authentic 2.35:1 ratio offers a faithfully reproduced film grain and color palette, with only minor issues such as scratches or frame jitters noted. This version appears to significantly surpass previous home video iterations, marking its highest quality presentation to date. Both versions collectively illustrate the differences a master source can impart on the film's home video quality, from color fidelity to image stability, influencing the overall viewer experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Crossed Swords" offers an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 (48kHz, 16-bit) track that remains faithful to the film’s original mono soundtrack. With its lossless quality, this audio track provides a solid representation of the movie's soundscape. Impressively, there are no detectable age-related imperfections, with dialogue, sound effects, and Maurice Jarre’s lush score all delivered cleanly and without distortion. Optional English SDH subtitles are available, appearing neatly within the frame for added accessibility.

The dynamic intensity of the score is maintained well throughout action sequences, a testament to the track's balance. However, it’s important to recognize the inherent limitations native to the original soundtrack. While minor balance adjustments could possibly enhance the music score subtly, this release arguably represents the pinnacle of how "Crossed Swords" can be experienced on home video. In comparison to previous DVD editions, this audio presentation is a notable improvement, offering an immersive and authentic auditory experience that respects the film's original sound design.

The Blu-ray extras for "Crossed Swords" offer a compelling array of content that complements the main feature, providing an engaging insight into the film's production and history. Highlights include an exclusive interview with Mark Lester, who shares intriguing anecdotes about his casting and personal experiences on set. This segment is particularly poignant as it marks one of Lester’s final screen appearances. The audio commentary, featuring distinguished critics Howard S. Berger, Steve Mitchell, and Nathaniel Thompson, delivers an informative yet entertaining discussion about the film's background and its crew, making it an enriching experience for enthusiasts. Additionally, the disc features an International Cut of the movie, providing a slightly extended viewing experience in standard definition, and a nostalgic theatrical trailer.

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Star Mark Lester: Insights from Lester on his casting and filming experiences.
• Trailer: A vintage promotional preview.
• International Cut: A longer version in standard definition.
• Commentary: Entertaining track by noted critics.

Richard Fleischer's "Crossed Swords" (1977) is a visually grandiose adaptation of Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper," presenting an opulent take that's reminiscent of the lavish productions of the Golden Age swashbucklers. With a runtime of approximately 122 minutes, and a presentation sourced from a standard definition master, the Kino Lorber Blu-ray release offers both an international cut and notable supplemental features. The film stays true to the novel's core structure, authentically depicting the story's pivotal events. Renowned cinematographer Jack Cardiff uses his expertise to deliver captivating period visuals, rich with elaborate sets, costumes, and wigs. Moreover, Maurice Jarre's award-winning compositions underscore the film, adding a further layer of cinematic splendor.

While Fleischer successfully captures the essence of Twain’s tale, casting choices occasionally hinder overall narrative cohesion. Mark Lester takes on dual roles as Tom Canty and Prince Edward; despite his commendable effort, Lester’s slightly detached performance and age misalignment (he was 18 compared to the characters' 8 in the novel) impacts the film's believability. Similarly, Oliver Reed shines as Sir Miles Hendon, leveraging his swashbuckling acumen from prior roles, but some supporting cast members fail to synergize perfectly with their historical characters. Charlie Heston, as King Henry VIII, and Ernest Borgnine’s portrayal of Tom's father are notable yet inconsistent.

Despite these character disparities, "Crossed Swords" remains an engaging spectacle thanks to Fleischer and Cardiff's dedication to an authentic period atmosphere. The attention to detail in the production design, alongside some standout performances, ensures the film serves as a nostalgic homage to classic swashbuckling adventures, even as it navigates its cast-centric idiosyncrasies.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Crossed Swords" presents a technically impressive package that effectively resurrects Richard Fleischer's adaptation of Mark Twain's "The Prince and the Pauper". While the film encountered a lukewarm reception during its initial release, largely due to uneven casting choices led by Mark Lester's performance, the home media edition showcases an HD transfer that highlights the film's visual strengths. The master, sourced from StudioCanal, reveals meticulous care in preserving the movie's historical richness despite its dated origins.

The strength of this release lies in its blend of quality and added value. Kino Lorber succeeds in delivering a solid high-definition offering, complete with engaging special features that surpass previous editions. The inclusion of the International Cut adds depth and context to Fleischer's vision, making it a compelling option for both new viewers and collectors considering an upgrade. The release reflects Kino Lorber's commitment to offering superior viewing experiences from classic titles.

In conclusion, "Crossed Swords" on Blu-ray exemplifies a commendable restoration effort that breathes new life into a movie with mixed original critiques. Despite the inherent shortcomings in casting, which detract from the narrative's potential impact, this edition is worth acquiring for its technical achievements and enriched content. It is a testament to Kino Lorber's consistent dedication to quality in home video releases.