Charly Blu-ray Review

The newly released Blu-ray of "Charly" from Kino Lorber impresses with its 2K restoration, delivering a stellar 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation. This release stands out for its ability to maintain the integrity of the original film elements, preserving fine film grain throughout without any excessive Digital Noise Reduction (DNR). The image quality is remarkably clean and free from print damage, showcasing a faithful reproduction of the original cinematography. Although the color palette remains subdued, it adds to the film's authenticity and maintains a natural and filmic appearance.

The high-definition transfer ensures outstanding clarity without sacrificing the organic feel of the original print. This meticulous restoration work results in a strong encode that faithfully represents the nuanced visual details intended by the filmmakers. Overall, this Blu-ray release of "Charly" sets a high bar for preserving and presenting classic films on modern media formats. The technical precision and respect for the source material evident in this release will surely satisfy both cinephiles and collectors.

The Blu-ray of "Charly" delivers a professionally presented audio experience encoded in DTS-HD Master Audio mono. Boasting a robust dual mono configuration, the audio reproduction remains remarkably clear, effectively maintaining the integrity of the film's original sound design. Although "Charly" does not exhibit the dynamic range expected from contemporary film productions, it compensates with exceptionally clear dialogue reproduction throughout. Even nuanced vocal performances, such as Robertson's initially slurred speech, come across with an impressive level of clarity, ensuring that viewers can easily follow the narrative.

Complementing the dialogue, the musical score is rendered with excellent fidelity, enhancing the overall listening experience. The soundtrack remains free from any distracting artifacts, such as cracks or hisses, which ensures an uninterrupted auditory experience. This meticulous attention to preserving the authenticity of the original sound design results in a sound mix that is both authentic and engaging. Overall, "Charly" benefits significantly from its expertly crafted audio track, making this Blu-ray release a worthwhile addition for audiophiles and casual viewers alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "Charly" are meticulously curated, offering valuable insights alongside nostalgic promotional materials. The audio commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson is particularly enriching, providing an in-depth dissection of the film's themes, production background, and its historical context. Additionally, a series of trailers for other Kino Lorber Blu-ray releases, including "The Devil's Brigade," "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?," "Junior Bonner," "The Killing of Sister George," and "The Group" are included, providing a broader sense of the era's cinematic landscape. Each supplementary offering is well-presented, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the film and its significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Film Historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson: In-depth analysis and historical context.
• Trailers for the following Kino Lorber Blu-ray releases:
  • The Devil's Brigade
  • They Shoot Horses, Don't They?
  • Junior Bonner
  • The Killing of Sister George
  • The Group

"Charly" is a cinematic gem featuring an extraordinary performance by Cliff Robertson, who brings to life the character of Charly Gordon with exceptional depth and sensitivity. The narrative, adapted from Daniel Keyes' novel, is a poignant exploration of human transformation, following Charly's journey from a mentally challenged adult to a super-intelligent individual after an experimental procedure. Directed by Ralph Nelson, the film employs a unique arthouse style, integrating multi-panel scenes that add an intriguing visual layer. Arthur J. Ornitz’s cinematography enhances the film's aesthetic, capturing vivid outdoor landscapes and the intricate details of Charly's environment.

The film's emotional resonance is significantly enriched by Ravi Shankar’s sublime score, which, while it may not reach the same heights as his work in the Apu Trilogy, still brings a distinctive and captivating auditory experience to this Hollywood production. Stirling Silliphant's screenplay masterfully navigates complex themes without becoming overly sentimental or offensive, presenting a nuanced and fully-formed character in Charly. The storyline offers a compelling view of Charly's internal struggle against societal underestimation, his relentless pursuit of self-worth, and the enriching relationships he forms, particularly with the intelligent Alice Kinnian (Claire Bloom).

Overall, "Charly" stands out not only for its compelling narrative and technical brilliance but also for its remarkable ability to blend emotive storytelling with a sophisticated visual and auditory style, making it a standout in any Blu-ray collection.

"Charly" stands out as a poignant and deeply engaging drama that charts one man's exceptional journey through life. Cliff Robertson delivers an outstanding performance as the titular character, portraying the struggle of a man with learning disabilities who seeks to achieve more against all odds. The screenplay is robustly constructed, with a narrative that strikes a delicate balance between emotional depth and realism. The story feels fully formed, allowing the viewer to become genuinely invested in Charly's quest for self-improvement and acceptance. Technically, the Blu-ray presentation shines, featuring a remarkable 2K remaster that enhances both the visual and auditory experience. This release invites both new viewers and longtime fans to (re)discover this impactful drama in an enhanced format.

The Blu-ray comes augmented with a range of thoughtful extras, albeit with some caveats. The audio commentary by film historians Howard S. Berger and Nathaniel Thompson, while informative, tends to be meandering and at times repetitive. The historical context shared during the commentary does offer valuable insights, particularly regarding Ralph Nelson's directorial efforts across various socially significant genres. Interestingly, the commentary also covers the multiple adaptations of "Flowers for Algernon," the literary basis for "Charly," and details Robertson’s contention over the film rights versus stage adaptations. Additionally, insights into Claire Bloom's career high point at the time of filming and Robertson’s directorial sensitivity further enrich the viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Charly" is an emotionally resonant film that successfully merges scientific hope with human perseverance. The new Blu-ray release ensures that this classic drama receives the technical uplift it deserves. Despite minor flaws in the supplemental commentary, this release provides comprehensive viewing pleasure for both cinephiles and casual viewers alike. This edition of "Charly" reaffirms its status as a seminal work worthy of renewed attention and appreciation.