War and Peace Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "War and Peace" presents the film in a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition presentation with a 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio, derived from a 2K restoration by Mosfilm. The transfer has its merits, such as a largely crisp and clear scan with minimal dirt and print damage, yielding a significant upgrade over previous DVD versions. However, the presentation is not without flaws. The film, produced using lower-quality Russian film stock and stretched across eight hours, suffers from occasional compression artifacts and color fluctuations. These shifts can be distracting, though they are perhaps an inevitable consequence of the source materials and the encoding limitations of fitting such a long feature on two discs.

The restored transfer maintains a healthy dose of organic film grain and generally strong color fidelity. Fine details are rendered faithfully, although some scenes appear softer than others due to the unavailability of the original 70mm elements. Instances of scratches, dust, and dirt are present but not abundantly so, making them relatively easy to overlook. Despite the noted imperfections, this high-definition release stands as a substantial improvement aesthetically over the low-quality DVDs that have circulated in the past. For fans of this Russian epic, the Blu-ray offers the best available transfer to date, making it a gratifying audiovisual experience despite its limitations.

The Blu-ray release of "War and Peace" features a meticulously restored Russian 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track, derived from the film's original six-track 70mm elements. This restoration, expertly undertaken by Mosfilm, showcases an early example of surround sound technology. The sound-stage is robust, lending a bombastic and exciting auditory experience throughout the film. Dialogue reproduction is exceptional, ensuring clarity and precision. Despite the occasional lack of crisp fidelity in some music cues, the overall audio presentation remains impressive and satisfactory.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track presents the original stereo soundtrack with remarkable fidelity. The sound effects are clear and well-articulated, complementing the dialogue efficiently without any disruptive instances of crackling, popping, or hissing. This significant achievement in audio restoration likely represents the best auditory experience of "War and Peace" available on home video. Furthermore, the audio is epic in scale, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience that aligns with the film's grandiose visual presentation.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "War and Peace" includes a comprehensive and engaging array of extras that provide profound insights into the making of this cinematic epic. From historical discussions to behind-the-scenes footage and new interviews with key individuals involved in the film, the supplemental materials enhance the viewing experience and offer significant contextual and production information. Highlights include Woina I Mir, a 1966 documentary offering intimate glimpses into the production, and Cold War Classic, a recent essential interview with historian Denise J. Youngblood. Collectors and fans of the film will find these extras both informative and captivating, providing a thorough exploration of this monumental film’s creation and its significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Woina I Mir: A 1966 behind-the-scenes documentary on the production.
• Interview with Anatoly Petritsky: The cinematographer discusses challenges and processes in creating the film's visuals.
• Interview with Fedor Bondarchuk: The director's son shares stories about his father’s filmmaking.
• Les Sovietiques: A 1968 French TV program featuring Ludmila Savelyeva and director interviews.
• Cold War Classic: Historian Denise J. Youngblood discusses the film's historical and cultural context.
• Making War and Peace: A 1969 documentary detailing the film's production and release.
• Re-release Trailer: The Janus Films re-release trailer.

"War and Peace," a monumental Russian film, receives the Criterion treatment, highlighting its unparalleled scope and production values. This Soviet-era adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's novel is a colossal achievement, mobilizing vast resources including the military and local museums. Costing an inflation-adjusted $60 million USD, the film’s grandeur is comparable to modern blockbusters. Divided into four segments— "Andrei Bolkonsky," "Natasha Rostova," "The Year 1812," and "Pierre Bezukhov"—the narrative immerses viewers in both personal drama and historical events, such as the battles of Schöngrabern, Austerlitz, and Krasnoi. At its core is Pierre Bezukhov (Sergey Bondarchuk), whose journey from aristocratic comfort to wartime involvement captures the overarching turbulence of the Napoleonic Wars.

The technical achievements are as impressive as the narrative. The production design by luminaries Mikhail Bogdanov, Aleksandr Dikhtyar, Said Menyalshchikov, and Gennady Myasnikov bolsters every frame with authenticity. The costuming by Vladimir Burmeyster and team brings both soldiers and socialites vividly to life. Cinematography by Yu-Lan Chen, Anatoliy Petritskiy, and Aleksandr Shelenkov is experimental and visually captivating. Director Sergey Bondarchuk, who also plays Pierre Bezukhov, uses innovative camera techniques and unique visual approaches to render Tolstoy’s expansive world both accessible and mesmerizing. The stirring musical score by Vyacheslav Ovchinnikov amplifies the film's emotional tenor brilliantly. Bondarchuk's ability to manage such a sprawling, multifaceted project confirms his versatility and visionary talent.

The ensemble cast is stellar, with Bondarchuk’s Pierre supported by Vyacheslav Tikhonov’s brooding Andrei Bolkonsky and Lyudmila Saveleva’s luminous Natasha Rostova. Other standout performances include Boris Zakhava as Field Marshal Kutuzov and Vladislav Strzhelchik as Napoleon. The dedication and passion of everyone involved culminate in an epic that demonstrates why Sergei Bondarchuk’s “War and Peace” is revered as perhaps the most definitive cinematic adaptation of Tolstoy’s magnum opus.

Sergei Bondarchuk’s ambitious adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s "War and Peace" stands as one of the most monumental achievements in cinema. This Russian epic, boasting a colossal cast and scenes featuring thousands of extras, has justifiably been compared to modern epics such as "The Lord of the Rings" for its sheer scale and intricate production. The new Blu-ray release by the Criterion Collection showcases this classic with a 2K restoration, breathing new life into its visuals and audio. The original six-track 70mm soundtrack has been meticulously restored, ensuring that viewers experience the film as intended, with an auditory depth that matches its visual grandeur.

The Criterion Collection's release excels not only in its presentation of the main feature but also through its supplementary content. The Blu-ray includes hours of interesting and educational materials related to the film, offering viewers deeper insights into this cinematic milestone. Both the audio and visual quality meet high standards, providing a crisp, clear window into Bondarchuk's meticulous craftsmanship. The restoration work ensures that the film's evocative scenes maintain their power to captivate modern audiences just as they did upon the original release.

In conclusion, "War and Peace" on Blu-ray is a showcase of one of cinema’s grandest undertakings. This Criterion Collection edition highlights the film’s timeless relevance and undeniable influence within the world of filmmaking. Through its top-notch restoration and substantial special features, it stands out as an essential addition to any film enthusiast's collection. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates cinematic history and epic storytelling.