The Elephant Man Blu-ray Review

David Lynch's "The Elephant Man" arrives on Blu-ray with a striking 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer, maintaining its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. This high-definition presentation is a marked improvement over previous SDVD releases, offering a substantial enhancement in fine object detail and clarity. The transfer skillfully reproduces the film’s black and white cinematography, paying homage to the impeccable lighting work of Freddie Francis. The spectrum of greys is distinctly rendered, with deep blacks and pristine whites, setting it apart from the washed-out greys often seen in other black and white transfers. However, the grain structure is variable; while generally unobtrusive, it occasionally becomes pronounced in effects shots and stock footage.

The meticulousness of the transfer is evident, though not without minor imperfections. Occasional fine print scratches and negligible negative scratches appear, but they do not significantly detract from the overall visual splendor. There are isolated instances of dropped frames during panning shots, possibly due to encoding issues, yet these are infrequent. Contrast levels are stable, although some darker scenes tend to look slightly soft, coupled with mild digital noise. Despite these minor flaws, the transfer retains a 'handsome' quality that allows viewers to appreciate the film’s intricate details and nuanced lighting anew.

In summary, while there are a few technical quirks that could have benefitted from more attentive restoration efforts, the overall transfer of "The Elephant Man" on Blu-ray is both satisfying and immersive. It admirably captures the stark beauty of Lynch's vision, ensuring that both long-time fans and new viewers can experience the film with enhanced appreciation for its visual craftsmanship.

The audio presentation of "The Elephant Man" on Blu-ray is a solid offering made even more immersive by the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. Dialogue through the front and center channels is consistently crisp and clear, which is essential given John Hurt's performance from beneath extensive makeup. The mix employs surrounds and subwoofers effectively, especially in atmospherically rich scenes such as the hospital boiler room's rumble or the creaking clock tower near Merrick's quarters. Noteworthy are the opening sideshow-style music delicately handled across the front soundstage and Barber's poignant Adagio for Strings that powerfully underscores the film's climax.

In addition to the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, the Blu-ray also includes DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks in French, German, Spanish, and Italian. The English track stands out with a well-balanced mix that integrates John Morris' evocative score seamlessly. Despite its dynamism not being among the most advanced, the overall surround activity contributes adequately to the period atmosphere without distracting from it. Importantly, the track is free from any audio artifacts such as pops, cracks, or hisses, ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience.

Optional subtitles are available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian, among others. When activated, these subtitles split the image frame and the black bar below, maintaining a careful balance between accessibility and visual integrity. This Blu-ray audio presentation honors the film's needs without overpowering its subtleties—an appropriate and respectful treatment for such a nuanced piece of cinema.

The Blu-ray for "The Elephant Man" includes a comprehensive selection of extras that delve deeply into the film's background and the historical context of its principal character. The interviews, though varying in their vitality, offer significant insights into David Lynch's cinematic approach, John Hurt's experiences during production, and the real-life history of Joseph Merrick. Particularly noteworthy is the feature with Jonathan Evans, which provides an in-depth factual account, contrasting it directly with the film’s depiction. Lynch's reflections on his methodology and the technological shifts in filmmaking are both engaging and enlightening. Overall, while the technical content may be standard-definition, the material's richness compensates, making this collection a valuable resource for enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Joseph Merrick: The Real Elephant Man: A look at the tragic history of the man whose story inspired David Lynch's film.
• Interview with David Lynch: An extensive interview covering the origins of the film and Lynch's collaboration with key figures.
• Interview with David Lynch by Mike Figgis: Lynch expounds on his creative process and parallels between filmmaking and painting.
• Interview with John Hurt: The actor shares his experiences portraying 'The Elephant Man' and behind-the-scenes details.
• The Air is on Fire: A segment featuring Lynch discussing his artwork at an exhibition, linked by Michel Chion.

David Lynch's "The Elephant Man" graces Blu-ray with an exceptional 1080p AVC/Mpeg-4 transfer, maintaining the theatrically accurate 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The black and white cinematography is visually stunning, with deep blacks, a defined contrast range, and only a few minor blemishes. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound mix is notably engaging for a film of this era, utilizing surround sound elements and subwoofer to create an enveloping, ambient rumble. Dialogue remains clear and centered, while the front stereo channels subtly reveal the poignant music score, prominently featuring Barber's "Adagio for Strings."

The film's narrative explores the deeply moving story of John Merrick, portrayed masterfully by John Hurt, a disfigured man exploited as a 'circus freak,' who eventually finds compassion and humanity under the care of Dr. Frederick Treves, played by Anthony Hopkins. The performances are universally strong, with Hurt's transformation under heavy makeup being particularly noteworthy and Freddie Jones delivering a memorable turn as Blytes. The sequence where Hopkins' character first encounters the Elephant Man stands out as emotionally powerful.

Shot in striking black and white, "The Elephant Man" encapsulates the haunting and melancholic tone typical of Lynch's work. While some critics debate its sentimental aspects, the film remains compelling in its portrayal of human suffering, dignity, and hope. The atmospheric score by John Morris enhances the film’s dark aura, adding a layer of emotional depth. With a wealth of supplemental features including interviews with Lynch and Hurt, and a documentary on the real-life Merrick, this Blu-ray release not only preserves but enriches the experience of this classic, ensuring its poignant story continues to resonate effectively.

Review 1: The Blu-ray release of "The Elephant Man" boasts a stunningly clean transfer that retains the film's original grain structure, presenting it in striking high definition. The contrast is superb, accentuating the depth of the blacks and the brightness of the whites, crucial for this black-and-white masterpiece. The audio track has also been meticulously cleaned up, offering a richly dynamic sound experience.

Review 2: Studio Canal has outdone themselves with this release. The visuals are crisp and detailed, allowing for an immersive viewing experience that brings out the film's emotional depths. The package is complemented by a comprehensive set of special features, including interviews, documentaries, and commentary tracks that provide rich insight into the film's production.

Review 3: This collector's edition Blu-ray of "The Elephant Man" excels in every aspect. The video quality is pristine, and the 1080p transfer ensures preservation of the film's visual integrity. The newly remastered audio is also commendable, providing clear and balanced sound that enhances the overall viewing experience. The extensive supplemental content adds tremendous value.

Review 4: Studio Canal's Blu-ray presentation of "The Elephant Man" is visually arresting with its precise detailing and faithful contrast levels. Sound quality has been masterfully restored to ensure clarity and depth. The bonus features are plentiful and informative, offering deep dives into the making of the film and its historical context.

Studio Canal's Blu-ray release of "The Elephant Man" is nothing short of phenomenal. The high-definition transfer is remarkably clean, preserving the film’s original grain structure while delivering stunning clarity. The contrast ratios are meticulously handled, enhancing the visual depth through perfect blacks and bright whites, essential for this monochromatic classic. Beyond the exceptional video quality, the audio track stands out with its richly dynamic range, having been expertly cleaned up to deliver an immersive sound experience.

This edition excels further with its extensive supplemental features. These include insightful interviews, engaging documentaries, and comprehensive commentary tracks that deepen the viewer's understanding of the film’s production and cultural significance. Each feature is flawlessly playable on Region-A PS3s and SA devices, enhancing their accessibility.

In summary, this release is a noteworthy addition to any collection, combining pristine audiovisual quality with enriching supplementary content. This is yet another good addition to the Studio Canal Collection. The supplemental features, all of which are perfectly playable on Region-A PS3s and SA, are excellent. RECOMMENDED.