The Agony and the Ecstasy Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Agony and the Ecstasy," presented by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the original 2.20:1 aspect ratio. Leveraging the Todd-AO 70mm widescreen process, the video presentation showcases exceptional levels of fine detail and largely accurate color reproduction. Shades of brown, tan, umber, and sienna provide a realistic earthy palette, while the vibrant primaries of reds, greens, and blues burst with life. Notably, blues exhibit particularly impressive depth and richness, as seen in the sky behind Heston and the unpainted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The overall image boasts superb clarity and resolution, allowing intricate details in costumes and architectural structures to stand out.

Despite the video's stunning qualities, minor imperfections are evident. Registration issues dot the lighter ends of the spectrum, especially noticeable in the opening documentary sequence where off-whites incrementally shift toward beige before reverting. Additionally, occasional discoloration appears, carrying a faint yellow tint indicative of the source's age. Flesh tones sometimes lean toward a slightly brownish hue, and rich reds may exhibit a subtle rust edge. However, contrast and black levels remain robust and consistent, enhancing shadow detail and overall depth. The transfer retains an organic feel devoid of overt digital manipulation, although minimal damage such as tiny white specks occasionally appears.

Overall, the Blu-ray provides a visually engaging presentation that invites viewers to admire Leon Shamroy's stunning cinematography and the meticulous costume and production design. While certain aged elements persist, they do not significantly detract from the high-definition experience. The Blu-ray stands superior in color fidelity and detail compared to contemporaneous releases like "The 300 Spartans".

The Audio presentation of "The Agony and the Ecstasy" on Blu-ray delivers an immersive experience with its lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix. The score, composed by Alex North and Jerry Goldsmith, seamlessly merges to fill the soundstage with warmth and fidelity, highlighting the splendors of mid-century historical epic scoring. The orchestration, noted for its brilliance, captures every instrument with crystal-clear transparency, particularly excelling in the rich low-end notes from pipe organs that provide significant weight and presence. Dialogue is predominantly sharp and intelligible, featuring surprising directionality and minimal distraction during exchanges.

Despite these virtues, there are notable issues, specifically with the choral music's boxy sound during key scenes such as the Pope's entrance in Vatican City. This separately recorded element contrasts starkly with the overall high fidelity of the instrumental score. Additionally, occasional moments of distracting reverb in dialogue slightly mar the otherwise excellent reproduction. Nonetheless, the mix’s dynamic range remains quite wide, with crisp detailing in the upper frequencies and robust battle sequence effects that add dramatic depth to the film.

The Blu Ray release of "The Agony and the Ecstasy" offers a respectable collection of extras that add valuable context and depth to the film. The included materials, though brief and presented in standard definition (480i), provide a glimpse into the film's promotion and its reception during its original release. The teaser and theatrical trailer are effectively presented and serve to evoke the film's historical and artistic significance. While the technical quality reflects the standards of the time, the content remains insightful for both fans and scholars of classic cinema. Overall, these extras are a commendable addition for anyone looking to dive deeper into the film's legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Teaser: Short promotional teaser.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original theatrical preview of the film.

"The Agony and the Ecstasy," directed by Carol Reed and starring Charlton Heston and Rex Harrison, is a cinematic exploration of Michelangelo's creation of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Reed's intelligent approach to Irving Stone’s biographical novel is both a strength and a hindrance. The film opens with a 12-minute mini-documentary about Michelangelo, an unusual choice that provides context but risks diminishing initial viewer engagement. While the film strives to inject drama and conflict into the artistic process, much of it can feel like watching paint dry—a somewhat ironic but apt description given the subject matter. The lack of suspense, as the outcome (the Sistine Chapel ceiling) is well-known, further challenges the narrative's dynamism.

Despite these structural shortcomings, the film benefits significantly from its central performances and technical achievements. Charlton Heston’s portrayal of Michelangelo is imbued with a remarkable energy and seriousness, capturing the artist’s passion and frustration. Heston is convincing as both sculptor and painter, a testament to his physicality and acting prowess. Opposite him, Rex Harrison excels as the formidable yet complex Pope Julius II. The tension between the two characters, dramatizing their historical relationship, adds layers of intensity to the story. Complementing the performances is the exceptional production design by John DeCuir, Jack Martin Smith, and Dario Simoni, alongside Leon Shamroy’s stunning cinematography using the Todd-AO 70mm process, which vividly brings the Renaissance period to life with rich details and vibrant colors.

"The Agony and the Ecstasy" is bolstered by Jerry Goldsmith and Alex North’s evocative score, enhancing the film’s grandiose aesthetic. Samuel E. Beetley’s meticulous editing ensures that even slow moments retain some degree of engagement. While not reaching the heights of Reed’s classic "The Third Man," this film remains a well-crafted historical drama offering vivid visual splendor and strong performances that provide an insightful if sometimes static look at one of history’s greatest artistic achievements.

Based on the biographical novel by Irving Stone, "The Agony and the Ecstasy" is a solid production that delves into the tumultuous relationship between Michelangelo, played by Charlton Heston, and Pope Julius II, portrayed by Rex Harrison. Directed by Carol Reed, the film features a lavish visual representation and painstaking attention to historical detail, especially in recreating the Sistine Chapel's grandeur. The cinematography by Leon Shamroy excels in capturing the film's complex lighting, particularly in low-light scenarios, adding a layer of atmospheric depth. Alongside this, Alex North's immaculate score significantly enhances the film's quality.

Despite the historical inaccuracies and some narrative redundancies—such as Diane Cilento’s character—"The Agony and the Ecstasy" still delivers compelling performances. Heston and Harrison’s on-screen dynamic forms the emotional core of the film, making their antagonistic relationship engaging to watch. Technically, the Blu-ray release impresses with its outstanding picture quality and strong audio presentation, though it could have benefited from additional supplemental material to enrich viewers’ understanding.

In conclusion, "The Agony and the Ecstasy" may not reach the zenith of large-scale historical epics, but it offers substantial visual and auditory pleasures for its audience. The refined craftsmanship in set design, music, and cinematography makes it a worthwhile middle-of-the-road effort. While history buffs and fans of the genre might find value in owning this Blu-ray, others might prefer renting before making a purchase decision. Recommended.