Zulu Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Zulu" is delivered with an AVC-encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, which has ignited considerable discussion among enthusiasts and professionals alike, particularly when compared to its British counterpart. While some discrepancies in color accuracy are noted—most discernibly in the representation of the British military jackets, where the domestic release veers towards an orange hue rather than the more accurate reds of the British version—this release from Twilight Time, constrained by the elements provided by MGM, suffers minimally from visual imperfections. Noteworthy are the occasional small flecks indicating minimal damage and a fine layer of grain that seems a more acceptable trade-off against heavy digital noise reduction. However, it's not without its faults; there's observable artificial sharpening that introduces mild edge enhancement and ringing, particularly noticeable around contrasting edges such as hills, buildings, and in scenes against a brightly lit sky.

Despite these technical criticisms, the high-definition transfer is impressive in its detailing and resolution. The Technirama process originally used to film "Zulu" promises and largely delivers a visually stunning experience. Fine lines and textures, from the intricate details of the British and Zulu attire to the nuanced facial features during close-ups, are sharply rendered. The color palette is robust, with primaries displaying rich saturation and secondary hues adding a vibrancy that breathes life into the image. Blacks are deep and consistent, contributing to an image with excellent contrast and shadow detail.

In conclusion, while this Blu-ray release of "Zulu" is marred by minor issues stemming from artificial sharpening, it ultimately provides an immensely gratifying visual experience. The level of detail, color fidelity (notwithstanding certain inaccuracies), and overall clarity marks this as a definitive presentation of the film, surpassing previous formats in quality. Despite the critiques, this release showcases the potential for a truly superior restoration, should the original elements ever undergo such treatment.

The audio presentation of "Zulu" on Blu Ray offers listeners two core auditory experiences: a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track and a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo mix, alongside an isolated score track for aficionados. The mono track is laudable for its commendable fidelity, expertly balancing dialogue, effects, and John Barry's illustrious score without compromising on clarity. On the other hand, the 2.0 stereo mix introduces some degree of directionality with its panning effects, thereby enriching Barry's score with increased spatial dynamics. However, it's not without its flaws, presenting occasional phase issues which result in a somewhat processed auditory experience. Both mixes deliver robust midranges, though a more pronounced bass presence would significantly benefit the gripping battle sequences.

Transitioning to the stereo track provided, it showcases a pleasing leap in the audio domain. Crafted with the original 4-track magnetic stereo in mind, it reveals a soundstage that is both expansive and engrossing, despite sometimes feeling slightly void due to the absence of ambient sounds like wildlife. The orchestration under Barry’s baton is beautifully spread across channels, ensuring an immersive listening experience with clear separation and fidelity. Dialogue is crisply presented, allowing for full appreciation of each actor's emotive delivery. While dynamic highs and vibrant mids underscore the mix's clarity, especially during lively scenes, the lack of a substantial low-end presence unfortunately renders more intense sounds, such as gunfire and explosions, rather flat and lifeless.

In essence, both audio options on the "Zulu" Blu Ray exhibit their strengths and weaknesses. The mono track offers a tightly controlled audio experience that stays true to the original elements of film sound. The stereo mix, despite its occasional shortcomings in phase coherence and low-end robustness, attempts to elevate the auditory experience with its wide soundstage and dynamic range. Nonetheless, both tracks could benefit from a deeper low-frequency range to fully capture the intensity of battle scenes and provide a more rounded and visceral audio experience.

This Blu Ray presentation of "Zulu" offers a commendable collection of extras that will surely enhance the viewing experience for aficionados of the film. Among the standout features are the insightful audio commentary by Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman, where their combined knowledge and evident affection for the film shine through. They delve into the real history versus the cinematic portrayal, share fascinating anecdotes from the shoot, and discuss the cast's dynamics in great detail. The isolated score track, delivered in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, allows John Barry's iconic music to be appreciated in isolation, highlighting its contribution to the film's atmosphere. Additionally, the inclusion of MGM's 90th Anniversary Trailer and the film's original theatrical trailer, both in 1080p, offers a glimpse into the film's promotional history and its legacy within MGM's storied catalogue.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Lem Dobbs and Nick Redman: An informative dialogue between Dobbs and Redman, discussing the film's historical accuracy, production anecdotes, and personal reflections.

• Isolated Score Track: John Barry's majestic score presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: A celebration of MGM's cinematic legacy, including "Zulu."

• Theatrical Trailer: The original promotional trailer for "Zulu.

Cy Endfield's "Zulu" stands as a poignant testament to the historical epic genre of the 1960s, positioning itself distinctively among its contemporaries through its detailed portrayal of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Despite operating on a considerably lesser budget compared to mammoth productions of its time, such as "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Cleopatra," "Zulu" carves out its historical significance with a compelling narrative, remarkable for its balanced depiction of heroism on both British and Zulu sides. This nuanced storytelling, coupled with Michael Caine's notable debut, offers a rich exploration of British Imperialism's complexities, making it all the more relevant to audiences familiar with themes of land usurpation and cultural conflict. The film's absence from broader recognition in discussions of cinematic epics is curious, given its adept handling of these heavyweight themes through a literate script and robust character dynamics.

At the heart of "Zulu" lies Cy Endfield's meticulous direction, which is evident from the outset with the film's evocative opening tracking shot across a battlefield aftermath to the intricate planning and execution of battle scenes at Rorke's Drift. Such cinematographic choices not only underscore the tragic grandeur of war but also foreground the daunting odds faced by the characters. The strategic interplay between Lt. John Chard and Lt. Gonville Bromhead, portrayed by Stanley Baker and Michael Caine respectively, enriches the narrative, adding layers of personal conflict amid the overarching historical confrontation. This character interplay, reflecting broader themes of class distinction and military valor, is instrumental in bringing the audience into a closer emotional engagement with the unfolding drama.

"Zulu" ultimately excels in its sober reflection on imperialism and its impacts, navigating the fine line between depicting heroic endeavor and acknowledging the contentious motives behind it. The film’s impartial stance serves not to dilute its critique but to offer a platform for a more introspective appreciation of history. With Stephen Dade's handsome cinematography capturing the film's stark beauty and tension-filled ambiance, "Zulu" emerges as a memorialization not just of a battle but of the inherent complexity in human conflicts. This balanced portrayal ensures "Zulu" remains a powerful cinematic piece, one that transcends typical war film categorizations to offer insightful commentary on the nature of bravery, honor, and the grim realities of colonial encounters.

Cy Endfield's "Zulu," released in 1964, emerges as a definitive historical war film, skillfully depicting the Battle of Rorke's Drift without taking a unilateral stance on the events. Its commendation lies not just in the adept performances but significantly in the lush cinematography by Stephen Dade and the dynamically portrayed battle scenes, which elevate the film’s immersive experience. This Blu-ray release, while presenting a slightly imperfect video quality susceptible to individual sensitivities, compensates with superior lossless audio options. The choice between this version and the British release hinges on consumer preferences: the latter offers a richer collection of supplements, notwithstanding this edition's audio superiority.

Despite its few shortcomings, principally a narrow selection of additional material, this Blu-ray edition manifests as an appreciable improvement over its predecessors. The rich visual presentation coupled with the refined audio quality ensures that the historical depth and the exhilarating essence of "Zulu" are preserved. Viewers will find themselves engrossed in the tension and valor that encapsulate the retelling of Rorke's Drift, supported by an audio-visual experience that endeavors to remain faithful to the film's original allure.

In conclusion, weighing the pros and cons, this Blu-ray release of "Zulu" is recommended for both aficionados of historical cinema and collectors alike. While it presents minor drawbacks in video quality and supplementary content, these do not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. The film itself is an essential piece of cinema, brilliantly capturing the complexity of heroism in war, making it a deserving addition to any collection. Whether this version or the British release finds its way onto your shelf depends on your specific preferences, though either choice is justified given the film's cinematic stature.