The Bird with the Crystal Plumage Blu-ray Review

"The Bird with the Crystal Plumage" presented in a 1080p transfer on Blu-ray from Blue Underground showcases the film probably as well as it ever has on home video, though not without its pitfalls. The original 2.35:1 ratio honors the director's vision, providing a more stable and clean image, although with occasional odd judders and minimal print damage still showing through. The integrity of the film's grain is preserved without succumbing to unwelcome noise reduction, a decision that, alongside improved black levels and shadow detail, enhances the atmospheric visuals pivotal to giallo aesthetics. Color enhancement, particularly the vibrant reds and yellows, while at times in-your-face, adds a punch to the visual experience, albeit not always welcome. Contrast shows marked uniformity with only sporadic fluctuations, and despite some lingering edge enhancement issues leading to mild haloing around dark objects against light backgrounds, the overall detail and depth of the image see commendable improvement.

Detail clarity benefits notably, bringing out textures and nuances in faces, clothing, and environments more discernibly than past editions. Skin tones and object details within both indoor and outdoor scenes reveal a naturalism and definition that elevates Storaro's cinematography to a previously unseen level on home video formats. Scenes that leverage depth, such as the evocative Roman streets or the tightly framed indoor encounters, demonstrate the transfer’s ability to convey space and tension effectively. Despite its shortcomings in color handling and occasional digital artifacts like shimmering or edge haloing, this release provides an authentic representation of the film’s intended look, maintaining heavy grain and stable flesh tones without falling prey to excessive noise in darker sequences.

Ultimately, this Blu-ray edition represents a significant step up from previous releases, offering a visual experience that, while not without its issues, affords Argento's debut film and Storaro's remarkable cinematography the respect it deserves. Enhanced colors, deeper blacks, and an overall increase in image stability and detail underscore the film's classic feel and atmospheric depth. For aficionados of Argento or Italian cinema more broadly, this release marks a must-have for its visual improvements alone, standing as a testament to the film's enduring visual legacy in the realm of giallo cinema.

The audio presentation of "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage" on Blu-ray offers a variety of options that, while expansive, leave something to be desired in terms of historical fidelity. The exclusion of the original mono tracks from this release by Blue Underground is a notable drawback, echoing a trend seen with other releases that have similarly bypassed original audio configurations for more modern, but not necessarily more appropriate, multi-channel mixes. The film's Italian horror roots and post-production dubbing practices predictably lead to issues with dialogue sync and clarity, problems that are inherent to the source material. Despite these issues, the provided DTS-HD MA 7.1 and Dolby TrueHD 7.1 tracks, alongside their Dolby Digital 5.1 EX counterparts in both English and Italian, offer dialogue that is clearer and more distinct than previous editions, albeit without achieving a fully authentic sound.

Ennio Morricone's score arguably receives the best treatment within the current audio options, presenting a warmth and clarity particularly in its haunting melodies that surpasses prior incarnations. Yet, the soundscape remains relentlessly front-heavy, with the rear channels underutilized to a degree that makes one question the rationale behind the 7.1 configuration. Effects and musical cues occasionally suffer from high-pitched tones that detract rather than enhance the auditory experience. Bass elements and subwoofer involvement are minimal, signaling a missed opportunity to add depth to the film’s more jarring moments.

Overall, while the multitude of audio tracks on offer do not detract from "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage," they collectively fail to significantly elevate the experience. The lack of original mono tracks is a misstep for purists and those seeking an authentic auditory experience. Despite these shortcomings, the effort to preserve and present Morricone’s score in a marginally improved form is commendable. However, the surround sound configurations appear overwrought for a film whose sonic elements were never designed to exploit such expansive audio landscapes, resulting in a presentation that is serviceable but scarcely revolutionary.

The Blu-ray extra features of "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage" compile a detailed and insightful collection that keenly complements the film, enriching the viewing experience for cinephiles and fans of Dario Argento alike. Headlining the extras is a compelling audio commentary by film critics Kim Newman and Alan Jones, whose knowledgeable banter delves deep into the film's production, its historical context, and Argento's directorial nuances. Coupled with this are enlightening interviews with key figures such as Argento himself, who offers rare insights into his creative process in "Out of the Shadows", and with Vittorio Storaro in "Painting With Darkness", discussing the impactful cinematography. Ennio Morricone's discussion on his scoring process in "The Music of Murder" provides a glimpse into the composer's genius, though leaves one craving for a deeper exploration. The inclusion of Eva Renzi's candid reflections in "Eva's Talking" adds a personal touch, despite its somewhat disparaging tone. Rounded out by US and Italian trailers along with TV spots, these extras, although not introducing new material to those previously available on the Special Edition SD, present an extensive package that fans will find both worthwhile and revelatory.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio commentary with Alan Jones and Kim Newman: Insightful discussion on the film's impact and production.
• Out of the Shadows: Interview with director Dario Argento discussing his approach and challenges during filming.
• The Music of Murder: Composer Ennio Morricone talks about creating the film's iconic score.
• Painting With Darkness: Cinematographer Vittorio Storaro shares techniques and visual strategies.
• Eva’s Talking: Actress Eva Renzi offers her perspective on her role and the film overall.
• Trailers and TV Spots: Includes both US and Italian trailers along with two TV spots.

Blue Underground's release of Dario Argento's seminal giallo, "The Bird With The Crystal Plumage," marks a notable event for fans of Italian cinema and aficionados of the psychological thriller genre. The film, which served as Argento's audacious debut, is commendably presented in high-definition, offering a substantial visual upgrade from previous standard definition editions. While the absence of the original mono track in favor of somewhat controversial surround options may disappoint purists, the inclusion of features such as director commentary adds considerable value. This movie is a quintessential example of Argento's knack for blending suspense with horror, setting a high bar for narrative and aesthetic quality in a genre often prone to formulaic entries.

Argento's "The Bird With The Crystal Plumage" emerges as a remarkably assured piece that ventures beyond the typical boundaries of its era's thriller and horror films. With a plot that entwines insanity and murder, the film maintains a gripping tension throughout, driven by a well-crafted script and solid performances. It's less about outright gore and more about the psychological terror inherent in its narrative - distinguishing Argento's work from the more visceral slashers of American cinema. The film possesses an intelligent, edgy mystery, complemented by minimal yet impactful scenes of violence that underscore rather than overwhelm the storyline. Such qualities underscore Argento’s influence on the giallo genre, reflecting his unique blend of gothic aesthetic with neo-noir elements.

The narrative sophistication and stylistic flair of "The Bird With The Crystal Plumage" are further exemplified through its protagonist, Sam Dalmas' (Tony Musante) entanglement in a hauntingly orchestrated mystery following a murder attempt he witnesses. Argento's direction ensures that suspense and character development proceed hand in hand, avoiding the pitfalls of convolution or contrivance. This film not only stands as an inviting gateway to Argento’s oeuvre for newcomers but also remains a testament to his pioneering vision within the realm of cinematic thrillers. The careful pacing, combined with an intricate plot and atmospheric tension, showcases Argento’s homage to Hitchcock while firmly establishing his own legacy. Even in the absence of blockbuster stars or extravagant effects, the film triumphs through its compelling narrative and subtle yet effective performances, encapsulating the essence of storytelling-driven cinema.

"The Bird with the Crystal Plumage," directed by Dario Argento, stands as a testament to a cinematic era that favored narrative depth over visual spectacles and star-studded casts. This film, marking Argento’s debut, captures attention not with gore or high-speed chases characteristic of modern thrillers but with a meticulously woven story that unfolds gradually, rewarding patient viewers. It serves as an ideal introduction to Argento's unique filmmaking style, less intense in violence than his subsequent works, thus appealing to a broader audience. Blue Underground's release of this cult classic on Blu-ray enhances its accessibility and enjoyment for today’s audiences, offering the best possible home viewing experience of the film with the technology available.

The Blu-ray version doesn't deliver the same visual and audio clarity that one might expect from contemporary films; however, it significantly improves upon previous formats, presenting both the video and audio in the finest quality likely achievable for this title. The package is further enriched with an array of bonus content, making it a comprehensive collection not only for fans of Argento’s oeuvre but also for aficionados of horror and mystery genres. The effort put into this release demonstrates Blue Underground's commitment to preserving and celebrating classic cinema in the best way possible.

In conclusion, "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage" Blu-ray edition is a must-have for collectors and cinema enthusiasts alike. While it may not boast the technical prowess of newer releases, its strength lies in delivering a classic film with enhanced visual and audio fidelity, accompanied by valuable extras. It represents a significant effort to honor Dario Argento's seminal work, ensuring it remains accessible and relevant for both new audiences and long-time fans. Highly recommended for those who appreciate the intricacies of horror and mystery cinema.