Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive Collection's Blu-ray release of "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship in video restoration. The 1080p, AVC-encoded presentation, derived from pristine source materials, showcases the exceptional work of cinematographer John Alcott, with additional contributions by David Watkin. Deep jungle exposures, a significant technical challenge, are handled with remarkable precision, capturing the dense, low-light environments of Cameroon's jungles. The transfer demonstrates outstanding detail, be it in the intricate foliage of the wild or the lavish decor of Castle Greystoke.

Color accuracy is exemplary; the lush greens of the jungle scenes and the contrasting hues of civilized settings are rendered vividly. Black levels are consistently deep and true, essential for both the film's darker sequences and its more formal visual compositions. A natural grain structure, free of unnecessary processing, maintains the film's original texture, contributing to an authentic visual experience. Furthermore, the high average bitrate of 34.71 Mbps ensures that the image integrity remains uncompromised, with no noticeable compression artifacts disrupting the pristine presentation.

In summary, this Blu-ray presentation stands out for its superior image quality and faithful reproduction of the film's original cinematography. Careful color correction and preservation of fine details make this release a visually enriching experience, underscoring the care and precision dedicated to this restoration effort.

The audio presentation of the "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" Blu-ray is a commendable example of sound mix preservation and enhancement. Originally released in Dolby stereo with a 70mm release featuring a 6-track sound, this Blu-ray edition offers a revitalized 5.1 mix in lossless DTS-HD Master Audio. The front soundstage boasts excellent stereo separation, immersing the viewer in the lush jungle environments with a surround presence that is surprisingly adept for its age. The dynamic range is notable, providing deep bass that enhances the intensity of scenes involving ape sounds and animal battles, while John Scott’s classical score breathes effortlessly, aptly complementing Hudson's visually rich direction.

Though the visual elements have garnered significant praise, the audio quality on this Blu-ray should not be overlooked. The DTS-HD MA 5.1 track ensures that every auditory detail is captured with precision, from the serene backgrounds of the jungle to the thunderous roars of the wildlife, lending an atmospheric depth that elevates the viewing experience. This edition maintains its vintage charm while delivering a modern sound experience that highlights the film’s detailed audio design and lush musical compositions. The inclusion of features from Warner’s DVD release, albeit limited to commentary and a trailer, rounds out an audio presentation that successfully bridges the past and present audible splendor of this classic adventure tale.

The Blu-ray of "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" offers a valuable array of extras providing context and depth to the film's production. Particularly notable is the insightful commentary from Director Hugh Hudson and Line Producer Garth Thomas. They delve into the complex logistics of shooting across Scotland, Cameroon, and London, as well as on detailed sets. However, the commentary lacks discussions on key topics like script controversies and Andie MacDowell's dubbing by Glenn Close. Unfortunately, some parts succumb to redundant narration of evident plot elements.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Hugh Hudson and Line Producer Garth Thomas: Detailed yet selective discussion on production logistics and casting choices.
• Trailer: Original promotional trailer showcasing the film's visual style and thematic essence.

Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes, directed by Hugh Hudson, endeavors to present a fresh take on Edgar Rice Burroughs' iconic character. Despite the promotional claims about fidelity to Burroughs' work, the film departs notably in tone and execution. Hudson, capitalizing on his success with the epic sweep of Chariots of Fire, attempts to infuse the Tarzan origin story with an operatic grandeur. However, in doing so, he distances the narrative from its pulpy roots, leaning too far towards a highbrow interpretation. This approach contradicts the fundamental appeal of Burroughs' adventures, transforming Tarzan from a thrilling jungle resident to an almost Shakespearean figure misplaced in the wild.

The screenplay's development was mired in controversy. Original screenwriter Robert Towne, credited as P.H. Vazak, reportedly clashed with Hudson over rewrites, leading to a compromised script that meanders through various episodic segments. As we delve into the film's structure, it unfolds in three distinct acts—the shipwreck and jungle upbringing, Tarzan's discovery by Belgian explorer Philippe D'Arnot (Ian Holm), and finally his return to Scotland. While the first act sets a compelling stage with visually striking portrayals of Tarzan’s (Christopher Lambert) upbringing among the apes, it ultimately loses momentum in the subsequent acts. Lambert's performance is intriguing yet too opaque, inadequately engaging the audience’s sympathy and interest. D'Arnot’s character arc holds more clarity and emotional accessibility, often overshadowing Tarzan.

Hudson's directorial stance emphasizes stately visual compositions that, while aesthetically pleasing, fail to compensate for the narrative dissonance and lack of linguistic engagement especially critical in the film’s lengthy wordless segments. The intricate details of ape society and Tarzan's adaptation are portrayed with commendable effort, but Hudson's storytelling falls short of creating a cohesive trajectory for Tarzan. This results in a film that prioritizes visual opulence over narrative coherence, struggling to sustain its epic ambition while compromising on the heartfelt essence integral to Burroughs' legendary character.

Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" is an ambitious and visually stunning retelling of the classic Tarzan saga, offering a narrative that delves deeply into the duality of Tarzan's identity. The plot questions what it means for Tarzan to be both a noble Englishman and a child of the wild, with Christopher Lambert delivering a compelling portrayal of this complex character. Lambert's ability to navigate through the wilderness of Africa and the aristocratic halls of England adds layers of authenticity to his performance. This Blu-ray release captures the film's lush cinematography and period-specific details with crystal-clear precision, making it a treat for those who appreciate high-definition visuals.

On the technical front, "Greystoke" excels in its Blu-ray transfer, offering impeccable picture quality and sound that truly bring the jungle and its inhabitants to life. The disc includes insightful commentary from director Hugh Hudson, adding depth to the appreciation of the film's nuanced storytelling and character development. The restoration process has ensured that every detail, from the lush landscapes to the intricate costume designs, is presented with remarkable clarity. This makes "Greystoke" not only a nostalgic revisit for fans of the original film but also a must-watch for new audiences who can appreciate its technical virtues.

In conclusion, while "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes" may not fit neatly into today's franchise-driven market, its singular focus on exploring Tarzan's inner conflict makes it a unique entry in cinematic adaptations of Edgar Rice Burroughs' work. Though it leaves open the possibility for future adventures, Hudson's vision remains firmly rooted in character exploration rather than sequel potential. Recommended primarily for its technical merits, this Blu-ray release will appeal to those who value extensive craftsmanship in filmmaking, even if its narrative appeal is subjective.