Appassionata Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Appassionata" manifests an AVC encoded 1080p transfer framed in a slightly window-boxed 1.85:1 aspect ratio. While the intent behind this aesthetic choice remains debatable, the execution reveals a predominantly soft visual quality that imbues the film with a dreamlike ambiance. This softness is intermittently interrupted by moments of heightened clarity, particularly in close-up shots where detail and texture become more pronounced. However, occasional image instability during the opening credits and sporadic scenes detracts from the overall visual coherence. Despite this, color saturation remains a notable high point, with a vibrant palette bringing scenes to life, though at times this vibrancy borders on oversaturation, as evidenced by colorful elements like Emilio’s bright red sweater.

Grain is present but selectively applied, suggesting the potential use of digital noise reduction (DNR) to enhance the film’s ethereal visuals. While this contributes to the dreamlike quality, it also leads to some issues with image stability and definition, particularly in darker scenes where black levels struggle. This might be exacerbated by some contrast adjustments, resulting in whites blooming more than intended. Nevertheless, exterior scenes and brightly lit environments, such as the dental office, showcase finer detail and a more convincing depth. Overall, while the visual presentation of "Appassionata" underscores its artistic vision with a somewhat Impressionistic feel, it may not align with traditional expectations of high-definition sharpness and clarity.

"Appassionata" features DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono tracks in the original Italian and a dubbed English version. Given that no native dialogue audio was recorded on set, both tracks exhibit an inauthentic, post-looped quality typical of Italian cinema from the era. This results in occasional sync issues and a slightly canned auditory experience. Nonetheless, both language options are free of age-related anomalies such as hiss or pop.

The Italian DTS-HD MA 2.0 track, accompanied by English subtitles, is recommended for its more authentic tonal balance compared to the English dub. While both tracks possess a boxiness, especially noticeable when the underscore appears, toggling between the spoken language tracks and the isolated score track reveals a fuller, more enriched sound in the isolated music. The spread of dialogue, sound effects, and music is better balanced in the Italian version, lending it a more natural feel despite the inherent limitations of post-looped audio.

The Blu-ray edition of "Appassionata" lacks the typical array of bonus features common to releases by Twilight Time. Unfortunately, buyers expecting in-depth behind-the-scenes content or interviews will find the selection limited. Specifically, the isolated score track stands as the sole supplement, which for audiophile enthusiasts serves as a valuable addition, presented in high-quality DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. However, the absence of additional content like director commentaries, making-of documentaries, or deleted scenes leaves much to be desired for comprehensive collectors.

Extras included in this disc:

Isolated Score Track: Presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

Appassionata, directed by Gian Luigi Calderone, offers an unapologetically provocative narrative that firmly straddles the line between drama and Eurocult sexploitation. The story centers around Emilio Rutelli (Gabriele Ferzetti), a middle-aged dentist entangled in an illicit relationship with his daughter's best friend, Nicola (Eleonora Giorgi), against the backdrop of his wife Elisa's (Valentina Cortese) deteriorating mental state. Calderone attempts to craft a hybrid of character-driven drama and salacious content, yet the film stumbles as it tries to balance explicit sexuality with nuanced storytelling.

Calderone's directorial approach features a curiously clinical examination of disquieting themes. While the performances stand out—Gabriele Ferzetti convincingly portrays a man ensnared by midlife crises, and Valentina Cortese shines in depicting lucid moments amidst dementia—the film's inconsistent tone detracts from its potential impact. The plot often meanders, oscillating between lurid intrigue and dramatic intent without committing fully to either, resulting in a disjointed narrative experience.

The thematic depth that should arise from such provocative material is undermined by the film's overly explicit focus on sexuality and underdeveloped character arcs. Scenes meant to explore inner turmoil tend to dissipate into salacious spectacle, leaving questions of motive and engagement unresolved. Appassionata straddles an uncomfortable line, neither satisfying as an intense psychological character study nor as an unabashedly bawdy piece of entertainment. This indecisiveness ultimately results in a film that feels incomplete and leaves its audience questioning its purpose.

"Appassionata" is a film that grapples with unsettling sexual content and complex psychological issues, creating a unique yet disjointed viewing experience. The movie navigates through conflicting genres, being too dramatic for the sexploitation label while simultaneously too sensational to fully explore its dramatic ambitions. This blend leads to an odd, albeit fascinating narrative landscape that is underscored by strong performances from its primary cast. Despite these commendable performances, the story struggles to find a cohesive direction that can fully engage the audience.

The Blu-ray release by Twilight Time showcases the film with good to very good technical merits. The audio/visual presentation is competent, effectively capturing the film’s vivid cinematography and detailed soundscapes. However, it’s worth noting that the only supplementary feature is an isolated score track—a noteworthy inclusion but not substantial enough to elevate this release to a must-have status, especially considering Twilight Time's premium pricing.

In conclusion, "Appassionata" is a peculiar blend of compelling performances and disjointed storytelling. Its sanguine approach towards provocative material adds an element of intrigue, but also leaves much unresolved. The Blu-ray transfer does justice to the original film, but the lack of additional features makes it hard to recommend as a blind buy. While it may appeal to collectors and aficionados of unconventional cinema, general viewers might find it more puzzling than satisfying.