Demetrius and the Gladiators Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Demetrius and the Gladiators" by Twilight Time, encapsulated in a 1080p transfer with an AVC encode framed at 2.55:1 ratio, mirrors the quality one might expect from a label that utilizes pre-existing HD masters provided by licensing partners. In this instance, the source material from Fox doesn’t seem to have received the restoration attentiveness afforded to its predecessor, "The Robe," resulting in a presentation that, while not dismal, fails to reach the high standards set by other CinemaScope high definition outputs. Various minor damages like scratches, white blemishes, and inconsistencies in density and flicker are observable throughout the film. Additionally, unexpected focus shifts within shots and a generally soft image quality mark the video’s shortcomings.

Color rendition on this Blu-ray fluctuates, with a predominantly dull brown overtone characteristic of aging Eastmancolor prints, albeit punctuated by surprisingly vivid reds. Grain occasionally veers towards noise levels, especially in midrange shots that borrow from "The Robe," blurring the line between intended granularity and digital noise. This softness and erratic sharpness further undermine the clarity and detail one might hope for in a high-definition release. It's noteworthy that the HD master used, dating back to 2008 from reported 2K scans of intermediary elements, could not leverage the original camera negatives due to their severe deterioration.

Despite these visual impediments, if one manages to temper expectations formed by the superior visuals of "The Robe," this release of "Demetrius and the Gladiators" offers an acceptable, albeit unspectacular viewing experience. It presents itself as the best iteration of the film for home viewing to date, albeit with notable room for improvement. This realization underscores a missed opportunity for a film of its caliber, implying that while it serves as a decent home video presentation, it falls short of capitalizing on the potential enhancements that a more dedicated restoration effort could have provided.

The audio presentation of "Demetrius and the Gladiators" on Blu-Ray boasts an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0 setup, effectively resurrecting the original cinematic soundscape in a manner that honors its historical context. Within this early experimentation phase of multitrack audio in cinema, the mix demonstrates a keen enthusiasm for broad spatial effects, particularly noticeable in the distinctly placed dialogue that verges on ultra-directional. This emphasis not only enhances the immersive experience but does so while maintaining remarkable fidelity, especially commendable given the film's vintage. However, listeners might detect a marginally confined quality to some spoken lines, likely a relic of the era's post-production looping practices. Additionally, while infrequent, there are moments of slight asynchrony between visual and auditory elements, displaying minor divergences in lip-sync that, although not detrimental, are observable by the discerning audience.

The score, composed by Franz Waxman, alongside the diverse palette of sound effects, is masterfully delivered with cradle-to-crescendo clarity across the audio spectrum, showcasing exceptional dynamic range and depth. These elements combine seamlessly to enrich the narrative's atmospheric tension and epic scope. Nevertheless, it's important to mention that despite the mostly stellar sound quality, those minor lapses in dialogue boxiness and sporadic syncing issues could momentarily distract from an otherwise engrossing viewing experience.

In summary, "Demetrius and the Gladiators" presents a robust audio experience that significantly contributes to the film's overall impact, mainly through its strategic use of directional sound and the impeccable delivery of its musical score. While minor flaws exist, they do little to detract from what is largely a commendable achievement in audio restoration, reflecting both respect for the original production's ambitions and attentiveness to the modern listener's expectations.

The Blu Ray extra presentation of "Demetrius and the Gladiators" notably stands out for its inclusion of an isolated score, a feature that particularly shines here due to Franz Waxman's exceptional composition. Waxman's integration of Alfred Newman’s thematic elements from "The Robe" alongside his original, vibrant scoring provides a rich auditory experience. Despite some personal critiques regarding the overuse of tremolo in the organ sections, which impart a somewhat somber tone, the overall score remains invigorating. This feature is enhanced by the lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, ensuring a high-quality listening experience. Also included is the original theatrical trailer, adding a nostalgic visual component to the extras. These offerings collectively enrich the viewing experience, providing valuable context and showcasing the film's auditory and historical significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Score: A showcase of Franz Waxman's score, mixing original compositions with themes from "The Robe".

• Original Theatrical Trailer: A standard definition preview of the film as originally presented.

Demetrius and the Gladiators," a sequel to the significant 1953 hit "The Robe," capitalizes on the early '50s surge in widescreen CinemaScope filmmaking to draw audiences back from television's grip to the grandeur of cinema. Shifting focus from the religious martyrdom brewed in "The Robe," this installment dives headfirst into the swashbuckling swords and sandals arena, propelled by a narrative that is more fictionally flamboyant than historically accurate. Set against the backdrop of Imperial Rome, the story navigates through the tumultuous journey of freed slave Demetrius, portrayed by Victor Mature, as he grapples with his faith while caught in the vicious circles of gladiatorial combat and political intrigue. The film, while a far cry from historical precision, manages to captivate with its scale and the robust performances of returning characters such as Jay Robinson's indelibly sinister Caligula and Michael Rennie's steadfast Peter.

The cinematographic opulence and spectacle of the film, however, can hardly mask its erratic character arcs and narrative conveniences. Victor Mature’s Demetrius flounders dramatically between conviction and apostasy, mirroring Susan Hayward's Messalina who oscillates between femme fatale and a figure of morality with little regard for narrative coherence. This seesawing, coupled with a sometimes cartoonish portrayal of Rome's notorious figures, inadvertently pitches the movie closer to a fantastical rendition meant to dazzle rather than a solid historical epic. Supporting performances from Ernest Borgnine and a nascent Anne Bancroft add flavor, yet can't fully anchor the film's wavering tonal consistency.

Modern viewers of "Demetrius and the Gladiators" might find themselves bemused by its blend of spectacle and melodrama, especially when contrasted with the gravitas of its predecessor. As it stands, the film embodies the early '50s trend of leveraging CinemaScope for sheer visual indulgence, albeit at the expense of narrative depth. It offers an escapist lens into an Imperial Rome reimagined as an arena for larger-than-life characters and moral conundrums tailored more for entertainment than theological or historical enlightenment. Despite its deficiencies, the allure of its visual storytelling and action-packed sequences cements this sequel as an entertaining, if not entirely coherent, spectacle within the swords and sandals genre.

Demetrius and the Gladiators" emerges on Blu Ray in a presentation that ignites mixed feelings due to its technical aspects, yet it stands as an undeniable testament to the fun and opulence of early 1950s cinema. Grounded in the larger-than-life depictions typical of the era, the film showcases a mostly stellar cast, overshadowing Victor Mature's somewhat rigid portrayal with vibrant performances across the board. However, the centerpiece of controversy and discussion is undoubtedly the film's HD master provided by Fox. In what could be seen as a missed opportunity for a more profound restoration, the current transfer represents the film’s best appearance on home video, albeit with noticeable limitations.

The Blu Ray release notably benefits from an excellent audio presentation, enhancing the viewing experience with clarity and depth. Additionally, Twilight Time's inclusion of an isolated score furthers the appeal for cinephiles and audiophiles alike, offering a pristine listening experience that complements the visual journey. This aspect, alongside the film's intrinsic charm and spectacle, lends to a release that carries a recommendation, particularly for those prepared to temper their expectations regarding image quality.

In conclusion, while "Demetrius and the Gladiators" on Blu Ray may not satisfy the most demanding purists hoping for a definitive restoration, it nevertheless provides a highly enjoyable viewing experience. Through its commendable audio quality and the nostalgic allure of its cinematic style, this release merits attention as a noteworthy addition to any collection, particularly when approached with an understanding of its visual limitations.