Equus Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Equus" comes with a superb AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This virtually flawless transfer captures the film’s organic feel and reproduces the lustrous, shadow-drenched cinematography by the legendary Oswald Morris with exceptional clarity. Outdoor scenes bathed in natural light see colors that pop vividly, while the film's chiaroscuro moments, especially during Alan's nighttime rides, maintain excellent shadow detail even in low-light conditions. The solid contrast ensures fine details are preserved, be it in Alan's disheveled hair or Dysart's tweedy jackets. Some minor anomalies, like a brief warping around the 16:39 mark, may catch the eye of ardent videophiles but do not significantly detract from the overall quality.

The 1080p HD transfer is impressive for a film nearing forty years old. Twilight Time’s meticulous work on cleaning the image results in phenomenal detail, with close-ups revealing individual hairs and delicate costume stitching. The horses and picturesque green pastures remain stunningly detailed, even in lower-lit scenes where contrast and shadow detail hold strong. Colors are vibrant and the black levels are admirably deep and inky. While minor instances of dirt and occasional warping are present, they are outweighed by the strong presentation values of this Blu-ray video transfer, making it an excellent visual experience.

Twilight Time’s Blu-ray of "Equus" features a highly impressive lossless DTS-HD Master Audio Mono mix that authentically re-creates the film's original audio with remarkable fidelity. The dialogue, which is central to this film, is clear and perfectly intelligible, ensuring that every nuance of performance is preserved. The minimal yet impactful score by Richard Rodney Bennett resonates with precision, and the horse foley effects are reproduced with excellent clarity across all frequency ranges.

Despite being a mono track, the audio delivers depth that complements the visual experience. The soundtrack remains free from any noticeable damages or audio artifacts like pops, cracks, or hissing. Though the film largely hinges on dialogue, the sound effects and score provide a broader dynamic range, achieving an immersive auditory experience. Additionally, a separate option for listening to the score in DTS-HD 2.0 offers an enhanced appreciation of Bennett’s evocative music for enthusiasts.

Overall, the audio presentation stands out as a meticulously crafted and faithful rendition of the original mix, maintaining an authentic and engaging auditory immersion for viewers.

The Blu-ray release of "Equus" shines particularly bright with its exceptional collection of extras. The standout feature is the in-depth documentary In From the Cold: The World of Richard Burton, which provides a comprehensive 1988 profile of the iconic actor through insightful interviews and film snippets. Additionally, the Audio Commentary by Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman offers an engrossing and informative exploration of the film's making and its cast, despite the commentators recording it while ill. Trailers for both the film itself and MGM's 90th Anniversary further enrich this collection. Moreover, an isolated score track presented via DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and a booklet featuring artwork, production stills, and an essay by Julie Kirgo round out this exemplary set.

Extras included in this disc:

In From the Cold: The World of Richard Burton: Comprehensive 1988 documentary profiling Richard Burton.

Theatrical Trailer: Trailers for the film.

MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Additional trailer.

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

Audio Commentary with Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman: Detailed commentary on the film's production, cast, and crew.

Booklet: Contains artwork, production stills, and essay by Julie Kirgo.

Sidney Lumet's adaptation of Peter Shaffer's stage play "Equus" translates a deeply intellectual and symbolic theater piece into a more realistic cinematic experience. The 1977 film retains the thematic essence of the original while making significant transitions to fit the medium. The play's use of minimalistic sets and actors in horse masks is replaced with actual horses and expansive settings, enriching the visual authenticity. While this update might lose some theatrical mystique, it provides a visceral and engaging portrayal that captures the audience's attention with its stark realism.

Richard Burton delivers a masterful performance as psychiatrist Martin Dysart, balancing weariness and nobility as he attempts to unravel the torment of Alan Strang, played by a profoundly compelling Peter Firth. The narrative dives into complex psychological landscapes, juxtaposing Alan's conflicted nourishment by his divergent parents—a devoutly Christian mother and an atheistic father—against Dysart's own existential crises. This allows the film to explore far-reaching themes of worship, sexual confusion, and the search for meaning. Despite some compromises in theatrical finesse, the film retains the story's labyrinthine quality, which might challenge mainstream audiences but is deeply rewarding for those who appreciate intricate psychological drama.

Lumet navigates the film’s inherent challenges with precision, even incorporating direct-to-camera confessionals that emphasize Dysart's internal struggles. This stylistic choice mirrors the play's ritualistic roots while also pushing boundaries within the cinematic form. The film’s success is bolstered by its strong performances and its visceral scenes, which manage to capture yet transform the intensity of the stage play. By striking a balance between Shaffer’s ceremonial prose and Lumet’s realistic vision, "Equus" offers a uniquely profound and unsettling cinematic journey.

The Blu-ray release of "Equus" is a stellar presentation of Sidney Lumet's adaptation of Peter Shaffer's intense play. This cinematic version of "Equus" retains much of the original’s powerful storytelling, thanks to masterful direction and unforgettable performances by Richard Burton and Peter Firth. While the transition from stage to screen doesn't always succeed in preserving every nuance, the film still delivers a compelling and emotional experience. The technical quality of this Blu-ray is impeccable, with video and audio presentations that enhance the film's harrowing atmosphere.

Complementing the outstanding audiovisual quality, the Blu-ray package includes an isolated audio track of the film's score in 2.0 DTS-HD, providing an opportunity to appreciate the musical composition in its purest form. Additionally, an insightful audio commentary by film historians Julie Kirgo and Nick Redman offers valuable perspective on the film’s production and legacy. The extras are further bolstered by the two-hour documentary "In From the Cold: The World of Richard Burton," which adds depth to the viewing experience by highlighting the storied career of one of its leading actors. A theatrical trailer, an MGM 90th Anniversary trailer, and a 6-page booklet with liner notes by Kirgo complete the offering.

Make no mistake about it, if you really want to experience "Equus" in all its multilayered majesty, it's essential that you see it in a well-directed and mounted (no pun intended) stage production. But I'm not one of those who decries how Shaffer and Lumet chose to saunter this piece into the medium of film. Does it always work? No. But does it still retain some of the essential power of the original stage piece? Absolutely. The film certainly is a worthwhile, and even devastating, experience, one which documents two remarkable performances by Burton and Firth. This Blu-ray's technical merits are outstanding and "Equus" comes Highly recommended.