1917 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "1917" on a native 4K digital master is a visual tour de force, meticulously capturing the gritty realism of the World War I setting. The film adheres to an earthy color palette dominated by mud browns, deep greys, and overcast skies, punctuated by moments of vivid greens and intense oranges. This choice amplifies the authenticity of the war-torn landscape. The detailing is phenomenal; dirt, grime, and the ravages of war are rendered with incredible clarity. Textures of uniforms, clumps of sod, and delicate terrain features are all evident, adding depth to every scene. Black levels are exceptional, maintaining detail even in heavily shadowed or night scenes, demonstrating great dimensionality in sequences lit by flames.

Shot using high-resolution digital photography, the Blu-ray excels at presenting the near-seamless continuous shot aesthetics crafted by Mendes and Deakins. The result is an immersive experience, diminishing the divide between viewer and action. The digital capture also enhances object clarity, from the scuffs on helmets to the wear on rifle stocks. The portrayal of skin tones and close-ups is compelling, revealing intimate facial details without appearing too harsh or detached from the film's sombre tone. While the color palette remains somewhat muted, it faithfully aligns with the movie's atmospheric constraints. Even under the sepia-toned skies and dim contrast, the film maintains visual integrity.

In terms of video quality, "1917" on Blu-ray pushes the 1080p format to its limits, although those equipped for 4K UHD will find an irresistible upgrade given the superior detail and HDR support. For those not yet ready for 4K, this Blu-ray still stands as a benchmark release. It perfectly balances colors, black levels, and detailing, offering an almost flawless representation of this harrowing yet beautifully crafted war film.

The Dolby Atmos track on the "1917" Blu-ray (available on both the 4K UHD and 1080p SDR discs) truly exemplifies the art of sound engineering. From the very beginning, it immerses the listener into the film’s heart, with an expansive soundstage that conveys the battlefield's chaos and eerie serenity. Notable soundscapes include the nuanced overhead usage when planes fly overhead during the early trench sequences, where ambient sounds such as barbed wire being pulled apart and boots trudging through puddles enhance the realism. The dogfight around the 25-minute mark is a demonstration of how vertical channels can envelop you, with precise spatial imaging.

Explosive sequences, like the blast in the abandoned German bunker in chapter six, showcase the mix’s dynamic range, seamlessly transitioning from intense LFE rumblings to delicate atmospherics. Dialogue maintains impeccable clarity, naturally positioned at the front center—even amidst a barrage of gunfire and explosions. Rushing waters in chapter 15, sniper shots, and soldiers charging with battle cries are rendered with such precision that they transport viewers into the action. The soundtrack’s balance is also particularly impressive, ensuring that dialogue always stands out against Thomas Newman's deeply immersive score.

The Atmos mix isn't all about relentless action; it carefully uses silence to its advantage. In quieter moments, sound nearly vacates the room, heightening tension through absence. This thoughtful auditory vacuum is just as compelling as auditive complexity. Additionally, the mix extends to subtle environmental details — such as the reverberations in open fields or intensified pressures in confined bunkers — rendering it a complete and immersive audio experience. Both for its technical excellence and its ability to intensify narrative immersion, this mix stands as an exemplary model for cinematic audio presentations.

The extras for the Blu-ray release of "1917" provide an in-depth and technically rich exploration of the film's production, offering valuable insights into both the creative process and the technical challenges faced. Highlights include director Sam Mendes discussing his personal connection to World War 1 and the meticulous planning behind the one-shot technique, detailed by the esteemed cinematographer Roger Deakins. Composer Thomas Newman delves into the score's pivotal role, while additional featurettes cover casting, production design, and more. The inclusion of two comprehensive audio commentary tracks—one from Mendes and another from Deakins—renders this a must-watch for cinephiles and industry professionals alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• The Weight of the World: Sam Mendes: Sam Mendes discusses his personal connection to World War 1.
• Allied Forces: Making 1917: Behind-the-scenes on executing the one-shot format.
• The Music of 1917: The importance of the film's score with composer Thomas Newman.
• In The Trenches: Behind the scenes with the cast.
• Recreating History: Production design challenges of recreating WWI.
• Feature Commentary with Director/Co-Writer Sam Mendes: Broad coverage of the film's creation.
• Feature Commentary with Director of Photography Roger Deakins: Technical exploration of cinematography.

Sam Mendes’ "1917" is a cinematic achievement that combines technical brilliance with a gripping narrative. Set on April 6, 1917, the story follows Lance Corporals Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) as they traverse a war-torn landscape to deliver a crucial message that could save 1,600 lives. The film stands out for its innovative use of "single shot" photography, masterfully executed by cinematographer Roger Deakins. This technique creates an intimate and immersive experience, drawing viewers into the harrowing journey of the two protagonists as they navigate through trenches, ruins, and open fields. The fluidity of the camera work is particularly commendable, with the illusion of a continuous take broken only once in its 119-minute runtime.

The minimalistic approach to action scenes enhances the film’s realism, with brief but impactful encounters emphasizing the unpredictability and brutality of war. The performances by Chapman and MacKay are compelling, making the audience deeply invested in their mission and personal fates. Supporting actors, including Colin Firth and Benedict Cumberbatch, add weight to the narrative without overshadowing the main characters. Mendes and Deakins succeed in balancing technical complexity with emotional depth, making "1917" not just a visual spectacle but also a profoundly affecting story about human endurance and sacrifice.

The visceral depiction of World War I’s trench warfare, combined with the film’s seamless editing and meticulous production design, offers a poignant reminder of the horrors and futility of war. "1917" demonstrates cinema's power to evoke empathy and reflection through its meticulous craftsmanship and storytelling. It captures the stark, raw realities of armed conflict while highlighting the unwavering resolve of those caught in its throes. This marriage of technical excellence with an emotionally resonant narrative ensures that "1917" will be remembered as a landmark war film.

"1917" is a masterful war film that excels by honing in on the intimate and grueling journey of two soldiers on a critical mission to deliver a life-saving message. The narrative's intensity and emotional depth draw the viewer into the very trenches of World War I, guided by Sam Mendes's exceptional direction and Roger Deakins's award-winning cinematography. The Blu-ray presentation is nothing short of spectacular, with pristine 1080p video quality and an exemplary Dolby Atmos audio mix that together recreate the visceral experience of war. The visual landscape is meticulously crafted, from the mile-long trench systems to the detailed town sets, reflective of weary battlefields.

The film’s production is a technical marvel. Production designer Dennis Gassner’s collaboration with Mendes ensured seamless integration of the narrative rhythm with the natural landscapes, leading to a visually coherent and immersively real-world environment. The approach to single-shot simulation throughout the movie is not just an artistic choice but a groundbreaking technique that adds non-stop tension and realism, truly revolutionizing the war film genre. Universal Studios’ Blu-ray release supports this with reference-quality video and audio, pushing the home entertainment experience to its limits, and providing viewers with a theatrical level of engagement.

In addition to the superior audio-visual quality, the Blu-ray includes a robust set of special features – from insightful commentary tracks to behind-the-scenes looks at the film’s intricate production design. This release is a must-own for war film aficionados and cinephiles who appreciate top-tier filmmaking techniques. "1917" stands out as one of 2020's finest films and merits repeated viewing. It is well worth adding to any collection for its unparalleled technical execution and compelling storytelling. Highly recommended.