Blood and Sand Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Blood and Sand" showcases a mixture of both exceptional and slightly underwhelming elements, stemming primarily from the limitations of available source material. Despite the original negative's unfortunate destruction in the 1970s, the 1080p transfer demonstrates substantial effort by 20th Century Fox to restore the classic Technicolor film to its vintage glory. From the opening title sequence, presented in windowboxed format, the visual grandeur unfolds remarkably as the aspect ratio shifts to its intended state. The meticulous incorporation of hues is evident, reflecting the dedication of the cinematographers and art designers. The legendary Technicolor process provides rich, creamy, and vibrantly saturated colors, with standout examples such as Juan's torero suit flaunting vivid blues, reds, and gilded threading.

Despite these positives, there are discernible limitations. The transfer often carries a wan quality, particularly noticeable in the first half of the film where colors seem anemic and the overall image lacks vibrancy. This slightly Xerox-like appearance comes from using safety dupes instead of the original negatives. However, saturation improves as the film progresses, yet never fully reaches a true 'wow' factor. On the technical front, the fine grain structure effectively preserves the celluloid feel, offering clarity with minimal distractions. Background details and textures on costumes exhibit excellent definition, though a slight orange tint can occasionally affect fleshtones. Black levels are substantial, enhancing depth in darker sequences without crush, and whites remain consistently crisp. Moreover, there are no compression artifacts, digital noise reduction signs, or edge enhancements tarnishing this otherwise solid attempt at high-definition restoration.

Overall, while "Blood and Sand" could have greatly benefited from original negative materials, the effort by Fox remains commendable. The balance of fine details against a backdrop of slightly subdued Technicolor authenticity may not entirely captivate purists but will satisfy general audiences appreciating its cinema heritage in Blu-ray format.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Blood and Sand" stays authentic with a commendable DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track. The track delivers a clear and distraction-free experience, displaying a high level of fidelity. Impressively free from hisses, pops, and crackles, this track ensures dialogue is consistently unmuffled and intelligible. While the dynamic range aligns with the limitations typical of 1940s films, Alfred Newman's rich, Latin-tinged orchestral score, as well as the few musical numbers, shine through beautifully. Additionally, the disc offers Spanish and French Dolby Digital 1.0 dubs, along with English SDH and Spanish subtitles, ensuring versatility in viewing options.

The meticulously cleaned-up DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track provides a robust and well-balanced auditory experience that does justice to the film's vintage origin. Fox's technicians have expertly eliminated age-related defects, allowing Newman's rousing score to stand out. The track boasts a wide dynamic scale adeptly handling orchestral nuances, from highs to lows, resulting in crisp and nuanced audio. Interestingly, the ambient crowd noise in bullfighting scenes is distinct enough to simulate subtle surround effects, while specific sound accents like a train whistle or glass shattering are impactful without compromising the overall mix cohesiveness. Dialogue clarity is maintained throughout, whether delivered powerfully or whispered intimately, making this audio presentation an unequivocal success given the age of the source material.

The Blu-ray release of "Blood and Sand" includes a focused and expert-level audio commentary by Richard Crudo, a seasoned cinematographer and former President of the American Society of Cinematographers. This commentary dives deeply into the technical aspects of the film's cinematography, encompassing lighting techniques, the Technicolor process, and visual composition. Crudo provides a master class in low-key lighting, day-for-night photography, and the responsibilities and structure of a photographic team. While this track is a goldmine for cinematography enthusiasts and film students, its narrow focus on visual elements leaves out broader production details or background on the cast and narrative. Those seeking more comprehensive insights into the film's context or a critique of its story and characters might find this commentary wanting.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentary: Cinematographer Richard Crudo provides an in-depth analysis focusing on the film's photographic elements.

"Blood and Sand," the opulent 1941 bullfighting melodrama directed by Rouben Mamoulian, is a masterclass in Technicolor cinematography, but falls short narratively. The cinematographic brilliance, orchestrated by Ernest Palmer and Ray Rennahan, immerses viewers in vibrant compositions inspired by Spanish masters like Velásquez, Goya, and El Greco. The visual spectacle is complemented by lush, meticulously designed sets and costumes that evoke the grandeur of Madrid's bullfighting scene. However, the film's narrative doesn't quite match its visual splendor. An adaptation of Vicente Blasco Ibáñez's novel, this Hollywood production remains staid and derivative, lacking the dramatic intensity seen in contemporaries like "The Red Shoes" and "Black Narcissus."

The film unfolds with young Juan Gallardo (Rex Downing) aspiring to bullfighting fame—a portrayal marred by Downing's grating American accent and overzealous performance. Thankfully, Tyrone Power takes over as the adult Gallardo, offering a more balanced and nuanced interpretation. Power's charisma pairs well with Linda Darnell's virtuous Carmen and Rita Hayworth's sultry Doña Sol. Despite its compelling cast, "Blood and Sand" stumbles over its predictable plot and emotionally flat storytelling. Key scenes in the bullring lack the visceral intensity expected from such a dramatic setup, limited by static camera work typical of early Technicolor productions.

Mamoulian's emphasis on visual style over narrative substance leaves "Blood and Sand" feeling like an over-decorated yet hollow experience. Passion—a central theme—fails to permeate the screen, save for Hayworth's electric performance that briefly injects life into the film's tepid love triangle. Despite these shortcomings, the film remains an exemplar of Golden Era Hollywood craftsmanship. Its sumptuous visuals and masterful use of color offer an aesthetic feast, ensuring that while "Blood and Sand" may be devoid of deeper emotional resonance, its beauty is undeniably captivating.

"Blood and Sand" may not shine as a strong narrative film, with its story bogged down in melodramatic cliches and an emotionally hollow execution that fails to capture the grandeur of bullfighting. The script, unfortunately, doesn't exploit the star power of Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, and Rita Hayworth, ultimately rendering the drama inert and uninspired. However, the visual aspects are a different story; the film's Oscar-winning cinematography is nothing short of spectacular. The painterly colors of the Technicolor era leap vividly from the screen, offering a visual feast that is brilliantly brought to life in this Blu-ray release.

The transfer quality of this Blu-ray edition is solid, capturing the stunning visuals with crisp detail and rich color saturation. While it doesn’t necessarily elevate the film itself, it certainly does justice to its visual splendor. Despite the somewhat lacking supplemental materials, Richard Crudo's audio commentary provides an invaluable focus on the film's exquisite camerawork, adding an interesting technical layer for enthusiasts and scholars alike. Though some may argue that the lack of additional features limits its appeal, Crudo's commentary is a standout element that enhances the overall value of this release.

In conclusion, "Blood and Sand" may disappoint in terms of narrative and emotional depth, but its breathtaking visual display commands attention. 20th Century Fox's Blu-ray release captures this aspect beautifully, making it worth considering for aficionados of classic cinematography. While it might not be a film for everyone, the masterful use of Technicolor and insightful commentary tilt the scales towards a purchase for those interested in film history and visual artistry.