Khartoum Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Khartoum" features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer presented in an aspect ratio of approximately 2.76:1, ideal for showcasing its Ultra Panavision 70 roots. This high-definition transfer is a visual treat, offering robust fine details that bring distant elements like soldiers and camels into sharp focus, a stark improvement over the previous DVD release. The colors are deeply saturated and well-rendered, with accurate whites on uniforms and vibrant reds on fezzes. The green vegetation contrasts beautifully with the tan sands in the opening travelogue shots, while the texture of aged columns and wicker baskets is impressively detailed.

However, some issues do mar this otherwise near-perfect presentation. Film grain is quite pronounced, particularly noticeable against the sky, threatening to become too busy but ultimately stopping short of being overly distracting. Also worth noting are intermittent density issues and flickers, particularly evident in sequences featuring bright blue skies, such as during the first travelogue section. A brief discoloration at the 10-minute mark and minor specks further detract from the visual experience. It's important to mention that the night battle scene suffers due to the original film's use of "day-for-night" filters, compromising clarity and depth.

Overall, despite these minor imperfections, this Blu-ray transfer does a commendable job of rendering "Khartoum" in high definition, with significant attention paid to color accuracy and fine detail. This release should satisfy both new viewers and longtime fans eager to see the film in its most visually striking form.

"Khartoum" comes equipped with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix, a choice that is subject to some controversy among audiophiles. Some reports speculate on the existence of a superior 6-track mix from recent 70mm screenings, raising questions about why a more dynamic 5.1 mix or at least a 4.0 mix wasn't sourced. Despite these considerations, the audio track delivers an overall vivid sound experience. The presentation is devoid of any damage and offers excellent, full-bodied support across all frequency ranges, enriching the film's majestic Overture and Frank Cordell's score.

The audio experience is further characterized by its robust clarity and dynamics, demonstrating strong orchestral fidelity that effectively fills the speakers. Vocals are notably well-positioned in the front channels, contributing to a coherent auditory experience. However, the audio falls short in conveying spatial depth during battle scenes; effects intended to simulate distance come across as flat and explosions lack the essential bass and loudness to evoke a sense of realism. While these limitations might leave audiophiles yearning for a more immersive setup, the existing mix remains clean and relatively defect-free.

The Blu-ray extras for "Khartoum" offer a rich array of complementary content to enhance the viewing experience. The audio commentary, featuring Nick Redman, Julie Kirgo, and screenwriter Lem Dobbs, is informative and entertaining, providing historical insights and critical analysis of the film and its screenplay, despite occasional factual inaccuracies. Music aficionados will appreciate the isolated score presented in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono, sourced from Frank Cordell Estate's private tapes, allowing listeners to delve into Cordell’s invigorating melodies. Additionally, the MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer and the original theatrical trailer are included in high definition.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: An analytical discussion led by Nick Redman, Julie Kirgo, and Lem Dobbs.
• Isolated Score: A musical experience in DTS-HD Master Audio Mono.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Celebratory retrospective of MGM's legacy.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional material for "Khartoum".

"Khartoum" offers a complex portrayal of historical events, but it struggles to fully capture the grandeur of other epic films in its league. Charlton Heston plays General Charles Gordon with unexpected nuance, despite Heston’s usual wooden demeanor. The screenplay by Robert Ardrey highlights Gordon's unorthodox methods, yet it does not delve deeply enough into his religious motivations, missing an opportunity to explore the rich dialectic between Islam and Christianity. Laurence Olivier, as Muhammad Ahmad, delivers a performance that is as rabidly theatrical as it is limited due to his few scenes shot in isolation. The film opens with a spectacular sequence of an Egyptian army's devastation, setting up an intriguing plot about Gordon being sent to negotiate peace, but it quickly becomes bogged down with extended expository dialogues from British character actors.

The film excels visually, especially during the battle sequences directed by Yakima Canutt. These scenes are meticulously composed, utilizing the expansive 70 mm frame to its full potential. The battles, set in various captivating locales like the open desert and the walled city of Khartoum, showcase a meticulous attention to detail and choreography. However, these moments of action do not compensate for the narrative’s shortcomings. The film’s dramatic inertia is apparent; the character arcs are underdeveloped, and the viewer finds difficulty in sympathizing with either side of the conflict.

Ultimately, "Khartoum" mixes stunning visual craftsmanship with a script that falls short on emotional engagement and character depth. While Heston gives one of his more compelling performances and the cinematography offers an eye-catching spectacle, the film lacks the strong narrative drive and character development needed to make it a truly memorable epic.

"Khartoum" on Blu-ray delivers a mixed experience, marked by impressive technical presentation but hindered by a somewhat lackluster narrative. The performances by Charlton Heston and Laurence Olivier are undeniably strong, providing the historical drama with gravitas and depth. The film's scenic landscapes are captured in stunning high-definition, allowing viewers to appreciate the visual splendor of the locations. However, the script falls short of a penetrating exploration of its themes, notably missing an opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of religious fanaticism—a topic that might have seemed out of place for audiences in 1966 but would resonate powerfully today.

The Blu-ray release, limited to 3,000 copies by Twilight Time, is technically superb. Despite the absence of a surround sound track, the audio-visual quality remains excellent. High-definition specs ensure that the film's visual appeal is heightened, presenting a sharper, more vibrant viewing experience. Unfortunately, the film's action set pieces and dramatic moments cannot entirely compensate for its script's shortcomings, leaving it an uneven historical epic.

In conclusion, while "Khartoum" may not rank among the top tier of its genre, it offers distinct pleasures through its strong performances and scenic beauty. The Blu-ray’s technical excellence enhances these attributes, making it a worthy addition for enthusiasts and collectors. However, due to narrative weaknesses, it is best recommended for dedicated fans of the film or historical dramas rather than general viewers.