Romeo + Juliet Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Romeo + Juliet" brings a visually arresting experience, touted as one of the best high-definition reproductions of 90s cinema, akin to the quality seen in classics like "Boogie Nights" and "Fight Club." The 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer dazzles with its vibrant palette, showcasing the film's dynamic color scheme - from the electric yellows of the Montague's car to the rich, aquamarine blues of the pivotal pool scene. The film's high contrast, deep blacks, and overall image depth ensure that from the chaotic fervor of the Capulet party to the serene glow surrounding Juliet in her feigned death, viewers are treated to a feast of colors that are both rich and saturated. Despite a few instances of softness and minimal aliasing, mainly due to handheld shots, the visual clarity remains commendable. Textural details, particularly in the opulent costume designs, are impressively sharp. Notably, this transfer respects the original film grain, avoiding any detrimental noise reduction (DNR) or filtering, thus preserving the film's intended aesthetic.

However, this release isn't without its flaws. As pointed out by Baz Luhrmann's approved remastering effort displayed on the Blu-ray's slipcover, there seems to be an underlying struggle with noise, separate from the film grain that many might appreciate for its organic feel. Artifacting and occasional softness mar an otherwise strong detail presentation, with some instances of over-sharpened edges resulting in unnatural outlines. Despite these setbacks, the overall color saturation remains a bold choice, effectively conveying the sweltering ambiance of the film's settings. Dark scenes suffer from overwhelming blacks that occasionally obscure finer details. Regardless, when the transfer shines, it showcases remarkable facial clarity and texture detail that is particularly impressive during close-up shots, though expectations should be tempered due to intermittent visual inconsistencies.

In summary, the Blu-ray video presentation of "Romeo + Juliet" is a mixed bag of exceptional highs and noticeable lows. Its strengths lie in its vibrant color reproduction, depth of field, and adherence to natural grain, which collectively underscore the film's hyperkinetic aesthetic. The costume textures and set pieces look more tangible than ever. Nonetheless, viewers might find themselves distracted by noise issues, edge artifacting, and occasional sharpness tampering that detract from the otherwise stellar visual experience. Though not devoid of imperfections, this transfer manages to capture the essence of Luhrmann's vision, making it a worthwhile addition for fans and purists alike who can appreciate the blend of fidelity with artistic license.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround mix presents "Romeo + Juliet" with outstanding clarity, depth, and precision, showcasing the film's dynamic sound design and eclectic soundtrack with unparalleled immersion. Notably, the audio mix excels in balancing the rich layers of pop and operatic music that accompany the narrative, ensuring that bass tones are deep and solid without overshadowing the clarity of higher frequencies. The soundscape crafted for this release is expansive, allowing for a distinct and spatial positioning of various sounds within the 5.1 framework. Ambient effects, such as wind, rain, and the nuanced sounds of urban chaos, including gunshots and police helicopters, are deftly handled by the rear channels. This creates a vivid audio environment that enhances the cinematography and narrative intensity, especially during critical scenes filled with action and suspense.

Dialogue is delivered with exceptional clarity, predominantly centered to maintain focus on the characters' interactions without sacrificing the surrounding auditory experience. Volume levels are managed adeptly to mirror the film's fluctuating tension between turmoil and tranquility, ensuring that dialogue remains intelligible amidst the bustling backdrop of Verona. The sound mix's directionality is precise, further adding to the immersive quality of this audio presentation. However, it is worth noting that while the bass component enriches the soundtrack, particularly during songs, it occasionally overpowers other elements within a scene. This can disrupt the overall audio balance momentarily, though it does not detract significantly from the otherwise meticulous sound design.

The LFE channel's robust performance during key moments, such as shootout sequences and the menacing thrum of helicopters, underscores the audio mix's dynamic range and its ability to convey both subtlety and intensity with equal finesse. As the story unfolds towards its climax, the audio continues to prioritize dialogue while leveraging the full spectrum of sound to engage the audience deeply in "Romeo + Juliet's" tragic journey. The accompanying soundtrack, including memorable tracks like Radiohead's "Exit Music (For A Film)," benefits greatly from this high-quality audio mix, making the listening experience as compelling and immersive as the visual spectacle.

The Blu-ray extras for "Romeo + Juliet" offer a treasure trove for fans of Baz Luhrmann's modern Shakespearean adaptation. The highlight is undoubtedly the Shaking Up Shakespeare Picture-in-Picture Commentary, featuring director Baz Luhrmann, production designer Catherine Martin, DP Donald M. McAlpine, and co-writer Craig Pearce. This commentary goes beyond the ordinary, providing insights into every creative decision, augmented by behind-the-scenes footage and other material that appears on screen, creating an immersive experience. Additionally, the 'Romeo + Juliet': The Music Documentary is an in-depth exploration of the film's influential soundtrack, complimented by smaller featurettes focusing on specific songs. From the Bazmark Vault includes intimate rehearsal footage, providing a glimpse into the actors' processes. The Director's Gallery and Director of Photography Gallery offer focused looks at Luhrmann's direction and the cinematographic techniques used, while the Interview Gallery gives a platform to the views and experiences of the stars and crew. Despite the wealth of content, some extras like the Director's Gallery and London Music Mix may feel slightly unfocused. Nevertheless, this collection of extras is essential for understanding the depth of creativity and effort that went into making this iconic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Shaking Up Shakespeare Picture-in-Picture Commentary: Engaging and informative commentary track with picture-in-picture option for behind-the-scenes content.
• Romeo+Juliet: The Music: A documentary exploring the creation of the film's soundtrack.
• Everybody's Free: The Journey of the Song: Focuses on the young Texan boy who lends his voice in the film.
• The London Music Mix: Covers the sound design for the film's music.
• Temp Music: The Journey of the Song: Discusses the process of selecting songs for certain scenes.
• From the Bazmark Vault: Behind-the-scenes footage including rehearsals and unreleased material.
• Director's Gallery: Clips centered around Baz Luhrmann’s visions and directions during key scenes.
• Director of Photography Gallery: Featurettes on specific cinematographic techniques used in pivotal scenes.
• Interview Gallery: Short interviews with key cast and crew members, sharing insights on their experience.
• International Theatrical Trailer: Standard definition trailer of the film.

Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo + Juliet" offers a polarizing yet undeniably bold reimagining of the classic tale of star-crossed lovers, set against the backdrop of a gang-infested Verona Beach. While it occasionally sacrifices the play's emotional depth for style, its audacity in melding Elizabethan dialogue with a feverishly modern setting results in a version that can captivate audiences unfamiliar with or uninterested in traditional Shakespearean theater. DiCaprio's Romeo and Danes's Juliet, though their chemistry sometimes lacks the depth of previous portrayals, embody the youthful impulsivity and tragic naivety central to the narrative. Their performances, combined with a contemporary soundtrack and visually striking mise-en-scène, render Luhrmann's film a divisive yet unforgettable cinematic experience.

The film innovatively navigates its source material, incorporating modern elements such as guns for swords and cars for horses, while preserving the original Shakespearean dialogue. This choice maintains the poetic quality of the script, even as it unfolds in an unapologetically flashy and anarchic visual world. The supporting cast, including Paul Sorvino's imposing Capulet and John Leguizamo's fiery Tybalt, enriches the narrative, grounding the high-octane drama in human emotion. Pete Postlethwaite's Father Laurence, in particular, stands out for his nuanced performance that bridges the worlds of reverence and rebellion.

Despite some narrative inconsistencies and an over-reliance on visual spectacle, "Romeo + Juliet" remains an ambitious endeavor. Its eclectic soundtrack further elevates the film, ensuring that it not only modernizes Shakespeare's work but also complements it with a sonic landscape that is equally vibrant and poignant. Luhrmann's film, with all its imperfections and idiosyncrasies, challenges purists and invites a new generation to experience Shakespeare in a manner both exhilarating and accessible.

Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet" presents a distinctive, hyper-modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic, characterized by its vibrant execution and unique reinterpretation. Unlike the more traditional approach seen in Zeffirelli's 1968 version, Luhrmann's film explodes with a dynamic blend of contemporary settings, stylish costume choices reflecting a modern aesthetic—such as Hawaiian shirts for the Montagues and gun-toting Capulets—and a striking visual style that sharply divides audience preferences. While the film might not cater to Shakespeare purists due to its bold departure from the original's setting, its energetic pace, propelled by stellar performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, and an engaging soundtrack, make it an unforgettable cinematic experience. The Blu-ray release enhances this vividness with superb visual and audio quality, though it somewhat underdelivers on its promise of exclusive, impressive extras.

The Blu-ray edition, despite slight shortcomings in its special features and remastering efforts, presents "Romeo + Juliet" in a stunning light not previously witnessed. The film’s auditory experience is especially commendable, making significant use of the Blu-ray format’s capabilities to amplify its eclectic soundtrack—an aspect where the release shines, adding depth to the viewing experience. The unique charm and replay value of Luhrmann's adaptation remain intact, asserting that the film, albeit with its over-the-top theatrics, commands respect and merits inclusion in any collection for its audacious yet heartfelt portrayal.

In conclusion, "Romeo + Juliet" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to Baz Luhrmann’s bold vision, offering an unparalleled audiovisual feast that complements the film's ambitious retelling. While it may leave aficionados of the genre yearning for more in terms of bonus content and a more impactful remastering process, the release still warrants recommendation. Its blend of a memorable cast, compelling narrative adaptation, and superior sound quality ensures that this version of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy will resonate with audiences open to its inventive reimagining.