Cleopatra Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Cecil B. DeMille's "Cleopatra" is encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and features a 1080p transfer, maintaining an aspect ratio of 1.36:1. For a film that is nearly 80 years old, the video quality is quite remarkable. The transfer showcases a good range of lush blacks, stable grays, and whites, which provide a pleasing image depth and definition, particularly in close-ups. Larger panoramic shots also offer clarity, with an evident color depth that enhances the viewing experience. Importantly, the high-definition transfer eschews unwarranted sharpening and denoising corrections, which would typically compromise the visual integrity of older catalog titles.

Grain is consistently visible throughout the film, though its distribution varies slightly. Minor scratches, black specks, and small vertical lines can still be observed but are not overly distracting. No significant film brightness fluctuations or frame instability undermines the presentation, suggesting a meticulous frame-by-frame scanning and re-stabilization process. This preservation effort has also been instrumental in effectively removing dust, scratches, and other minor artifacts without introducing any severe visual glitches or jumps. Shadow detail remains limited by the original 35mm stock, translating to numerous shades of grey for modern TVs to manage, though no major issues such as solarizing were noted during playback on contemporary displays.

In summary, despite minor inherited limitations, the technical presentation of this Blu-ray is impressively competent. The attention to maintaining the authenticity of the original footage, while enhancing it with modern restoration techniques, ensures an engaging viewing experience. Fans of "Cleopatra" will undoubtedly find this Blu-ray release both a nostalgic and visually satisfying addition to their collection.

The Blu-ray presentation of "Cleopatra" is equipped with a single audio track, encoded in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. The mono signal is excellently reproduced with a high dynamic range, ensuring vivid auditory fidelity. Although the frequency response notably lacks depth at the lower end, the audio maintains a much lower noise floor than comparable films of its era, partly thanks to effective noise reduction techniques. The sound track predominantly lacks the crackles typical of optical systems from the time, replaced instead by a subtle low-level hiss. Audio overloads do occur, resulting in harsh, glassy peaks, especially noticeable during more aggressive vocal segments.

The Western Electric Noiseless System has performed admirably, with well-balanced musical scores and realistically synchronised sound effects, maintaining impeccable lip sync throughout the film. The restored audio track has received essential stabilization corrections, ensuring there are no sudden spikes or drops in dynamic range, thus providing a very fluid auditory experience. Despite some remaining background hiss, it is minimal and not particularly distracting. Dialogue within the film remains consistently stable and easy to follow, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Optional English SDH subtitles further aid accessibility and comprehension.

The "Cleopatra" Blu-Ray disc offers a meticulously crafted collection of extras that comprehensively explore the film's behind-the-scenes details and broader historical context. The extras are immediately accessible from the startup menu and include an informative commentary by F.X. Feeney, providing deep insights into the film’s production, soundtrack, and Cecil B. DeMille's legacy. Additionally, two featurettes delve into the lives and careers of Cecil B. DeMille and Claudette Colbert, enriched by vintage footage and expert commentary. Another short, "Forbidden Film," examines the impact of the Hays Code on Hollywood productions. Notably, there is an original trailer that serves as an excellent mini-synopsis of the film. Accompanying these is a lavish booklet featuring an interview with DeMille, illuminating his motivational techniques and offering viewing notes to enhance the experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Audio commentary by F.X. Feeney.
• Cecil B. DeMille: Hollywood's Epic Director: Featurette on DeMille's persona and work ethic.
• Claudette Colbert: Queen of Silver Screen: Featurette on Claudette Colbert's legacy.
• Forbidden Film: The Production Code Era: Examination of the production code.
• Trailer: Original movie trailer.
• Booklet: Lavishly produced with DeMille’s interview and archival imagery.

Cecil B. DeMille's "Cleopatra" (1934) is a meticulously crafted historical epic that brilliantly showcases the grandeur and complexity of pre-war cinema. Starring Claudette Colbert as the enigmatic and commanding Cleopatra, the film navigates the tumultuous political landscape of ancient Egypt with a deft blend of drama and subtle erotic undertones. The performances are uniformly strong, with Colbert's portrayal standing out as particularly compelling, exuding confidence and seductive charm in every scene. The narrative is enriched by its historical accuracy and engaging plotline, ensuring that it remains a captivating viewing experience from start to finish.

The technical quality of this Blu-ray release by Eureka Entertainment is outstanding, particularly considering the film's vintage. The picture quality, while not comparable to modern high-definition standards, is exceptional relative to other releases from the same era, exhibiting impressive clarity and detail. The sound restoration is equally remarkable; the original soundtrack has been rejuvenated with admirable fidelity, far surpassing typical expectations for pre-war audio. Victor Milner's award-winning cinematography is a visual highlight, his masterful composition and lighting techniques bringing the opulence of ancient Egypt vividly to life.

This release also offers a wealth of supplementary features that enhance the viewing experience, including an insightful audio commentary by filmmaker F.X. Feeney, a collection of short featurettes about the life and legacy of DeMille and Colbert, and a lavishly produced booklet with rare archival imagery and writings by DeMille. Overall, "Cleopatra" on Blu-ray stands as a testament to DeMille's dedication to quality filmmaking, making it an essential acquisition for enthusiasts of classic cinema.

Review Summary 1: The Blu-ray release of "Cleopatra" exhibits a visually stunning transfer, with vivid colors and sharp details. The audio quality is equally impressive, offering a clear and balanced soundscape, which enhances the overall viewing experience. Supplementary materials are plentiful and insightful, adding significant value to the release. This edition successfully combines historical significance with high-definition quality.

Review Summary 2: "Cleopatra" on Blu-ray is a visual marvel, showcasing outstanding picture quality and rich, nuanced audio. The film's grandeur is fully restored, making for an unforgettable watch. The extras are comprehensive and provide deep insights into the making of the film, as well as its historical context. This release sets a high standard for classic film restorations.

Review Summary 3: The restoration of "Cleopatra" on Blu-ray is nothing short of exceptional. The meticulous attention to picture and sound quality elevates this classic to new heights. Special features retained from previous editions add immense value, providing both entertainment and education. This Blu-ray is a must-have for cinephiles and historians alike.

Review Summary 4: The Blu-ray release of "Cleopatra" impresses with its pristine visual and audio restoration. The extras are extensive, covering various aspects of the production and its historical background. This edition does justice to the classic film, bringing it to a modern audience in high definition without losing its original charm.

Review Summary 5: "Cleopatra" on Blu-ray shines with remarkable picture clarity and exceptional sound fidelity. The supplementary content is rich with informative and entertaining features, making this edition a thorough package. It captures the essence of the original film while enhancing it with the benefits of modern technology.

New Review:

The Blu-ray release of Cecil B. DeMille's "Cleopatra" stands as a definitive edition, offering a spectacular visual and auditory experience. The high-definition transfer boasts vivid colors and sharp details that breathe new life into this enduring classic, while the enhanced audio quality provides a balanced and clear soundscape that complements the film’s majestic visuals. Such technical precision ensures that viewers are fully immersed in the grandeur of Cleopatra's world.

Complementing the stellar presentation, the Blu-ray includes a wealth of supplementary materials retained from the 75th Anniversary Edition R1 DVD release. These extras offer deep insights into both the historical context and production intricacies of the film. They're not just add-ons but integral components that highly enrich the viewing experience, catering to both enthusiasts of classic cinema and history buffs alike.

Overall, this Blu-ray release does more than deliver superior picture and sound quality—it honors Cecil B. DeMille's masterpiece by preserving its essence while enhancing it with modern technology. This expertly curated package sets a high standard for classic film restorations and is a highly recommended addition to any cinephile’s collection.