Brazil Blu-ray Review

Terry Gilliam's dystopian masterpiece "Brazil" receives a captivating high-definition treatment on Blu-ray, courtesy of Criterion. This edition is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and granted a 1080p transfer, ensuring that viewers are treated to a visual experience that significantly surpasses previous releases. The digital restoration process, meticulously overseen and approved by Gilliam himself, was undertaken from a new 35mm interpositive. Thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and other blemishes were carefully removed, showcasing the dedication to delivering a clean and stable presentation. While there are minor age-related visual anomalies such as light noise visible in darker scenes and occasional softness, the transfer maintains an impressive level of detail and texture throughout.

The color grading, managed by colorist Gregg Garvin in Los Angeles, delivers a faithful representation of the film’s originally intended palette. Although the transfer could benefit from slight improvements in saturation, it nevertheless presents a low-key color scheme that perfectly complements the film’s gloomy and satirical narrative. Primaries are bold and secondary hues warm, with crisp whites adding depth to the imagery. The thin layer of grain preserved in the video, especially noticeable during Sam's dream sequences, enhances the filmic quality of the viewing experience, aligning with cinematographer Roger Pratt's creative vision.

Overall, this Blu-ray edition of "Brazil" represents the best version of Gilliam’s vision available for home viewing to date. The meticulous restoration efforts have paid off, providing sharp details, well-balanced blacks, and strong shadow delineation while staying true to the movie’s aesthetic and thematic essence. Despite some room for further enhancements, particularly regarding saturation levels and the handling of darker sequences, the video presentation offers a commendable high-definition experience that honors this cult sci-fi classic's legacy.

The meticulous remastering of the Blu-ray audio presentation for "Brazil" boasts its singular English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which impressively enhances the auditory experience beyond its DVD counterpart. Criterion's commitment to quality is evident in the optional English SDH subtitles that accompany the feature, catering to a wider audience. The lossless audio track itself is a revelation, showcasing exceptional depth and dynamic range that breathes life into every scene. Notably, the raid sequences are a testament to the audio's prowess, enveloping the listener in a meticulously crafted soundscape that leverages clarity and movement effectively. Michael Kamen's iconic soundtrack receives a notable uplift, emphasizing the nuanced performance of strings and achieving an auditory clarity that ensures dialogues are crisp, devoid of any imperfections such as pops or distortions.

Remastered from the original 35mm magnetic tracks, the audio maintains an adherence to its initial design ethos while subtly expanding its spatial qualities. This careful balancing act results in a soundscape that, although similar to previous releases, stands out through its discreet enhancements, particularly in atmospheric and rear channel utilization which contribute to a broader sound field. The wide front soundstage accentuates the whimsical and evocative score by Michael Kamen and Geoff Muldaur, offering listeners a spacious audio experience that complements the film’s visual flair. Despite a somewhat restrained low-end typical of recordings from the 1980s, the dynamic range and clarity remain uncompromised, delivering powerful moments without overshadowing quieter dialogues. This consistency ensures that even softly spoken lines are discernible, solidifying this Blu-ray release as an outstanding showcase of Terry Gilliam’s visionary classic through its superior sonic fidelity.

This Blu-ray release of "Brazil" offers a comprehensive and immersive dive into the film's universe, thanks in large part to its extras. The highlight is undoubtedly the audio commentary from director Terry Gilliam, originally recorded in 1996, providing an insightful exploration of the film’s production history and his creative process. "What is Brazil?" expands on this with behind-the-scenes footage and in-depth interviews with the cast and crew, revealing the film’s layered meanings. The Production Notebook, a Criterion-compiled treasure trove, offers everything from discussions on the screenplay to fascinating unfilmed storyboards. Additionally, "The Battle of Brazil" gives a riveting account of the film's release controversies, featuring key figures like Gilliam and producer Sidney Sheinberg. The inclusion of the "Love Conquers All" version presents an intriguing but widely criticized alternate vision of Gilliam's masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Terry Gilliam's engaging discussion on the making of "Brazil."
• What is Brazil?: Behind-the-scenes documentary with cast and crew insights.
• The Production Notebook: A collection including screenplay discussions, unfilmed storyboards, design essays, special effects explorations, and costume designs.
• The Battle of Brazil: A Video History: Documentary on the film's controversial release.
• The Love Conquers All Version: The altered version for syndicated television with optional commentary.
• Trailer: Original film trailer.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet with an essay by David Sterritt.

Terry Gilliam's "Brazil" (1985), presented in this Criterion Blu-ray edition, is a masterpiece that challenges the boundaries of genre, blending a bleak dystopian vision with surreal, dark comedy. As Gilliam's magnum opus, it explores the nightmarish realms of bureaucracy gone wild, where consumerism and unchecked surveillance have eroded privacy and individuality. The protagonist, Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), navigates this oppressive world, his journey catalyzed by a seemingly trivial error caused by a fly. His quest intertwines with dreams and reality, leading to an encounter with Jill Layton (Kim Greist), the woman from his visions, which further complicates his existence within this tightly controlled society. The film features standout performances, particularly by Pryce and Robert De Niro as the rogue repairman Harry Tuttle, offering a critical reflection on the mechanization of life and the loss of personal freedom.

Gilliam's world is visually spectacular, featuring production designs by Norman Garwood that vividly realize the film's thematic concerns of a society stifled by its own complexity and obsession with control. The Criterion Blu-ray enhances this experience with its presentation of the 142-minute director's cut, providing viewers with Gilliam's uncompromised vision. Despite its fantastical elements, "Brazil" resonates deeply with contemporary issues, such as the pervasive reach of technology into our lives and the dystopian consequences of a surveillance state. The film’s cinematography and art direction, both nominated for Oscars, richly contribute to its unsettling yet fascinating aesthetic.

In terms of supplemental materials, this Blu-ray release is comprehensive, featuring audio commentary by Gilliam, an on-set documentary, and a collection of original documents and interviews that deepen the viewer's understanding of the film’s complex narrative and production history. Notably, it includes both the director’s cut and the 94-minute commercial version, offering an intriguing contrast between Gilliam’s intended narrative and a significantly altered version. This dual presentation underscores the film’s tumultuous release history and the creative struggles inherent in bringing such a visionary work to fruition.

Terry Gilliam's 'Brazil' stands as an iconic piece of cinema, revered not solely for its audacious narrative and striking visual aesthetic but also for the depth of its commentary on a dystopian future governed by tyrannical bureaucracy. This surreal blend of black comedy and nightmarish fantasy offers a poignant critique of totalitarianism, wrapped in a layer of imaginative storytelling and compelling performances, notably from Jonathan Pryce, Robert De Niro, and Michael Palin. While fans often praise the film for its spectacular visuals, the Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray presentation elevates the viewing experience by offering remarkable audio and video quality. However, some aficionados might feel a tinge of disappointment over missed opportunities for a rescan in this release, yet it unmistakably remains a must-have for admirers of the film and collectors alike.

Criterion's handling of 'Brazil' ensures that both first-time viewers and long-standing fans are treated to an excellent package. The Blu-ray edition comes brimming with an array of supplementary material, which enriches the viewing experience by offering deeper insights into the creation and the controversial history of this cult classic. Despite certain expectations for a newer scan not being met, the transfer still impresses with its clarity and attention to detail, ensuring that Gilliam's visionary tale is presented with the respect it deserves.

In conclusion, while there may be a slight note of longing for what could have been in terms of film restoration, the Criterion Collection's release of 'Brazil' on Blu-ray is an unmissable addition to any collection. Its synthesis of superior audiovisual quality and an abundance of extra features cements this edition as a fitting homage to Gilliam’s masterpiece. Highly recommended, this Blu-ray not only commemorates the film's enduring legacy but also invites viewers to delve into its richly layered dystopian vision with renewed appreciation.