Richard III Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Laurence Olivier's "Richard III" boasts an exceptional 1080p transfer, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, in an aspect ratio of 1.66:1. This impressive restoration effort, completed in 2012 by The Film Foundation, utilized the original VistaVision camera negative and YCM separation masters, scanned at a full 4K resolution on an Oxberry wet gate scanner. Color correction was meticulously handled using a Baselight 8 system by Sheri Eisenberg at Colorworks in Culver City, ensuring a precise and highly detailed visual experience.

The restoration has dramatically heightened the film's detail and image depth, particularly evident in close-up shots. Color reproduction stands out with a spectrum of vibrant and stable hues including reds, blues, browns, and grays, which were not as pronounced in earlier DVD releases. The contrast is excellent with inky blacks and well-defined shadows, enhancing the film's visual richness. Furthermore, the image is remarkably clean, devoid of any signs of wear or age, though some natural film grain is present, especially during location footage.

Most notably, this transfer addresses and corrects previous issues such as problematic jump cuts without introducing degraining or sharpening artifacts. While there are occasional minor focus inconsistencies due to actor and camera movements, these are offset by the film’s effective use of depth through blocking. The overall result is a visually lush and stable presentation—easily the best this classic film has ever looked on home video—sure to satisfy even the most discerning cinephiles.

The Blu-ray release of "Richard III" by Criterion features an English LPCM 1.0 mono audio track, resulting in a clear and stable listening experience. The restoration efforts from the original 33 mm monaural optical track print are evident, as no age-related artifacts like pops, cracks, or dropouts are present. This meticulous stabilization ensures the soundtrack remains crisp and clean throughout the film. William Walton's score particularly benefits from this, adding an atmospheric layer that complements the visual stimuli effectively.

However, some limitations inherent to the standard LPCM 1.0 format are apparent. While dialogue remains a focal point and is conveyed with considerable clarity, there are brief instances where location shoots feature subpar dubbing, slightly detracting from the overall audio quality. Walton’s musical compositions are notably subdued in this mono format, and although dynamic range is generally well-preserved, it lacks the expansive use of bass that modern formats afford. An instance where the musical score overshadows crowd noise highlights some minor balance issues. Nevertheless, these factors do not significantly impede the overall enjoyment of the auditory experience.

Overall, the restoration efforts result in an audio track that is more than adequate for appreciating the intricacies of dialogue and sound in "Richard III," even if it does not maximize modern auditory potentials like surround sound or deep bass effects.

The Blu-ray extras for "Richard III" offer a comprehensive dive into the film's production and restoration, with a balanced mix of behind-the-scenes content and historical insights. Highlights include a revealing restoration demonstration by Martin Scorsese and an informative audio commentary by Russell Lees and John Wilders, which provides an engaging breakdown of the play and the film. Laurence Olivier's contributions are explored in depth through a 1966 BBC interview and a production gallery accompanied by quotes from his autobiography. The set also includes vintage promotional material such as TV trailers and the original theatrical trailer, offering a fascinating glimpse into the film's release history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original theatrical trailer.
• TV Trailer: Laurence Olivier-produced trailer with on-set footage.
• Production Gallery: Behind-the-scenes and production stills with Olivier's quotes.
• Restoration Demonstration: Introduction by Martin Scorsese with before-and-after footage.
• Great Acting: Laurence Olivier: 1966 BBC interview with Kenneth Tynan.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Russell Lees and John Wilders.
• Booklet: 18-page illustrated booklet with essay by Amy Taubin and restoration notes.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Richard III" (1955), directed by and starring Laurence Olivier, is a visually and narratively stunning adaptation of Shakespeare's play. Olivier portrays Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, a malevolent figure whose insatiable hunger for power and manipulation renders him both compelling and repulsive. Assisted by the corrupt Duke of Buckingham (Ralph Richardson) and targeting everyone from his brother George (John Gielgud) to Lady Anne (Claire Bloom), Richard's path to the crown is marred by deceit and murder. The narrative chronicles events from the latter half of the 15th century, opening with Edward IV’s ascension and unfolding as Richard delivers monologues directly to the camera, making the audience his confidant in his sinister plans.

Olivier’s performance is simultaneously the film's greatest strength and its potential pitfall. His portrayal is so commanding that it sometimes overshadows the other actors, who struggle to match his intensity. This unevenness is particularly evident in the first half of the film when Richard frequently breaks the fourth wall. Despite this, the film remains an engrossing depiction of political intrigue and human ego, blending fine details in gesture and tone to reveal character motivations subtly.

Technically, the new digital restoration by The Film Foundation revitalizes "Richard III," using the original VistaVision camera negative to restore its original lush colors and rich visuals. Presented in its European theatrical aspect ratio of 1.66:1, the film runs approximately 158 minutes. This version includes previously trimmed footage, ensuring that modern audiences can experience its full grandeur. Criterion has further enhanced the viewing experience with a series of special features, including audio commentaries, interviews, a restoration demonstration, and an illustrated booklet featuring insightful essays. Overall, this Blu-ray release offers a comprehensive and richly detailed exploration of one of Shakespeare's most complex villains, brought to life with Olivier’s unparalleled expertise.

The Blu-ray release of "Richard III," directed by Laurence Olivier, is truly a masterclass in film restoration and presentation. The meticulous restoration effort is evident in the pristine picture quality that brings new life to Olivier's cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare's work. The visual upgrade is remarkable, especially in the preservation of vivid colors and sharp details that enhance the viewing experience. Any issues related to audio or supplementary materials are minor compared to the exceptional visual fidelity achieved here.

Olivier's portrayal of the Machiavellian Richard III remains captivating, and his directorial prowess is equally apparent in this classic adaptation. Enhanced by near-perfect audio-visual quality, the Blu-ray disc is a treasure for film enthusiasts and scholars alike. The included extras offer a wealth of insights and enrich the overall package, making this release indispensable for any serious collector.

In conclusion, the restoration of "Richard III" is a testament to the invaluable efforts of director Martin Scorsese and the team involved. Their dedication to film preservation has led to one of the finest Blu-ray releases available. Together with others like "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp," this stands as one of the best restorations in recent years. Highly recommended.