Hannibal Blu-ray Review

Kino's 1080p Blu-ray presentation of "Hannibal" is a substantial upgrade from the aging 2009 MGM disc, leveraging modern advancements to produce a visually engaging experience far superior to its predecessor. Supervising the 4K restoration, cinematographer John Mathieson has ensured that grain management holds a very organic structure, adding to the film's aesthetic. One of the standout improvements is the sharpness, with every frame showcasing increased clarity and detail. Colors appear more vibrant and accurate, making previously dull segments more engaging. For instance, Ray Liotta's character at the 15:11 mark demonstrates improved color accuracy and sharpness, with his light blue shirt and dark blazer appearing more distinct and true-to-life.

Moreover, Kino's new release offers superior contrast and stability in colors when compared to the old Blu-ray version. Whites are crisper, blacks richer, and overall color evenness is much better handled. Shadows are resolved more naturally, adding depth and dimensionality previously absent in the 2009 disc. The restoration eradicates heavy edge enhancements seen in the earlier release, especially in high contrast areas like Mason Verger's estate, giving the scenes a more natural look. Facial details and environments are now crisper and highly revealing, with Gary Oldman's makeup showing much greater textural clarity. Fans of the film will appreciate how much fresher and more alive this transfer feels, leapfrogging the limitations of its MPEG-2 progenitor easily.

The "Hannibal" Blu-ray offers a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, carrying forward the high standards established by the 2009 edition, though with some notable refinements. The bitrate of the new edition ranges between 1.5-1.8 Mbps compared to the older version's 3.0-4.0 Mbps range. Despite the apparent technical variation, the real-world differences in audio quality are subtle. Key scenes like the fish market shootout remain acoustically engaging with precise placement of gunfire and chaos. Effects such as squealing boars and the whirring fan during the surgical procedure are effectively rendered, comparing favorably with the original track. Notable improvements include a slight enhancement in sound separation and immersion, delivering a more expansive and precise audio experience.

This DTS-HD Master Audio track excels in creating an immersive auditory landscape. Rainfall at the 62-minute mark saturates the sound stage convincingly, while ambient noises in a bustling police office and city streets add to the realism of the scenes. The music enjoys adequate spacing and essential surround support, maintaining clarity and fair low-end extension. Dialogue is naturally prioritized and detailed, predominantly anchored in the center channel for clarity, albeit with rare instances of amplified projection for dramatic effect. Both 2.0 and 5.1 lossless options provide "Hannibal" with an impactful auditory experience, marking a mild but appreciable enhancement over the original release, particularly in surround sound efficiency.

Kino's Blu-ray release of "Hannibal" is a comprehensive package for fans and cinephiles, offering extensive supplemental content that delves deeply into the film's creation. Although the release does not present any new bonus material compared to previous editions, it successfully compiles all prior special features with notable precision. Ridley Scott's audio commentary is richly informative, meticulously covering aspects from the novel adaptation process to technical details of filming. The extensive making-of documentary and scene-specific breakdowns provide a thorough insight into the technical and creative aspects of the production, while storyboard and title design features highlight Scott's meticulous attention to visual detail. Deleted scenes with and without commentary offer a glimpse into the film’s developmental process, revealing challenges in tone and fidelity to the source material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Featuring Director Ridley Scott.
• Breaking the Silence: The Making of Hannibal: Comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentary.
• Anatomy of a Shoot-Out: Five-angle breakdown of the Fish Market action scene.
• Ridleygrams: Featurette on Ridley Scott's storyboarding.
• An Exploration of the Film's Opening Title Design: Variations on the title design.
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes: Various scenes, with and without commentary.
• Alternate Ending: Includes a version with director commentary.
• 19 TV Spots: Quick succession presentation of TV spots.
• Hannibal Teaser & Theatrical Trailers: Available in SD and HD.
• White Squall, Nixon, When Eight Bells Toll Trailers: Assorted trailers in varying resolutions.

Kino Lorber has brought "Hannibal" back to Blu-ray, boasting a 1080p video sourced from a 4K remaster and paired with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The film comes with a wealth of bonus content, providing a visually and audibly pleasing experience despite the challenges of living up to its predecessor, "The Silence of the Lambs." The film's narrative tracks the infamous Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) ten years after his escape, converging on Clarice Starling (Julianne Moore) and disfigured millionaire Mason Verger (Gary Oldman), each seeking their own form of justice. Set against the atmospheric backdrops of Italy and America, the plot, while intense, lacks the depth that fans of its predecessor might expect.

"Hannibal" may struggle to escape the shadow of its Oscar-winning predecessor, but it's not without merit. The casting changes—Moore replacing Foster—along with Ridley Scott's directorial approach, offer a different tone that leans more toward gothic horror than psychological thrill. Critics have pointed out Moore’s emotionally restrained performance as a weak link, although Hopkins' portrayal of Lecter still retains its eerie charm. However, it is Gary Oldman's performance as Verger that steals the show, displaying his uncanny ability to wholly embody a character under extensive makeup.

Ridley Scott's direction presents a more fast-paced, action-oriented aesthetic, fitting for the early 2000s blockbusters like "Gladiator" and "Black Hawk Down." Yet, this shift results in moments where the film feels more focused on shock value than genuine suspense. While it doesn’t recapture the magic of "The Silence of the Lambs," "Hannibal" remains a solid thriller with its own merits and an engaging style for those willing to embrace its deviations from its acclaimed forerunner.

Kino Lorber Studio Classics' Blu-ray release of "Hannibal" is an essential upgrade for fans of the film and collectors alike. While Ridley Scott's adaptation of the novel doesn't quite measure up to "The Silence of the Lambs" or even "Manhunter" in terms of narrative tightness, it provides a visceral viewing experience that holds its own in the series. The most significant improvement comes from the video presentation, sourced from a fresh 4K restoration that offers dramatically enhanced image clarity and definition, rectifying the shortcomings of the prior MGM release.

Although the audio remains unchanged, delivering a solid auditory experience, the inclusion of multiple vintage bonus features—absent from earlier Blu-ray editions—adds substantial value to this release. These archival materials enrich the viewing experience, offering deeper insights into the film's production and legacy. For Anthony Hopkins' aficionados and "Hannibal" enthusiasts, this array of supplements and the upgraded visual quality make this edition a worthwhile investment.

In conclusion, while "Hannibal" itself may not eclipse its famed predecessor "The Silence of the Lambs," Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release stands out as a definitive version of the film. The superior video quality and comprehensive bonus features make it a recommended replacement for previous editions. This release ensures that collectors and fans can enjoy the movie in the best possible quality while exploring the added content that enhances understanding and appreciation of this classic thriller.