Anastasia Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Anastasia" is an impressive upgrade from its DVD predecessor, presented in AVC encoded 1080p with a 2.36:1 aspect ratio. This restoration by Twilight Time through Fox ensures that the film regains much of its original vibrancy and luster. The palette is more saturated and clear, although there are instances where colors can appear slightly off. Reds, for example, may seem a bit brownish at times, particularly affecting flesh tones. Conversely, blues are rendered strongly, contributing to the improved overall aesthetic. The initial use of grays and browns transitions to more colorful visuals as the storyline progresses, reflecting the character’s evolution.

Technically, the Blu-ray excels with excellent detail levels, especially notable in close-up shots that reveal intricate textures in costumes and set designs. Jack Hildyard's cinematography occasionally prioritizes grandeur over intimacy, causing some wide-screen framings to lose fine detail. Grain is natural but can appear chunky, and the transfer handles it without significant resolution issues. There are minor stability concerns, such as a noticeable image shift around the 32:30 mark. Despite these minor issues, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer bursts with lush and vivid hues reminiscent of Technicolor, enhancing black levels and offering crisp whites that balance the imagery effectively. Contrast, clarity, and shadow delineation are superb, making even nocturnal scenes vibrant.

Overall, this Blu-ray rendition successfully revitalizes "Anastasia," bringing out the film's original charm and providing a warm, film-like experience free from any major imperfections. Fans will undoubtedly appreciate the effort put into this beautiful restoration that enhances the timeless appeal of this classic film.

The audio presentation of Anastasia on Blu-ray is outstanding, effectively utilizing DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks. Alfred Newman's Oscar-nominated score is a significant highlight, with both soundtracks delivering rich, full-bodied sound that brings the music to life. The 5.1 mix offers more nuance, especially in how it splays the score into the surround channels, enhancing the immersive experience. Dialogue is prioritized well, coming through cleanly and clearly, ensuring no distractions from the stunning visuals. Fidelity is top-notch, with no noticeable issues.

The remastered DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out by providing a wider dynamic range and better channel separation, which enriches the overall audio experience. Surround sound effects are discreetly yet effectively utilized, giving more presence to the music while maintaining its natural flow without overpowering the dialogue. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track offers a more traditional, yet equally impressive sound that replicates the original theatrical experience, retaining clear separation and high fidelity.

With impeccable fidelity and a wide dynamic range, this Blu-ray release successfully eliminates any prior audio issues found in earlier DVD versions. There are no age-related imperfections, such as hiss, pops, or crackles, allowing the film's pageantry to shine through its robust and majestic soundscape. The audio quality on this release does remarkable justice to the grandeur of Newman's score and the overall cinematic experience of Anastasia.

The Blu-ray extras for "Anastasia" offer a comprehensive exploration of the film’s history and provide substantial value for enthusiasts. The inclusion of both vintage and contemporary materials, such as audio commentaries, a score track, newsreels, and song demos, contributes significantly to understanding the film's production and historical backdrop. The Audio Commentaries are particularly insightful, featuring screenwriter Arthur Laurents and other experts discussing various aspects of the film's making, from the factual discrepancies to personal anecdotes. An Isolated Score Track in DTS-HD Master Audio 3.0 allows viewers to appreciate Alfred Newman's composition in detail, including pieces not in the final cut. Additionally, the extras include Fox Movietone Newsreels that offer promotional footage and a Song Demo highlighting the creation process behind the iconic theme. The Original Theatrical Trailer rounds out these offerings with an engaging glimpse into the film's initial promotion.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Features insights from screenwriter Arthur Laurents, actor James MacArthur, and film historians Jon Burlingame and Sylvia Stoddard, among others.
• Isolated Score Track: Enjoy Alfred Newman's score in DTS-HD Master Audio 3.0.
• Fox Movietone Newsreels: Archival promotional tie-ins and historical footage related to "Anastasia".
• Song Demo: Alfred Newman and Ken Darby present a demo of the theme song.
• Theatrical Trailer: View with either its original soundtrack or an isolated score track.

Anatole Litvak's 1956 film "Anastasia" offers an opulent yet historically embellished portrayal of one of the 20th century’s most enduring mysteries involving Anna Anderson's claim to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia. Screenwriter Arthur Laurents cleverly balances a tongue-in-cheek tone with melodramatic intrigue, sustaining the mystery of whether Anderson, played by Ingrid Bergman, is indeed the lost Romanov princess. The film begins in Paris, where a destitute Anna is saved from a suicide attempt by former Russian General Sergei Bounine, portrayed by a commanding Yul Brynner. His self-serving heroism stands in stark contrast to Anna's vulnerable portrayal by Bergman, who subsequently won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Shot across locations like Paris, England, and Copenhagen, the film bathes in lush European flair and vivid CinemaScope visuals, enriching the fairy-tale ambiance. While some elements like the burgeoning romance between Anna and Sergei feel somewhat underdeveloped, "Anastasia" shines through its intense character interactions. The mistrust and emotional resonance between Anna and the Dowager Empress (Helen Hayes) culminate in a gripping confrontation scene that serves as the film’s emotional linchpin. Helen Hayes and Martita Hunt deliver noteworthy performances, although Hayes reportedly felt dissatisfied with her role. Despite its historical inaccuracy and occasional stiffness, "Anastasia" still captivates with its rich production values and emotionally charged acting, standing as a significant piece in Bergman’s career resurgence.

Twilight Time's Blu-ray release of "Anastasia" brings new life to Anatole Litvak's 1956 dramatization of the intriguing mystery surrounding the Romanov legacy. Although recent historical discoveries have debunked the central premise of Anastasia's survival, this film triumphantly embraces its fairy tale essence. The Blu-ray edition features a beautifully restored video and audio, ensuring that every scene, from the opulent ballrooms to the intimate character moments, is imbued with fresh clarity and vibrancy. The performances by Ingrid Bergman, Yul Brynner, and Helen Hayes are nothing short of spectacular, capturing the essence of the romantic and dramatic narrative that Arthur Laurents' script offers.

Given its poetic liberties with historical accuracy, "Anastasia" crafts a lush, romantic atmosphere that stands in contrast to its more somber counterpart, "Nicholas and Alexandra." Litvak's assured direction ensures a rich visual and emotional tapestry, with colorful pageantry that only adds to its charm. The supporting cast adds depth without overshadowing the leading trio. However, the film sometimes lacks substance and can feel stifled by its whimsical interpretation, a factor largely overshadowed by Bergman's Oscar-winning performance that drives the narrative forward with grace and poise.

Ultimately, "Anastasia" may not serve as a factual recounting but excels as an enchanting romantic drama. Twilight Time's Blu-ray release, despite its sparse supplements, boasts exceptional technical merits that restore the film to its former glory. For those drawn to wistful romances and stellar performances, "Anastasia" on Blu-ray is an experience worth indulging in. Highly recommended for its top-tier production values, compelling portrayals, and overall enchanting presentation.