Barabbas Blu-ray Review

Imprint's Blu-ray release of "Barabbas" comes with a disclaimer about the use of the best available master, setting expectations for its video quality. Unfortunately, the transfer feels several generations removed from its Technicolor origins, resembling more of a widescreen VHS than a high-definition presentation. Viewers accustomed to lavish 4K transfers will notice the DVD-level detail and softness due to the dated scan from unrestored elements. The combination of rough grain reproduction, rampant softness, and instances of edge enhancement and macro blocking dilute its potential appeal. Nonetheless, a handful of scenes sporadically achieve acceptable visual clarity.

The decision to retain the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and present the feature uncut at 137 minutes in transparent AVC on a BD-50 disc is noteworthy. However, technical deficiencies such as sub-par contrast, shadow delineation, and color saturation hinder the visual experience. The most striking element, the Crucifixion scene filmed in Super Technirama 70 during an actual solar eclipse, loses much of its grandeur in this compromised transfer. Sporadic ringing and debris visibility further accentuate the overall hazy and muddy image quality.

While Imprint deserves recognition for offering "Barabbas" in an English-friendly Blu-ray format, the release's quality is a far cry from what aficionados expect from a proper Technicolor restoration. This missed opportunity highlights the need for a genuine restoration effort to faithfully capture its original cinematic allure—a challenge historically faced with some Dino De Laurentiis productions. Despite the apparent limitations, Imprint provides a serviceable yet underwhelming iteration that underscores the necessity for future investments in restoring these classic films to their deserved visual splendor.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray edition of "Barabbas," provided by Imprint, leaves much to be desired. Featuring a 2.0 PCM stereo soundtrack, the track is plagued by a series of issues that significantly impact its overall fidelity and presence. Notably, problems such as light hissing, popping, and crackling are recurrent throughout, accompanied by a cramped high end that affects louder conversations, action sequences, and the original score by Mario Nascimbene. Though listenable, this track would certainly benefit from a detailed restoration to elevate its quality and offer a more immersive experience.

The track's lackluster performance is further compounded by limited dynamic range and a boxy midrange, which hinder the clarity and richness one might expect in a modern audio presentation. The orchestral score and quieter dialogues manage to escape significant degradation, yet they are still marred by occasional harshness and distortion. Notably absent is the inclusion of any advanced surround sound options, such as those available on the French Blu-ray's 4.0 Dolby Surround mix, which could have offered enhanced depth and spatial presence.

Optional English SDH subtitles are provided, rendered in a white font outside the scope of the main presentation. These may prove essential for viewers seeking to comprehend dialogue that the audio track inadequately supports. Overall, the audio experience of this release is functional but undeniably falls short of expectations, a missed opportunity that underlines the need for restoration.

Imprint's Blu-ray of "Barabbas" supplements its release with a modest yet compelling collection of extras geared towards both longstanding fans and newcomers. The Blu-ray is elegantly packaged with attractive artwork and thematic inclusions, making it a collector's delight. Key offerings include a robust audio commentary by esteemed film historians Barry Forshaw and Kim Newman, who provide an engaging discourse on the film's adaptation from its Nobel Prize-winning novel, production nuances, and its standing within religious epics. Additionally, film historian Sheldon Hall contributes with a detailed interview offering insights into the film’s production background and thematic significance. The retrospective tribute, "Richard Fleischer: Looking Back," offers an intimate glimpse into the director’s prolific career, enriched with archival footage. Collectively, these supplements enhance the viewing experience by providing depth and context to the iconic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging commentary by Barry Forshaw and Kim Newman on the film's background.
• Film Historian Sheldon Hall on Barabbas: Insightful interview analyzing the film's production and significance.
• Richard Fleischer: Looking Back: Retrospective featuring archival footage of director Richard Fleischer.

"Barabbas," directed by Richard Fleischer and produced by Dino De Laurentiis, emerges as a compelling yet underappreciated entry in the pantheon of biblical epics. Its narrative, adapted from the Nobel Prize-winning novel by Pär Lagerkvist, pivots around the titular character, a pardoned murderer who was spared crucifixion over Jesus. Anthony Quinn's formidable portrayal of Barabbas is the film's centerpiece, offering a deeply nuanced take on a man tormented by existential questions and guilt. The film explores Barabbas' journey through a series of trials, including harsh slavery and the life of a gladiator, against the backdrop of early Christianity's emergence.

Despite its grand ambitions and profound source material, "Barabbas" is often overshadowed by genre giants like "Ben-Hur" and "The Ten Commandments." However, its unique focus on moral ambiguity and a less-traveled narrative path allows it to resonate emotionally. The cast, which includes Ernest Borgnine, Arthur Kennedy, Jack Palance, and Silvana Mangano, delivers strong performances that complement Quinn’s central role. A particularly memorable sequence includes a solar eclipse during the crucifixion scene, adding a visually arresting moment to the film’s carefully crafted spectacle.

While the Blu-ray release by Imprint provides slick packaging and informative retrospective features, it unfortunately suffers from unrestored masters, leading to audio-visual quality that diminishes the impact of its originally lavish Technicolor presentation. Nonetheless, for fans of religious epics and film history aficionados, the sincere adaptation and Quinn’s sublime performance make "Barabbas" a noteworthy film that genuinely explores themes of redemption and spiritual struggle with depth rarely seen in Hollywood's portrayal of biblical stories.

Richard Fleischer's "Barabbas," under the production of Dino De Laurentiis, emerges as a visually ambitious and cinematically rich telling of a Biblical narrative. The film compellingly presents the journey of Barabbas, portrayed by Anthony Quinn, a former criminal striving for redemption amidst the rise of early Christianity. While the screenplay may not offer the depth one might expect from its profound subject matter, the performances and sweeping visuals ensure that the film remains engaging. These strengths are evident, though somewhat marred in this Blu-ray release due to a subpar technical presentation that doesn't fully capture the visual grandeur intended by its creators.

Despite its shortcomings, particularly in need of a comprehensive restoration, the Blu-ray release by Imprint is not without merit. Although the lack of technical clarity might deter purists, the collection of slimmer yet substantive extras offers an added value for audiences. For those seeking to explore Barabbas' narrative, this release becomes a worthwhile pursuit, predominantly fueled by the cinematic strength of its tale and the potent depiction of its central themes.

In conclusion, while this Blu-ray presentation may not serve as a definitive version required by dedicated cinephiles or those unyielding in their demands for high-quality transfers, it still manages to render a moving rendition of Quinn's performance and Fleischer's direction. For viewers poised to embrace its singular charm and transcend technical imperfections, this edition provides a noteworthy experience dedicated to capturing a singular moment in film history.