The Leopard Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s video presentation of Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard is a remarkable display of restoration and high-definition technology. The film is provided in a 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC encoded transfer, maintaining its original Super Technirama aspect ratio of 2.21:1, derived from the original 35mm 8-perforation negative. The digital transfer was painstakingly supervised by Director of Photography Giuseppe Rotunno and executed on a Spirit Datacine. Restoration processes involved using MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system for manual cleaning, as well as Digital Vision's DVNR system for targeted dirt, grain, and noise reduction. This meticulous work results in the film looking pristine with virtually no visible debris, warps, or instability.

The Italian version of the film stands out with its impressively consistent contrast levels and an extraordinary color palette. The lush greens, vibrant yellows, rich browns, and deep blacks are particularly noteworthy. Such colors are showcased clearly in scenes like the study conversation between the Prince and Chevally, where the lighting alternates due to the fireplace, adding depth and dynamism to the scene. Fine object detail is exceptional, revealing textures in elements as varied as worn concrete walls to the intricate folds in costumes. Despite slight grain, especially in darker scenes, overall sharpness and clarity remain intact.

However, not all is flawless in this presentation. There are minor issues such as brief aliasing on patterned clothing and isolated instances of flickering during scene transitions, likely attributable to high contrast environments or print stage anomalies. Notably, an artifact appears at 1:42:31 as a ripple passing across the frame. Additionally, at 33:30 in Chapter 7, an unexpected shadow of an insect moves across the lens during a carriage scene. Despite these minor flaws, Criterion’s Blu-ray release remains an outstanding achievement in film restoration.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "The Leopard" showcases impressive technical diligence and commitment to authenticity. The Italian version of the film is provided with an LPCM 1.0 audio track, which preserves the outstanding quality of Nino Rota's renowned soundtrack. Dialogues are delivered with clarity and stability, with no noticeable disruptions from pops, cracks, hiss, or dropouts. Criterion enhances this experience further by offering optional English subtitles within the frame, ensuring an inclusive viewing experience.

On the other hand, the American version features an English Dolby Digital 1.0 track that demonstrates a notable disparity in audio quality compared to its Italian counterpart. It unfortunately retains background hiss, and the crispness of Rota's strings, so evident in the Italian track, is noticeably absent. Despite this, the dialogue remains reasonably stable. While there are no optional English subtitles for this version, it is worth noting the comprehensive audio remastering efforts by Criterion.

Criterion remastered the uncompressed monaural soundtrack at 24-bit from the 35mm optical soundtrack print master. They meticulously removed clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum using ProTools HD, and attenuated crackle with AudioCube's integrated audio workstation. The audio is predominantly centered with occasional support from the subwoofer. The Italian dialogue maintains a high level of clarity, although the dubbing can sound somewhat flat. The fidelity to the original source is particularly evident in scenes with gunfire during The Battle of Palermo, where restraint is shown to maintain authenticity. This meticulous restoration ensures a balanced and faithful audio presentation of "The Leopard."

The Blu-ray extras for "The Leopard" provide an enriching and comprehensive exploration of Visconti's cinematic masterpiece. The standout feature is the detailed audio commentary by film scholar Peter Cowie, who delves into the film's historical context, production details, and character analysis. Also included is the American version of the film, offering a comparative insight despite degraded visual and audio quality. "A Dying Breed: The Making of The Leopard" presents insightful interviews with key cast and crew, shedding light on the film's production and Visconti's impact on Italian cinema. Producer Goffredo Lombardo's interview offers a personal glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of bringing the story to screen. Millicent Marcus's discussion on the historical backdrop of the Risorgimento enhances understanding of the period depicted in the film. Additional promotional materials and a booklet enhance the overall educational value.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Peter Cowie: Informative commentary on the film's historical and production details.
• The American Version: Comparison with the original Italian version featuring English-language dubbing.
• A Dying Breed: The Making of The Leopard: Interviews with principal actors, crew members, and industry experts.
• Goffredo Lombardi Interview: Producer's perspective on working with Visconti.
• The History of the Risorgimento: Discussion on Italy’s historical context during the film’s setting.
• Promotional Materials: Posters, newsreels, and trailers.
• Stills Gallery: Collection of stills from the film.
• Booklet: 16-page illustrated booklet with an essay by Michael Wood from Princeton.

Luchino Visconti’s Il gattopardo (1963), celebrated as one of the finest Italian historical epics, has been splendidly rendered on Blu-ray by Criterion. Based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s acclaimed novel, the film traces the upheavals of Italian unification through the eyes of Prince Don Fabrizio Salina, portrayed by Burt Lancaster. As Garibaldi’s forces inch closer, Fabrizio's family grapples with shifting allegiances, epitomized by his nephew Tancredi (Alain Delon), who joins the revolutionaries. The complex family dynamics are captured with intense precision, especially in the relationships between Tancredi, the ambitious Angelica (Claudia Cardinale), and his cousin Concetta (Lucilla Morlacchi).

The Blu-ray’s restoration is visually stunning, thanks to the meticulous work supervised by cinematographer Giuseppe Rotunno. Period details are astonishingly vivid, especially during the titular 47-minute ball sequence, which is a masterclass in opulent set design and deep focus cinematography. The sense of historical immersion is paralleled by an emotionally resonant narrative that Delves into the Prince’s nostalgic reflections on societal change. Intricate character developments and political nuances are plotted meticulously, with Lancaster’s performance subtly expressing the Prince's internal conflicts despite his dubbed voice. Each frame demands appreciation, elevating the movie into an art piece.

Complementary to the main feature, Criterion’s edition includes an enriched selection of supplements: both versions of the film, insightful commentaries by Peter Cowie, and interviews highlighting the film’s historical backdrop. Notably, the Blu-ray offers a revelatory high-definition transfer of the Italian version that preserves Visconti's original 185-minute vision. Overall, Criterion’s presentation is unparalleled, solidifying The Leopard as a historical masterpiece that continues to resonate with contemporary audiences through its storytelling and technical brilliance.

The Blu-ray release of "The Leopard" by Criterion is a definitive edition that stands out for its exceptional picture quality, accurate audio reproduction, and comprehensive bonus features. The restoration work on the 1963 classic is impeccable, showcasing Luchino Visconti's grandiose vision with stunning clarity and depth. The rich color palette and sharp details bring the Sicilian landscapes and opulent costumes to life, providing viewers with an immersive visual experience that remarkably preserves the film’s original allure.

The audio faithfully retains the integrity of the source material, ensuring that the dialogues, soundtrack, and ambient sounds maintain their intended impact. The mix is well-balanced, effectively conveying the grandeur of the film’s score while keeping dialogues clear and distinct, enhancing the overall viewing experience. Criterion has also included an extensive array of supplements, including an alternative cut of the film and insightful documentaries that contextualize the historical and cultural significance of Visconti's work.

This Blu-ray edition of "The Leopard" is a monumental release that not only honors Luchino Visconti's masterpiece but elevates it with high-definition precision. This is a very special release by the folks at Criterion. During the last couple of months, we have seen some quite remarkable releases of classic films, but Luchino Visconti's "The Leopard" is in a league of its own. This is clearly a prime contender for a Blu-ray release of the year. Bravo! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.