The Trials of Oscar Wilde Blu-ray Review

Kino Lorber Studio Classics has released "The Trials of Oscar Wilde" on Blu-ray, featuring a global premiere that presents the film in 1080p resolution, preserving the original Technirama aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The MPEG-4 AVC-encoded BD-50 delivers an impressive average video bitrate of 38940 kbps. This high bitrate showcases the Technicolor hues brilliantly, effectively capturing the vibrancy of 1890s London as originally intended. Philip K. Scheuer from the Los Angeles Times noted in 1960 that this Technicolor presentation surpasses previous adaptations with its fuller scale and tasteful hues.

Despite its visual appeal, the transfer is derived from an older unrestored master, revealing its age through recurring imperfections. White speckles, captures of dust, digs, and occasional scratches persist from the opening credits and intermittently throughout the feature. These blemishes are noticeable but fortunately non-pervasive, often appearing around specific details like James Mason's scenes. Moreover, image stability encounters slight disruptions due to jittery grain, causing mild frame wobbles, particularly in well-lit sequences.

The presentation's chapter navigation is streamlined, offering viewers access to eight segments by utilizing remote display functions, though no individual popup menu option is available. Notably, while flesh tones can occasionally appear inconsistent, the film maintains strong black levels. Collectively, this Blu-ray release captures both the visual allure and historical authenticity of the film despite minor technical shortcomings.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "The Trials of Oscar Wilde" is exceptionally well-crafted, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio Dual Mono (1608 kbps, 24-bit) track. The decision to use a 24-bit depth significantly enhances the auditory experience, providing a clean and pristine sound profile free of distracting hiss, scratches, or dropouts. The track successfully balances dialogue clarity, ensuring that the British and Irish accents are distinctly comprehensible. It also offers an optional English SDH for accessibility. Switching from a monaural to a stereo sound field can further highlight the front sounds on the sides for added depth.

The masterful integration of dialogue with Ron Goodwin's score and sound effects contributes to a strong and clear audio mix. Goodwin's composition, although not particularly groundbreaking, provides a fine accompaniment that aptly reflects the characters' internal and external dispositions. His process involved writing music for scenes before filming, guided by director Ken Hughes's detailed scene descriptions. The score occasionally tips into melodrama, yet it adeptly complements the narrative's emotional nuances.

Overall, Kino's audio presentation warrants commendation for its technical precision and engaging auditory landscape, aligning well with the film's thematic elements. The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono sound mix exemplifies a well-calibrated blend of dialogue and score, enhancing both the film's intricate character portrayals and immersive atmosphere without audio artifacts such as excessive hiss or crackle.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Trials of Oscar Wilde" provide a nostalgic look into both the film's promotional materials and selected historical trailers from the era. The theatrical trailer, presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, although unrestored, captures an authentic glimpse into the film's original marketing as "The Man with the Green Carnation."While occasionally marred by film artifacts and varying brightness levels, these additions offer valuable context for cinephiles interested in vintage cinema. Additionally, Kino Lorber Studio Classics supplements this release with trailers from a selection of its other classic titles, further enhancing the appreciation of the period's cinematic landscape.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: Trailer for "The Man with the Green Carnation," in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen.
• Kino Trailers: Includes trailers for "Room at the Top," "The Chalk Garden," "Isadora," "He Who Must Die," "The Queen of Spades," "Murder by Decree," and more.

Ken Hughes' "The Trials of Oscar Wilde" vividly portrays the tragic downfall of one of the 19th century's most iconic literary figures. Set against the backdrop of 1960s cinematic production, Hughes navigates the constraints imposed by the Production Code with notable skill. The film is distinguished by its Technicolor and Technirama visuals, contrasting with its rival, "Oscar Wilde," which utilized black and white Academy Ratio. While both films illuminate Wilde's late-Victorian trials, Hughes' adaptation, fueled by John Furnell's 1955 play "The Stringed Lute" and trial transcripts by H. Montgomery Hyde, opts for a more vibrant and extended exploration into the celebrated playwright's life, especially his tumultuous relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas (John Fraser).

Peter Finch delivers a commendable portrayal of Oscar Wilde, capturing the playwright's wit and charm even if deviating from his physical likeness. His interactions with James Mason as barrister Sir Edward Carson are a highlight, displaying masterful courtroom exchanges within the expansive Technirama frame. John Fraser's nuanced depiction of the spoiled Bosie provides an impactful counterpoint, despite the character's loathsome traits. Lionel Jeffries creates a memorable villain in the figure of the belligerent Marquis of Queensberry, enhancing the film’s tension.

The narrative's strength lies in its first hour, establishing Wilde’s high-profile life and societal tensions in London, while the subsequent trials portray a brisk descent. Despite this hurried pace, Hughes succeeds in imparting dramatic heft, enriched by Wilde's celebrated epigrams. Supporting performances from Yvonne Mitchell as Constance Wilde and Emrys Jones as Robbie Ross contribute depth, though some roles lack full exploration. The film triumphs in illuminating the social and personal dynamics that catalyzed Wilde's catastrophic legal battles, albeit within the era's resistive cultural framework against explicit portrayals of homosexuality.

Ken Hughes’ "The Trials of Oscar Wilde" skillfully brings to life a key historical narrative, highlighting the unjust treatment of Oscar Wilde by Victorian society. This 1960 film boldly tackles societal issues with a flair that was ahead of its time, supported by Peter Finch's nuanced portrayal that eclipses Robert Morley's interpretation in capturing Wilde’s complexity. The Blu-ray release, though not fully restored to pristine clarity, presents the film with an acceptable level of visual quality that does not entirely overshadow its storytelling prowess. Notably, the current restoration efforts by Kino could have been superior, yet they allow audiences to relive an eloquent piece of cinema history.

While "The Trials of Oscar Wilde" remains instrumental in depicting Wilde's fall from grace, it maintains a professional distance from more explicit explorations of Wilde’s life, steering clear of the biological intricacies. For viewers interested in a deeper exploration of Wilde’s life and relationships, Brian Gilbert’s 1998 film "Wilde" may be more suitable. Nevertheless, this Blu-ray serves as a strong initiation into Ken Hughes’ body of work, noted for its narrative focus rather than sensational detail. Hughes himself considered this film a particular favorite among his directorial endeavors.

In conclusion, "The Trials of Oscar Wilde" earns a decisive recommendation due to its compelling narrative and notable performances. However, potential viewers should approach Kino’s Blu-ray edition with modest expectations concerning technical quality. Despite its imperfect restoration, the film's artistic merits ensure its place as an essential watch for enthusiasts of historical cinema, offering insight into both Oscar Wilde's story and the skillful direction of Ken Hughes. Those new to Hughes will find this film a solid entry point into understanding his cinematic contributions. Ultimately, while awaiting potential future releases with enhanced restorations, this Blu-ray suffices for engaging with Wilde’s profound legacy.