Anonymous Blu-ray Review

Sony’s high-definition presentation of "Anonymous" is exemplary, providing a crisply detailed and visually engaging experience. The 1080p transfer showcases director Anne Foerster's cinematography with its natural lighting emphasis, whether it’s the daylight aesthetics or the candle-lit ambiance. Fine details appear prominently, particularly evident in the textured rendering of period costumes and set pieces. Facial complexions are captured with lifelike accuracy, though occasionally stark in their portrayal of makeup effects. The opening New York City scene stands out for its outstanding clarity and depth, setting a high standard matched consistently throughout the film.

The film’s color palette leans towards the drab and muted, effectively contributing to the film's intended somber mood. Primaries, though used sparingly, inject subtle vibrancy into specific scenes, while secondary hues add warmth to conversational exchanges. Fleshtones appear natural yet on the paler side, complementary to the film’s overall aesthetic. However, black levels present minor inconsistencies—occasionally veering into gray territory that slightly detracts from otherwise deep shadows. Despite these minor issues, no digital anomalies or film grain are noticeable, underscoring a clean and polished visual presentation.

"Anonymous" benefits from a nearly flawless Blu-ray presentation; the image quality maintains a consistent standard of excellence with its sharp detail and defined textures. The film's transition from scenes of Elizabethan interiors to exterior shots is seamless, retaining clarity and richness throughout. The balance between contrast and brightness is well managed, though the emphasis on natural lighting does reduce vibrancy in darker scenes. Nonetheless, Sony’s commitment to preserving the film’s stylistic choices results in an overall spectacular high-definition experience.

The audio presentation of "Anonymous" on Blu-ray makes an impressive mark with its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, underscoring the film's period drama with an immersive and highly detailed sonic experience. Dialogue is consistently clear and precisely centered, enhancing the dramatic conversations that drive much of the narrative. The soundstage is exceptionally wide and dynamic, with fluid movements between channels and off-screen atmospherics that transport the listener right into the Elizabethan era. Highlights include the modern playhouse scene, where dialogue reverberates with uncanny precision, and the thrilling tennis match, where directional effects make brilliant use of the entire stage.

The soundtrack excels in balancing quiet, ambient soundscapes and the intense moments filled with gunshots and cannon blasts, delivered with authoritative precision and deep low-end impact. These elements are particularly notable in scenes depicting crowds at plays or cavernous rooms where echoes naturally occur. The musical score is well-integrated, with rich and accurate fidelity that fills the rear speakers, adding emotional depth to the film’s critical moments. While the low bass may not dominate, it remains robust and fitting for the material. The track’s overall clarity, seamless spatial distribution, and engaging dynamics create an enveloping auditory experience that complements the film's narrative effectively.

In conclusion, "Anonymous" features a top-tier DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack with impressive dynamic range and spatial accuracy. The mix’s pinpoint clarity in ambient sounds, coupled with its room-shaking LFE during action sequences, ensures an engaging and authentic listening experience. For a dialogue-heavy period drama, it succeeds remarkably in immersing the audience into its historically rich setting and complex storyline.

The Blu-ray extras for "Anonymous" offer a solid collection of features, enriching the viewing experience with insightful content. The audio commentary by Director Roland Emmerich and Writer John Orloff is particularly strong, providing a detailed discussion on both the creative and technical aspects of the film. They delve into dramatic licenses, digital photography, set design, and more, making it a valuable listen for fans. The disc also includes three engaging featurettes, deleted and extended scenes, and theatrical trailers. While some content overlaps with the DVD release, the overall collection is substantial and informative. BD-Live functionality is an additional bonus.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Roland Emmerich and Writer John Orloff: Detailed discussion on various aspects of the film.
• Deleted Scenes: Three scenes worth watching.
• Extended Scenes: Additional footage from key sequences.
• Who Is The Real William Shakespeare?: Cast and crew discuss the film's central debate.
• Speak The Speech...: Insight into the casting process.
• Anonymous PS3 Wallpaper/Theme: Digital extras for PlayStation 3 users.
• Theatrical trailer: Original movie trailer.
• Trailers: Previews for other Sony titles.
• BD-Live enabled: Access to additional online content.

"Anonymous" presents a dual narrative set in Elizabethan England, centered on the contentious debate over the true authorship of Shakespeare's illustrious works and the political intrigue surrounding Queen Elizabeth I's succession. At the heart of the film is the theory that Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, penned Shakespeare's plays, laying the groundwork for a thrilling 'what-if' scenario. This hypothesis is viscerally played out as de Vere (Rhys Ifans) works through playwright Benjamin Johnson (Sebastian Armesto), but ultimately sees his work claimed by the ambitious actor William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall). The overlaying political machinations, including de Vere's and Henry Wriothesley's struggle for influence, juxtapose richly with the cultural renaissance of the Globe Theatre.

Director Roland Emmerich's departure from his traditional grandiose, action-packed oeuvre into the realm of historical drama is both ambitious and stylistically significant. The story weaves through time, revealing layers of betrayal, power struggles, and artistic legacy. Despite historical inaccuracies and its speculative core, "Anonymous" thrives on its dramatic storytelling and expert craftsmanship. The film captures Elizabethan England with magnificent digital effects seamlessly blended into practical shots, enhancing its authenticity. Rhys Ifans delivers a compelling performance as de Vere, while Vanessa Redgrave embodies Queen Elizabeth I with palpable depth and complexity.

The production values are exceptional, with meticulously detailed period sets and costumes. The subdued lighting accentuates the film's atmospheric tension, while the 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix immerses viewers in the period's auditory landscape. Although "Anonymous" may perplex those less familiar with Elizabethan history, it offers an engaging narrative for audiences willing to explore its intricate plotlines multiple times. It treads a fine line between fiction and historical hypothesis, providing an exhilarating, albeit somewhat convoluted, journey through one of history's most intriguing periods.

"Anonymous," directed by Roland Emmerich, ventures into the speculative territory of the Oxfordian theory, questioning whether Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, may have authored Shakespeare's plays. While the narrative is complex and tangled, it boasts strong performances from a cast including Rhys Ifans, David Thewlis, Vanessa Redgrave, and Derek Jacobi. The film attempts to weave a tale of historical intrigue within the Elizabethan court, delivering a blend of political thriller and conspiracy theory. Despite its ambitious storytelling, the film might leave audiences puzzled on initial viewing due to its dense and somewhat convoluted plot.

The Blu-ray release by Sony Pictures is technically impeccable. The 2.35:1 encode delivers a visually striking experience, capturing the exquisite period costuming and sets with incredible detail and texture. Some subdued lighting sequences are deftly handled, maintaining a realistic vibrancy appropriate to the film’s tone. The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix effectively envelops the viewer in an atmospheric soundscape, with crystal-clear dialogue centrally positioned. Additional audio options include a French 5.1 DTS-HD track and a Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital track, alongside English, French, and Spanish subtitles.

Supplementary content on the Blu-ray disc includes an engaging audio commentary from director Roland Emmerich and writer John Orloff, providing valuable context to the film’s creation and thematic explorations. Deleted and extended scenes offer further insights into the intricate plot, while three featurettes dive into casting choices, period recreation, and the nuances of the Oxfordian theory.

In conclusion, "Anonymous" offers a visually stunning and intriguing reinterpretation of historical and literary speculation. While its complex narrative structure may require additional contemplation, the film serves as an interesting starting point for deeper exploration into Shakespearean authorship debates. Sony's high-quality Blu-ray presentation makes it a recommended addition for enthusiasts of Elizabethan history and well-crafted period dramas.