The Tin Drum Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Blu-ray presentation of Volker Schlöndorff's "The Tin Drum" is a meticulously crafted showcase, featuring a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded transfer at its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1. This high-definition digital transfer, created on a Spirit Datacine from a 35mm interpositive struck from the original camera negative, undergoes color grading on a Specter system. The restoration process, led by Natacha Louis of Scanlab in France, ensures a pristine image by manually removing thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps. The final Blu-ray mastering was executed by Radius60 in Los Angeles, ensuring the film’s visual quality meets contemporary standards.

The transfer approved by director Volker Schlöndorff features exceptional detail and image depth, with stability in contrast across the board. Notably, Criterion’s transfer offers marginally better brightness levels compared to Arrow Video’s UK release, particularly evident in selective scenes like those identified in specific screencaptures. Despite the occasional presence of light noise due to slightly elevated brightness, no excessive sharpening or degraning artifacts were observed. The earthy tones provide rich hues, particularly visible in environmental details such as green grass and brown dirt. Motion judder and intermittent light flicker do appear during sequences featuring rapid motion or complex lighting conditions, notably during Agnes’s introduction and Oskar’s horse ride post-funeral. Additionally, the reds present in Nazi flags during Hitler's rally are bright and vibrant.

Overall, this Blu-ray release captures the essence of "The Tin Drum" with a clean image free of major digital artifacts. Although moments of softness during camera movement are noted, the Criterion release embodies a definitive transfer that adeptly preserves the film's artistic integrity while enhancing the viewing experience for modern audiences.

The audio presentation of "The Tin Drum" on Blu-ray features a singular German DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, with optional English subtitles. According to the comprehensive liner notes included with the disc, the film initially came with a monaural soundtrack, which was later enhanced to a 5.1 surround configuration. This improvement was achieved using a six-track magnetic element at Studio Boulogne for the 1979 70mm blowup screenings. For the complete version, additional audio material was derived from a mix of original music and effects tracks, along with a stereo music mix from 1979 and new ADR sessions at Studio Babelsberg under the supervision of director Volker Schlondorff.

Critically analyzing the remastered and director-approved lossless surround track, it opens up the film's sound environment as effectively as possible given the original material constraints. The dialog remains crisp, clean, and stable with no distortions or audio dropouts, ensuring clarity and ease of follow-through for viewers. The overall fidelity and depth are commendable, though the nuanced dynamics are somewhat limited by the inherent modesty of the film’s original sound design. Noteworthy elements include ambient effects and Maurice Jarre's evocative score, which subtly permeates through the system. Additionally, war sequences, such as the German attack on the Polish post office, leverage the LFE channel to deliver impactful low-frequency events, markedly enhancing the dynamic range.

The soundscape, free from age-related wear, skillfully integrates diverse elements like passing cars, bicycles, and horses to create a believable auditory environment. However, it is essential to note that some dubbed dialogues may occasionally sound flat. Despite these minor critiques, the 5.1 surround track significantly enriches "The Tin Drum," showcasing its historical and dramatic dimensions with authenticity and immersive quality.

The Blu-ray release of "The Tin Drum" offers an enriching assortment of extras that provide a multifaceted exploration of the film's production, historical context, and cultural impact. The compilation includes an in-depth interview with director Volker Schlöndorff, providing insights into the challenges of making the film and the influences that shaped it. Film scholar Timothy Corrigan's discourse on New German Cinema elucidates the film's significance in post-WW2 German cinema. Archival interviews with cast and crew on various French television programs offer valuable perspectives on their collaboration and the film's reception. Additionally, there is archival footage of Schlöndorff post-Palme d'Or win and an exceptional scene featuring Gunter Grass's literary reading. Supplementary to these materials, the original trailer and an illustrated booklet offer further context to this cinematic masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Volker Schlöndorff: Long interview discussing production history and influences.
• On The Tin Drum: Timothy Corrigan discussing the evolution of German Cinema.
• The Platform: Scene with Gunter Grass's reading in German.
• Adorf and Carriere: Interview on collaboration with Schlöndorff.
• Bennent and Schlöndorff: Cannes interview before Palme d'Or award.
• On Location: Archival interview during film shooting.
• Post-Palme: Comments by Schlöndorff post-Palme win.
• Trailer: Original film trailer.

Volker Schlöndorff's award-winning "The Tin Drum," based on Gunter Grass's renowned 1959 novel, remains a provocative and complex portrayal of life in early 20th-century Poland. The film intricately narrates the life of Oskar Matzerath, played by David Bennent, who makes a pivotal decision on his third birthday to stop growing as an act of defiance against the absurdities and hypocrisies of the adult world. His journey is both symbolic and literal, exploring deep themes of nationalism, identity, and the societal descent into chaos during wartime. Especially striking are the sequences showcasing Oskar's glass-shattering scream, which serves as a metaphor for resistance and disruption.

The film opens in 1899 with the meeting of Oskar's grandparents, shot in a style reminiscent of silent films with its slightly under-cranked frame rate to evoke a jerky motion effect. This clever cinematic technique sets the tone for the fantastical and surreal elements that follow. The character of Oskar is presented not just as a bystander to history but as an active participant whose actions, though sometimes incredulous, symbolize profound emotional and existential crises. His interactions with the dwarf Bebra and the exploration of his sexuality as he ages add layers of complexity to his character, weaving together the absurdity with the grim realities of the time.

Schlöndorff masterfully balances grotesque humor with poignant moments, capturing a brutal yet absurd depiction of pre- and post-World War II Europe. The narrative's fragmented nature, combined with symbolic imagery and an almost Fellini-esque approach to absurdity, makes "The Tin Drum" a memorable film that lingers in the viewer's mind long after. Despite mixed receptions at its time of release in America, the film's nuanced critique of societal transformation and individual resistance stands resilient. Criterion's Blu-ray release enriches this experience with insightful features, shedding light on its historical context and artistic conception, making it essential viewing for cinephiles and scholars alike.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Tin Drum" offers an indispensable viewing experience for both first-time viewers and long-time fans of this seminal work by Volker Schlöndorff. The transfer has been handled with care, capturing the film's distinctive visual and thematic intensity. While some minor video issues are present, they do little to detract from the overall impact. The unique storytelling, inventive direction, and powerful performance from David Bennent solidify its place in the annals of German Cinema.

Supplemental features play a crucial role in this release. Criterion includes an excellent new video interview with Volker Schlöndorff, shedding valuable light on the film's production process and artistic vision. However, it's worth noting that Arrow Video's release also provides invaluable content, such as a compelling audio commentary by Schlöndorff for the theatrical version. For serious enthusiasts, owning both editions would be a wise investment to fully appreciate the breadth of insights available.

In conclusion, anyone interested in Volker Schlöndorff's "The Tin Drum" should consider owning this new Blu-ray release from Criterion, as well as Arrow Video's release. There are minor discrepancies in the technical presentations, but crucial supplemental features on both releases create an ultimate edition of this acclaimed film. The Criterion's new interview and Arrow's audio commentary enrich the viewer’s understanding and appreciation. Highly recommended without reservation.