The Princess Bride Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Princess Bride" provides a notable enhancement over previous standard definition editions, delivering a visually pleasing experience through its 1080p AVC/Mpeg-4 transfer in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The transfer is commendably clean, free from dust, dirt, and print damage, all while maintaining a natural veil of grain that enhances the cinematic feel. Colors are vibrant and lifelike, with skin tones appearing natural and true to life. Notably, the blacks in the night scenes, such as those in the 'Sea of Despair,' are deep and rich, offering good shadow detail despite some occasional flatness. The fine textures and details in costumes and landscapes are well-defined, highlighting the lush green terrains and richly adorned fabrics with excellent clarity.

While the transfer is not the most visually striking in terms of razor-sharp definition and eye-popping colors, it effectively captures the film's unique aesthetic. Video fidelity is generally strong, with appreciable image detail in close-ups and a consistent sharpness throughout. However, some long-range and mid-level shots are less impressive, displaying varying levels of depth and dimension. Occasionally, minor instances of smearing suggest minimal use of DNR (Digital Noise Reduction), but this does not detract significantly from the overall viewing experience. The transfer’s strong contrast and vibrant colors breathe life into the film’s period costumes and lush landscapes.

Overall, this Blu-ray presentation offers a substantial improvement over past editions, ensuring that fans of "The Princess Bride" experience the movie at its best. The film-like quality, coupled with the meticulous care taken in this transfer, makes this release a fine example of how to treat a classic catalogue title with respect and attention to detail.

The Blu-ray release of "The Princess Bride" features a meticulously crafted English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track that significantly enhances the audio experience. Dialogue is consistently crisp and clear, expertly delivered through the center channel, although some may find Andre the Giant’s lines occasionally hard to decipher due to his unique pronunciation. The main stereo pair adeptly emphasizes Mark Knopfler's gentle guitar score, adding a melodious layer to the proceedings. Surround speakers are employed to fine effect in key sequences such as the Fire Swamp and the eel encounter in Chapter Five, creating an immersive soundstage with ambient effects like blowing wind and creaking wood enhancing the overall atmosphere. The clash of steel during the sword fights is highly convincing, lending authenticity to the intense moments.

The mix is well-balanced, with a robust yet subtle bass response that underscores critical scenes without shaking the room. The Fire Swamp sequence, in particular, utilizes the entire system effectively, providing a dynamic and enveloping auditory experience. Despite minimal discrete rear channel activity, ambient music and exterior sounds occasionally broaden the sound field. While the rear channels might be slightly subdued compared to contemporary surround tracks, they contribute essential ambient music extensions and echo effects. The dynamic range and tonal accuracy are commendable even if not overly expansive, ensuring that nothing gets lost in the aural shuffle.

Overall, this DTS-HD MA 5.1 track is a marked improvement over previous DVD releases, delivering well-articulated dialogue and a solid surround performance that respects and enhances the source material. It may not match the complexity of modern audio tracks but provides a refined listening experience that keeps "The Princess Bride" sounding better than ever at home.

"The Princess Bride" Blu-ray extras are a comprehensive and delightful collection, perfect for any fan of this classic film. The set includes two engaging commentaries: one by Director Rob Reiner, filled with production insights, and another by Screenwriter William Goldman, rich with the film's developmental history. Several featurettes delve deeper into the movie's magic, from Queen Mother's touching reflections on Andre the Giant to an exhaustive making-of docuseries. Despite some overly academic pieces that might feel dry, the overall package is a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes secrets and loving memories from the cast. The Blu-ray also includes a historical perspective on fairy tales and a closer look at the meticulous artistry behind a character's makeup transformation. Rounded off by a glimpse into Cary Elwes's personal footage, it’s a must-have for aficionados of "The Princess Bride."

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Director Rob Reiner: Insightful commentary focusing on production details and trivia.
• Audio Commentary by Screenwriter William Goldman: Detailed recounting of the film's adaptation journey with notable anecdotes.
• As You Wish: The Story of The Princess Bride: Comprehensive making-of featurette with cast and crew interviews.
• Cary Elwes Video Diary: Behind-the-scenes footage narrated by Cary Elwes and Robin Wright.
• Miraculous Make-up: Featurette on the prosthetic work transforming Billy Crystal into Miracle Max.
• The Dread Pirate Roberts: Greatest Pirate of the Seven Seas: Humorous pseudo-documentary on real-life pirate inspirations.
• Love is Like a Storybook: Analysis of fairy tale motifs in the film.
• The Princess Bride: The Untold Tales: Reflections from the cast on the film’s legacy and production memories.
• The Art of Fencing: Examination of sword fighting techniques and training in the movie.
• Fairytales and Folklore: Exploration of classic fairy tale elements in "The Princess Bride".
• Original Theatrical Trailer: High-definition presentation of the original trailer.

The Princess Bride’s Blu-ray debut, presented in a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 transfer, does full justice to this beloved film. The picture quality is commendable with vibrant greens, deep blacks, and accurately rendered skin tones. The audio is provided in an English DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix, which ensures clean dialogue delivery, enhances Mark Knopfler's score, and immerses the audience through the use of surround sound. This high-quality transfer allows viewers to experience the film's enchanting visuals and noteworthy audio in a significantly improved form.

Rob Reiner’s direction brings William Goldman’s brilliant script to life, blending adventure, romance, and comedy into a cohesive and captivating narrative. The story unfolds within a framing device where a grandfather (Peter Falk) reads a story to his sick grandson (Fred Savage). The tale features the beautiful princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) and her brave rescuer Westley (Cary Elwes), supported by memorable characters like the revenge-driven Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin) and the gentle giant Fezzik (Andre the Giant). Their performances imbue the film with an air of charm and dynamism that remains timeless.

The Blu-ray’s supplementary content enriches the viewing experience, providing fans insight into both behind-the-scenes details and historical aspects of production. Director Rob Reiner's use of picturesque English locations, alongside memorable set pieces like castles, ships, and swamps, establishes an enchanting storybook realm. With its artful blend of satire and sincere homage to classic fairy tale conventions, The Princess Bride’s Blu-ray release ensures that the film’s magic will continue to captivate audiences for generations.

"The Princess Bride" is a timeless cinematic masterpiece that amalgamates romance, adventure, heroism, and comedy into a captivating narrative. The Blu-ray release by MGM showcases this beloved film with exceptional results, offering a significant upgrade from previous DVD editions. Highlights include perfectly executed performances, a sharp and quotable script, superb direction, and a memorable score. This definitive edition not only boasts a remarkable video transfer but also includes an impressive lossless soundtrack and a wealth of additional materials.

The Blu-ray presentation features impeccable video quality and robust audio, enhancing the film's vibrant and magical aura. Fans will appreciate the inclusion of a standard definition DVD for versatility in viewing on non-Blu-ray devices. The selection of supplements enriches the experience further, providing additional context and deepening the appreciation for this classic. The package effectively captures the film's timeless appeal, ensuring that both longstanding fans and newcomers alike will treasure this edition.

In conclusion, "The Princess Bride" Blu-ray release is exceptionally well-crafted, providing the definitive version of a film that continues to enchant audiences across generations. Whether you are a veteran fan or a first-time viewer, this edition is a must-have. With its excellent technical presentation and substantial bonus content, this Blu-ray comes highly recommended — as you wish!