Macbeth Blu-ray Review
Special Edition
Score: 83
from 2 reviewers
Review Date:
Kino Lorber's two-disc 4K remaster of Macbeth, featuring overture and exit music, offers the most attractive organic appearance yet—highly recommended, especially for purists.
Disc Release Date
DTS-HD MA
Video: 76
This Blu-ray release of 'Macbeth' by Kino Lorber, featuring 4K remasters from 2022 in a 1.37:1 aspect ratio with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC transfer, delivers the finest presentation to date of both the original 1948 and 1950 re-release versions, despite minor source-inherited imperfections and varying visual fidelity.
Audio: 91
The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks deliver faithful dialogue and Jacques Ibert’s score with minimal distortion, but dynamic contrasts remain unimpressive due to source limitations. The inclusion of overture/exit music and optional English SDH subtitles enhance the viewing experience.
Extra: 81
The Blu-ray extras offer comprehensive insights into 'Macbeth's' production and restoration history, with detailed commentaries by Tim Lucas and Joseph McBride, and engaging archival programs featuring industry experts discussing Orson Welles' connection to Shakespeare, his directorial style, and the challenges faced during the film's preservation.
Movie: 81
Orson Welles' 'Macbeth' (1948) impresses with its atmospheric German Expressionistic art direction, moody cinematography by John L. Russell, and compelling performances, particularly by Welles himself and Jeanette Nolan as Lady Macbeth. This Blu-ray release includes both the remastered 1948 and 1950 versions, with extensive supplemental features.
Video: 76
Presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and engineered with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encode, the Blu-ray release of "Macbeth" by Kino Lorber offers two distinct versions: the original 1948 version and the 1950 re-release. Both versions benefit from recent 4K remasters conducted by Paramount Pictures in 2022. The transfers showcase a high level of film grain and grayscale fidelity, although they are plagued by minor source-related imperfections that include scratches and occasional tears. Despite certain fluctuations in delineation, clarity, and depth, particularly in the darker scenes of the original version, the overall visual presentation retains a fine organic quality.
A comparative analysis of this Blu-ray release against previous editions, such as those by Carlotta Films and Olive Films, underscores some improvements and limitations. The Kino Lorber release displays softer visuals but manages to sustain an attractive organic appearance. While the French release from Carlotta Films exhibits sharper and somewhat brighter visuals, it doesn’t substantially enhance delineation or clarity. Both versions on the Kino Lorber Blu-ray provide an engaging viewing experience that remains true to the inherent qualities of the original film elements, despite visible surface imperfections.
In summary, while no single edition emerges as the definitive champion due to underlying source limitations and stylistic choices, this Blu-ray release offers a robust and faithful representation of "Macbeth". It arguably surpasses previous home video iterations, making it a valuable addition for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Note that this release is Region-A locked, necessitating a compatible player to access its content.
Audio: 91
The Blu Ray presentation of "Macbeth" boasts two DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 tracks, providing an authentic auditory experience for both the original and shorter re-release versions of the film. An optional English SDH subtitle track enhances accessibility for viewers, particularly given the actors' heavy accents which might necessitate supplementary support. While the inclusion of overture/exit music from the longer version adds depth, dynamic contrasts fall short, a limitation rooted in the source material itself.
The faithful reproduction of the original mono soundtrack ensures that dialogue, sound effects, and Jacques Ibert’s poignant score are delivered with remarkable clarity. The audio quality is commendably free of distortion issues like crackling, popping, clicking, and hissing, which were prominent in earlier releases. Overall, this audio presentation is a significant improvement over previous editions, notably surpassing the Olive Signature Blu-ray release in providing an immersive and authentic auditory experience for "Macbeth" enthusiasts.
Extra: 81
The extras on the Blu-Ray of "Macbeth" deliver a comprehensive and enlightening exploration of Orson Welles' 1948 cinematic adaptation. Notably, two exceptional audio commentaries by Tim Lucas and Joseph McBride enrich the viewing experience with intricate details on production history, visual style, and narrative nuances of both releases. Additional archival programs provide profound insights into Welles' relationship with Shakespeare, his collaborations, and the restoration challenges. Contributions from experts like Michael Anderegg, Peter Bogdanovich, and archivist Marc Wanamaker further elevate the supplement's scholarly value. The reversible cover rounds out this meticulously curated package.
Extras included in this disc:
- Commentary One: Archival commentary by Joseph McBride detailing production history.
- Commentary Two: Exclusive new commentary by Tim Lucas.
- Welles and Shakespeare: Professor Michael Anderegg on Welles’ relationship with Shakespeare.
- That Was Orson Welles: Peter Bogdanovich recalls his encounters with Welles.
- Restoring Macbeth: Robert Gitt’s discussion on the film’s restoration.
- Free Republic: Herbert J. Yates and the Story of Republic Pictures: Marc Wanamaker on the history of Republic Pictures.
Movie: 81
Orson Welles' 1948 adaptation of Macbeth stands out as a minimalist, borderline surrealistic take on Shakespeare's iconic tragedy. While it deviates in some aspects from the original text, including the addition of fictional characters and an emphasis on Macbeth's psychological struggle, the film importantly retains the core narrative. The decision to present soliloquies as internal narration, combined with dialogue delivered in authentic Scottish burrs, adds a unique texture and flavor to the film. Crucially, the stylistic nods to German Expressionism and Film Noir are evident in Fred Ritter’s striking art direction and John L. Russell's shadowy cinematography, creating a dark, fog-enshrouded world that magnifies the story’s inherent bleakness.
Welles is undeniably the centerpiece of this adaptation, embodying Macbeth with intense introspection. However, the camera’s excessive focus on him occasionally detracts from the broader narrative, extending close-ups unnecessarily. The supporting cast is also noteworthy, with Jeanette Nolan offering a powerful debut as the fiercely ambitious Lady Macbeth and Dan O'Herlihy leaving an impressive mark as Macduff. The inclusion of a Holy Father character, played by Alan Napier, adds to the film's divergence from traditional adaptations, enriching its thematic depth.
The new two-disc Blu-ray set released by Kino Lorber offers two versions of Macbeth: the original 1948 cut (107 minutes) and the 1950 re-release version (85 minutes). This restoration effort brings forth the original visual and auditory elements, including overture and exit music, remastered in 4K by Paramount Pictures in 2022. Such technical advancements enhance the viewing experience, allowing audiences to appreciate Welles' grim and visually remarkable interpretation of Shakespeare’s work.
Total: 83
Kino Lorber's two-disc set of "Macbeth" delivers an admirably comprehensive edition that will appeal to both new viewers and longtime aficionados. This set presents both versions of Orson Welles' critically misunderstood film, each remastered in 4K at Paramount Pictures. While source limitations still persist, the improvements in this release are notable. The visual quality boasts an impressively organic appearance, which should satisfy purists who appreciate such enhancements.
In addition to the upgraded visuals, Kino Lorber incorporates legacy special features from Olive Films' previous edition, while adding a new commentary track that offers fresh insights into Welles’ directorial choices. The two-disc format ensures a thorough narrative experience by including both versions, complete with overture and exit music, enriching the film’s historical and artistic context. This set’s additions amplify its value as a collector’s item and elevate it above prior home video editions.
Do you need Kino Lorber's two-disc set if you already have the Olive Films' 2016 edition? Kino Lorber's release offers newly remastered versions with a slight, but appreciable, improvement in image quality that film purists will find compelling. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Blu-ray.com review by Dr. Svet AtanasovRead review here
Video: 80
On this release, a lot of visuals reveal more pronounced surface imperfections, but there are plenty on the other two releases as well....
Audio: 90
Dynamic contrasts are unimpressive, but this is one of the most obvious source limitation on all presentations of Macbeth, including on the shorter, re-release version....
Extras: 80
BLU-RAY DISC TWO - RE-RELEASE 1950 VERSION Welles and Shakespeare - in this archival program, Professor Michael Anderegg, author of Orson Welles, Shakespeare and Popular Culture, discusses Orson Welles'...
Movie: 80
Its bleakness overwhelms the story and gives it an entirely new identity -- one half of it possibly inspired by the work of the German expressionists, the other favoring the stylistic characteristics associated...
Total: 80
While there are still plenty of source limitations on both versions of the film, I think that on this release they have the most attractive organic appearance....
Home Theater Forum review by t1g3r5fanRead review here
Video: 80
Both versions exhibit a faithful presentation of film grain, gray scale and fine details with minor cases of scratches, tears and dirt present; there are some cases of damage in a few scenes, particularly...
Audio: 100
Dialogue, sound mix and Jacques Ibert’s music score are presented faithfully with minimal cases of distortion like crackling, popping, clicking and hissing on both tracks for both versions of the film....
Extras: 90
Film historian Michael Anderegg talks about the interconnections between Welles and his adaptations of Shakespeare’s works – including this film – in this archival interview carried over from the Olive...
Movie: 90
In one of his first adult roles, former child actor Roddy McDowall has one of his best roles here as Malcolm, the son of the rightful king Malcolm; later, McDowall narrowly missed getting his only Oscar...
Total: 80
Kino has done a great job of bringing the movie back into print, with decent HD transfers of both versions of the movie as well as carrying over the legacy special features from the Olive Signature Blu-ray...
Director: Orson Welles
Actors: Orson Welles, Jeanette Nolan, Dan O'Herlihy
PlotIn medieval Scotland, a general encounters three witches on a desolate heath while returning from a victorious battle. The witches prophesy that he will become the king of Scotland, igniting his latent ambition. With the prophecy in mind, he writes to his wife, who becomes even more determined than he is to see it fulfilled. His wife persuades him to assassinate the current king during a visit to their castle. Overcome by ambition and spurred by his wife’s fierce resolve, he reluctantly agrees to the grim task.
As the deed is done, the general ascends the throne but quickly descends into paranoia and tyranny. Haunted by guilt and suspicion, he orders the deaths of those he perceives as threats. His wife's own conscience begins to unravel under the weight of their crimes, leading her down a path of madness. The kingdom plunges into chaos as factions rise against the oppressive ruler, setting the stage for inevitable conflict and retribution.
Writers: William Shakespeare, Orson Welles
Release Date: 10 May 1949
Runtime: 107 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English, Latin