Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead Blu-ray Review

RLJ/Image Entertainment's Blu-ray release of "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead" presents a pleasing 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer that captures the film’s lush yet austere visuals. The transfer retains the filmic quality of the original 35mm print, highlighting the detailed rock formations and woodlands, as well as the ornate decor of the royal court. The film’s grain is pronounced, especially in low-light scenes or shots that may have been blown up in post-production, which some viewers might find objectionably heavy. Early outdoor and night scenes show notable variations in grain structure and minor haloing around characters, but these inconsistencies are less pronounced in the indoor castle shots, where the detail remains fairly soft but acceptable. The color palette is muted and drab with earthy tones of grays, browns, and greens, enhancing the period piece aesthetic.

Technically, the Blu-ray is mastered with an average bitrate of 24.89 Mbps, and is framed in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Although there are signs of the film’s age such as faint scratches, lines, and dirt, these do not overly detract from the viewing experience. Contrast and sharpness are natural; there's some edge enhancement and occasional video noise, but these anomalies are minor. Black levels crush slightly, particularly towards the edges of the frame where they skew towards a noisy blue, but overall consistency improves in brightly lit scenes. Color reproduction is intentionally subdued to suit the narrative’s tone, with a nearly sepia-like quality that fits well with Peter Biziou’s Oscar-winning cinematography. Despite minor artifacts and inconsistencies stemming from either source material conditions or budgetary constraints during production, the Blu-ray delivers a faithful representation of this classic film.

The audio presentation of "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead" on Blu-ray is encoded in lossless DTS-HD MA 2.0, making it a respectable showcase for the film's original stereo soundtrack. The dialogue is crisply recorded, offering exceptional clarity and ensuring that Tom Stoppard's witty and insightful lines are delivered with precision. The mix subtly enhances the atmosphere, and though the sound effects are sparse, they are effectively employed to create a natural soundscape. For instance, nature ambiance—including the distant cry of a wild animal—adds to the immersive experience.

Complemented with an English DTS-HD MA 2.0 Surround track, the audio mix excels in utilizing stereo separation to enhance various environmental sounds, especially during the scenes within the castle where background noises like crackling fire become evident. The modest use of low-frequency effects is noticeable during specific instances such as galloping horses and canon fire in the climax, though LFE activity remains restrained compared to full surround sound action mixes. Despite this, voices and directional effects pan smoothly between speakers with natural imaging, maintaining a balanced sound field throughout.

Overall, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 mix delivers dynamics that are both subtle and impressive for a dialogue-driven film like "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead." The modest yet effective sound design ensures that no element feels missing or cluttered despite the limited sound field. This makes for a compelling audio experience that does justice to the film's articulation and ambient details.

The Blu-ray extras for "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead" are a collection of insightful and thoroughly engaging interviews with the cast and director, guaranteed to delight fans and scholars alike. The 25th Anniversary Interview with Tom Stoppard is the standout, presenting an in-depth 55-minute conversation in 1080p HD where Stoppard discusses the origins of the play, its transition to film, and his broader work in cinema and theatre. Additional interviews preserved in SD from the 2005 DVD edition feature candid discussions with Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, and Richard Dreyfuss, ranging from their experiences on this film to broader reflections on their careers. These extras offer substantial value, even for those unfamiliar with the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• 25th Anniversary Interview with Tom Stoppard: Recent retrospective interview highlighting the play's origins and its movie adaptation.
• Tom Stoppard: Archive interview detailing casting and interpretation nuances.
• Gary Oldman: Archive interview discussing his role and career insights.
• Tim Roth: Archive interview on character involvement and directorial collaboration.
• Richard Dreyfuss: Archive interview exploring character perspective and career reflections.

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, based on Tom Stoppard's acclaimed play, masterfully reinvents Shakespeare's Hamlet from the perspective of two minor characters. Starring Gary Oldman as Rosencrantz and Tim Roth as Guildenstern, this film navigates their journey to Elsinore where the duo, charged by King Claudius to uncover the reason for Hamlet's erratic behavior, face a series of comic, philosophical, and predestined misadventures. The film juxtaposes the core plot of Hamlet playing out in the background with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern's musings on existence and death. A recurring motif of a coin perpetually landing on heads expertly sets the tone, hinting at a universe devoid of free will — foreshadowing the characters' tragic demise.

Stoppard ingeniously uses dialogues and physical comedy to blend the existential pondering with playful absurdity. Rosencrantz, portrayed as an innocent and often silly inventor, contrasts sharply with Guildenstern's logical and articulate demeanor. Their identities frequently blur, reflecting the play's theme of bewildered confusion. The integration of Richard Dreyfuss as the enigmatic Player King provides additional layers of metatheatrical insight, questioning art versus reality and interpreting fate versus choice.

While Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead excels in its wit and clever visual humor, it suffers occasionally from a meandering pace, especially as scenes drag on beyond necessary engagement. Still, the film’s balance of slapstick comedy, reflective dialogue, and deadly irony makes it a compelling watch. Complemented by seamless transitions between Shakespearean text and Stoppard’s original content, the film invites viewers into a secondary layer of Hamlet’s world — highlighting their struggle to find purpose within assigned roles and their ultimate demise's inevitability with a blend of lightness and thought-provoking intensity.

The Blu-ray release of Tom Stoppard's "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead" is a compelling addition to any film enthusiast's collection. The film, an inventive tragicomedy inspired by Shakespeare's "Hamlet," delves into themes of free will, existential absurdity, and the interplay between art and reality. Featuring sharp wordplay and profound philosophical insights, Stoppard brings his unique vision to the screen with a deft touch. The performances of the two leads are captivating, rendering the film engaging and entertaining.

On the technical side, the video transfer presents some inconsistencies in quality, but overall is a respectable presentation that serves the film well. The audio mix is robust, ensuring dialogue and soundscapes are clear and immersive. Notably, the Blu-ray includes an array of valuable extras, highlighted by a new interview with Stoppard himself, which adds rich context to the viewing experience.

Stoppard's plays have evolved over his career, becoming more grounded and insightful, yet this film remains a standout for its accessibility beyond theatre circles. As the only widely available feature from his oeuvre, "Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead" holds a unique position. Although Image/RLJ's presentation is reliable and the added supplements are commendable, potential buyers should note that Stoppard's distinct narrative style may not appeal to everyone. Nonetheless, this release is a noteworthy celebration of a pivotal work in modern cinema and literature. Highly recommended for those who appreciate intelligent, thought-provoking cinema.