Titus Blu-ray Review

"Titus" is presented on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in 2.31:1, and the resulting image shows evidence of an older master. Though the film itself holds a certain visual allure, this transfer unfortunately doesn't do it justice. Taymor's intentional desaturation of the film to give it a pallid, subdued look is evident, which might explain some perceived lack of color. However, a far more glaring issue is the overall softness of the image. The transfer's contrast is underwhelming, with many darker scenes appearing murky. Despite some instances of digital sharpening that introduce noticeable ringing, the fine details, particularly in close-ups, reach only acceptable levels, falling short of defining the film’s unique visual style.

Persistent grain throughout the presentation exacerbates this soft visual texture. The darker scenes suffer most, where diminished fine detail results in muddy visuals, causing facial features and background textures to blur significantly as they move away from the lens. While there is some slight improvement over previous DVD releases—especially in close-ups involving actors like Hopkins or Lange—the enhancements are nominal. The Fox logo at the start, marred with scratches and dust, sets low expectations that unfortunately carry through most of the film. Considering the innovative and stylistic nature of "Titus," this transfer's inability to properly showcase its visual intricacies is disappointing and fails to elevate it into the realm of true high-definition video quality .

The Blu-ray of "Titus" offers impressive DTS-HD Master Audio mixes in both 5.1 and 2.0 formats, showcasing a significant upgrade from previous releases. The 5.1 track strategically utilizes Elliot Goldenthal's captivating score, integrating ambient environmental noises throughout the surround channels. However, a recurring issue is that dialogue sometimes feels too subdued, submerged under the rich audio landscape. The 2.0 mix, while lacking the expansive sweep of the 5.1 track, provides slightly better dialogue prioritization. Despite these minor drawbacks, both options boast excellent fidelity and a surprisingly wide dynamic range.

The 5.1 mix particularly enhances the cinematic elements, with Goldenthal's score delivered through the front channels with impressive vigor and atmospheric tones emanating primarily from the rear speakers. This design creates an immersive auditory experience that significantly enhances the overall viewing pleasure. While the occasional imbalance might cause the effects and score to overshadow dialogue briefly, these instances are infrequent and not overly distracting. The audio components other than dialogue are delivered with commendable quality, lending to a rich and engaging auditory environment throughout the film.

In summary, despite minor balancing issues with the dialogue, both the 5.1 and 2.0 tracks on "Titus" offer a robust and dynamic audio experience. The technical prowess in delivering Goldenthal's score and the environmental sound effects contribute to an immersive experience that would please most audiophiles.

The extras on the Blu Ray edition of "Titus" provide an insightful and thorough exploration into the making of the film, featuring multiple commentaries and behind-the-scenes content. Director Julie Taymor offers an exhaustive commentary that delves into her creative decisions and shooting conditions, while Composer Elliot Goldenthal's track provides detailed insights into his scoring process. Actors Anthony Hopkins and Harry Lennix contribute an anecdotal commentary, although separately recorded. Supplementary content includes specific sequences breakdowns, a comprehensive making-of documentary, and engaging Q&As with Taymor. This collection is meticulously curated for those passionate about film direction, scoring, and production nuances.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary with Director Julie Taymor: Comprehensive, nearly nonstop commentary detailing creative choices and film aesthetics.
• Audio Commentary with Composer Elliot Goldenthal: In-depth look at the orchestration and scoring of the film.
• Audio Commentary with Actors Anthony Hopkins and Harry Lennix: Separate, anecdotal commentaries on the film and other actors.
• Penny Arcade Nightmares: SFX commentary by Kyle Cooper.
• The Making of Titus: Extensive documentary with cast interviews and production footage.
• Q&A: Columbia Focus Group: Julie Taymor Q&A session post-screening.
• Trailer #1: Promotional material.
• Trailer #2: Another promotional piece.
• TV Spots: Compilation of TV advertisements.
• Isolated Score Track: Presented via DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.

Julie Taymor's 1999 film adaptation of Shakespeare's "Titus Andronicus" reimagines one of the Bard's most gruesome and controversial works with a distinct directorial flair that oscillates between brilliance and excess. In 'Titus,' Taymor amalgamates various time periods and anachronisms, combining elements from different eras to craft a visually arresting yet polarizing narrative. The film opens in a 20th-century kitchen before abruptly transitioning to a Roman coliseum, effectively setting the tone for the surreal aesthetic that follows. This stylistic choice, along with others like the use of modern vehicles juxtaposed against horse-drawn chariots, marks Taymor's unapologetically arty approach towards the historically rich text, creating a cinematic experience that is as much about visual splendor as it is about narrative coherence.

Anthony Hopkins assumes the role of the titular Titus Andronicus, a war hero who becomes embroiled in a vicious cycle of vengeance against Tamora (Jessica Lange), Queen of the Goths. Tamora's desire for retribution, aided by her lover Aaron the Moor (Harry Lennix), weaves a complex tapestry of betrayal and brutal revenge that encapsulates the core themes of Shakespeare's play. Taymor does not shy away from the inherent melodrama within "Titus Andronicus," instead embracing it fully with dynamic camera movements, dramatic framings, and lush, ornate set designs. While such opulence serves to enhance the visceral impact of the narrative, it occasionally overpowers the subtleties of character development, making certain thematic elements feel overly contrived or superficial.

Taymor's innovative take on "Titus" has both set benchmarks and sparked debates on modern adaptations of Shakespearean works. The film's evocative costume designs and sumptuous backgrounds create a richly immersive visual spectacle that grapples with heavy subjects like war, terror, and mutilation. Despite some critiques regarding its heavy-handed symbolism and inconsistent merging of various elements, the movie stands as an ambitious artistic endeavor. The performances by Hopkins and Lange are particularly noteworthy, adding gravitas and depth to a production that oscillates between surreal fantasy and brutal realism. In essence, "Titus" offers a powerful, if at times overwhelming, exploration into the darker aspects of human nature as interpreted through Taymor's distinct cinematic lens.

Review Summary:
This Blu-ray release of Julie Taymor's 'Titus' had high expectations, given the film's imaginative and stylistic take on Shakespeare's play. However, the video transfer does not deliver the anticipated high-definition enhancement. The visual quality is on par with previous DVD releases, lacking the crispness and detail expected from a Blu-ray format. This subpar video presentation considerably diminishes the allure for potential buyers, particularly those who already own the DVD version. On the positive side, the audio quality is impressive, providing an immersive auditory experience that complements Taymor's bombastic and elaborate style. Supplements included in the release are insightful and enhance the overall appreciation of Taymor's thought-provoking direction, although they do not justify the release solely based on these merits.

In terms of content, 'Titus' itself is a captivating adaptation of Shakespeare’s work, showcasing strong performances and Taymor's unique directorial vision. Despite initial reservations about her perhaps overshadowing Shakespeare's text with excessive flair, a closer look through the supplementary material reveals her thoughtful and intellectually rigorous approach to the project. The film strikes a balance between staying true to its source material while infusing it with modern sensibilities, making it a compelling watch.

Despite the lackluster video quality of this Blu-ray release, it remains an engaging and thought-provoking rendition of 'Titus Andronicus.' For those who haven’t yet added 'Titus' to their collection or those particularly enthusiastic about Taymor’s interpretation, this could still be a worthy acquisition. However, for existing owners of the DVD, there is little here to warrant an upgrade. The strengths lie in its audio quality and the substantial supplemental content, offering deeper insights into Taymor’s creative process. The performances and direction make it an interesting cinematic experience despite a less than definitive high-definition transfer.