The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" has been meticulously restored and released on Blu-ray by Criterion, utilizing the 2012 4K restoration by The Film Foundation. This restoration involved scanning the original 35mm three-strip Technicolor negatives at 4K resolution, while the original monaural optical soundtrack saw a digital restoration. The result is a video presentation that is both breathtakingly vibrant and remarkably detailed, making the film appear nearly contemporary in clarity. Colors are richly saturated, exhibiting extraordinary depth, and contrast levels are admirably stable across scenes, with a judicious application of digital noise reduction ensuring that detail remains sharp without introducing negative artifacts.

The restoration process, overseen by a team including Mike Pogorzelski of the Academy Film Archive and Schawn Belston, with consultants such as Martin Scorsese, has succeeded in preserving the film's cinematic integrity. The visual treat begins right from the main title sequence, demonstrating fine details with life-like dimensionality and revealing the meticulous care in the restoration process. Fine details in textures, from sewn tapestries to the edges of Livesey's receding wig, are impeccably rendered, showcasing the Technicolor brilliance. While maintaining a faithful grain structure that lends an organic filmic look to the digital presentation, minor specks and color pulsing are noted as negligible, given the overall pristine condition of the source material.

Criterion's release stands out for its technical excellence and fidelity to the original visuals of "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp." The Blu-ray demonstrates a particularly strong performance in color saturation and brightness levels, closely matching other releases yet surpassing them in areas like compression and the absence of damage marks or scratches. Despite some very minor flaws, such as slight unevenness in contrast in a scant few scenes, this release sets a high bar for the restoration and presentation of classic Technicolor films on the home video market, offering a vivid resurrection of this timeless classic to near-perfect condition.

The audio presentation of "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" on Blu-ray, encoded in English LPCM 1.0, maintains a high degree of fidelity to its original auditory experience, notwithstanding its monoaural limitation. Criterion’s commitment to quality is evident as they have ensured the dialogue remains lucid and well-defined across the board, with the film's score achieving a surprisingly rounded and balanced output through the single audio channel available. Effects and music are judiciously mixed, contributing to a soundstage that is remarkably dynamic for a mono track. The provision of optional English SDH subtitles is a thoughtful addition, enhancing accessibility for all viewers.

Despite its venerable age, the audio mix exhibits no significant faults; there are no instances of audio pops, cracks, or background hiss that mar the overall listening experience. Minimal background hissing is detectable during the film's main title sequence and sporadically throughout certain scenes, yet it hardly detracts from the cinematic enjoyment. A few scenes, however, do present challenges in audio clarity—most notably in sequences laden with background activity where the mix slightly struggles to keep dialogue at the forefront. An early conversation between Candy and Edith in a café exemplifies this, as background sounds slightly encroach upon the clarity of their exchange.

Overall, this LPCM mono track does an admirable job of capturing and presenting the film's auditory elements. While minor frequency muddling in scenes of heightened activity and occasional background hissing are noted, these issues do not significantly impede the audio's effectiveness. The mix remains faithful to the original production's quality, ensuring that both dialogue and musical themes are conveyed with as much integrity as possible given the constraints. This technical prowess ensures that the essence of "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" is preserved for contemporary audiences to appreciate.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray of "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" notably enriches the viewing experience with a suite of extras that delve into the making, restoration, and legacy of this classic film. The presentation is highlighted by an insightful introduction from Martin Scorsese and a comprehensive documentary featuring interviews with key figures such as Stephen Fry and Kevin Macdonald. The inclusion of both a detailed restoration demonstration and a featurette on the film's optimism, narrated by Thelma Schoonmaker Powell, illustrate the technical and emotional care put into preserving the film for modern audiences. The commentary track, albeit with its unique structure, provides fascinating production trivia and a deeper understanding of the film's themes and historical context. Additionally, the stills gallery and exploration of David Low's original Colonel Blimp cartoons offer a rich visual history that complements the main feature. This collection of extras not only enhances the appreciation of the film's artistic achievements but also serves as a testament to its enduring significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction by Martin Scorsese: Scorsese shares production trivia and insights into the film's influence on his work.
• A Profile of The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp: Documentary featuring contributions from notable figures discussing the film's impact.
• Restoration Demonstration: A brief look at the 4K restoration process narrated by Martin Scorsese.
• Optimism and Sheer Will: Thelma Schoonmaker Powell discusses the film's restoration and legacy.
• Stills Gallery: A collection of behind-the-scenes photos and promotional materials.
• David Low's Colonel Blimp: Two galleries showcasing the original Colonel Blimp comics.
• Commentary: Audio commentary with directors Michael Powell and Martin Scorsese.
• Booklet: Featuring an essay by critic Molly Haskell.

Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s magnum opus, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, rendered in radiant Technicolor, is a cinematic masterpiece that Criterion has meticulously restored for its Blu-ray edition. This acclaimed 1943 film, which navigates through decades spanning the Boer War to World War II, does so not merely as a historical recount but as a vibrant, heartfelt exploration of friendship, love, and the inevitable march of time. The narrative intricately weaves through the life of General Clive Candy (Roger Livesey), encapsulating his evolving ethos against the backdrop of a world engulfed by war. His endearing friendship with German officer Theodore Kretschmar-Schuldorff (Anton Walbrook) and his complex relationship with the women in his life, all played by Deborah Kerr, offer a rich tapestry of character development and emotional resonance.

The film's technical achievements, underpinned by Georges Perinal’s Oscar-winning cinematography, elevate its compelling narrative. The use of Technicolor enriches the visual storytelling, creating vibrant backdrops against which the characters’ journeys unfold. Allan Gray's evocative score further complements the film's aesthetic, underscoring its poignant and comedic moments alike. Criterion’s release benefits from high-resolution digital restoration, preserving the film’s historical significance and its stunning visual appeal.

The performances are exemplary, with Livesey delivering a multifaceted portrayal of Candy, capturing his bluster, vulnerability, and eventual introspection. Walbrook provides a counterbalance, offering depth and nuance to Theo’s character, which stands as a testament to friendship’s transcending boundaries. Kerr’s versatility shines through in her triple roles, adding layers of intrigue to Candy’s romantic pursuits. These character arcs are masterfully woven into a narrative that challenges conventional notions of honor, patriotism, and love. Through its satirical yet sympathetic lens, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp emerges not only as a reflection on personal and societal transformation but also as an enduring commentary on the human condition.

The Criterion Collection's release of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" is a definitive edition that stands out in comparison to previous releases by ITV Studios Home Entertainment and Carlotta Films, due to its comprehensive approach to restoration, special features, and overall presentation. Building on the 2012 4K restoration by The Film Foundation, this version elevates the source material to new heights, offering a video transfer that beautifully captures the film's original Technicolor glory with vibrant clarity. Despite the expected limitations of a film of its age, the audio quality remains solid, presenting a respectful consistency with its visual counterpart. The addition of an impressive array of supplementary materials enriches the viewing experience, offering deep dives into the film’s production background and its enduring impact on cinema.

"The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" itself is an extraordinary cinematic achievement that transcends simple genre classification. It masterfully blends epic drama, light-hearted satire, and moving romance while reflecting on the inevitability of change, showcasing cinema’s ability to captivate and comment on the human condition. Criterion's release honors this complexity and brilliance through meticulous presentation and thoughtful curation of extras, ensuring that both newcomers and long-time fans can appreciate the film's nuances and historical significance.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" is an essential acquisition for cinephiles and a sterling example of how classic films should be preserved and presented. It combines a state-of-the-art restoration with insightful extras that make for a compelling package that not only pays homage to Powell and Pressburger’s masterpiece but also serves as a benchmark for home entertainment releases. Very highly recommended, this edition is a must-own for anyone interested in the artistry of cinema and its preservation.