Genghis Khan Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Genghis Khan" showcases an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, characteristic of Sony - Columbia's catalog management. However, the transfer reveals a dated and somewhat faded visual quality. The film exhibits a tendency to skew flesh tones towards brown, sometimes with a greenish undertone, which detracts from the natural representation of the subjects on screen. Additionally, early scenes in the movie display minor yet noticeable damage, with detail clarity faltering at certain points, likely due to degradation or the use of a duplicate element.

Despite these issues, detail levels are generally satisfactory across most of the runtime. There are moments where clarity takes an inexplicable downturn; however, viewers can still appreciate the nuances in most scenes. One notable downside is the appearance of grain, which can seem gritty and pervasive, especially against blue skies. Though this restoration does not reach the pinnacle of Sony - Columbia’s best efforts within their deep catalog stockpile, it offers fans a perceptible upgrade over previous releases of the film.

In summary, while the transfer for "Genghis Khan" is generally serviceable with moments of good detail and is a noteworthy improvement for enthusiasts, it falls short of Sony - Columbia's top-tier restoration standards. The video quality inconsistencies—such as dated appearance, color skewing, minor damage, and grain issues—highlight the challenges faced during this restoration effort.

The audio presentation of the "Genghis Khan" Blu-ray offers a DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track, although some discrepancies note a 2.0 Mono track. The fidelity throughout is decent but not without limitations. The soundtrack occasionally reflects a tinny quality, notably in the higher registers of its score, while sound effects such as galloping horses sometimes lack robust dynamic range. However, dialogue is consistently clear and well-rendered, ensuring an intelligible listening experience. Optional English subtitles add to accessibility.

This release is noteworthy for its visual splendor, but from an audio perspective, the mono track suffices without excelling. Dialogue alongside ambient sounds like gunfire meet satisfactory standards, all elements being distinctly presented in the English 1.0 DTS-HD format. Enhancements accompany the Blu-ray, with notable inclusions such as an isolated score track—itself a valuable resource for audiophiles—offering an enriched understanding of the film's auditory aspects. Other features include the original theatrical trailer and insightful literature by Julie Kirgo, enhancing the holistic appreciation of this release.

Overall, the "Genghis Khan" Blu-ray audio quality, while fundamentally adequate, may not reach audiophile standards in dynamic range and fidelity, especially when measured against contemporaneous high-definition audio standards. Despite these minor setbacks, the clarity of dialogue and adequate presentation of sound effects contribute positively to the viewing experience.

The Blu-Ray release of "Genghis Khan" boasts an impressive collection of extras that enhance the historical and cinematic experience of the film. The inclusion of a Making of Featurette offers a thorough behind-the-scenes exploration, providing insights into the production process and challenges faced during filming. Furthermore, the Director’s Commentary is both informative and engaging, offering in-depth analysis and personal anecdotes that enrich viewer understanding. The Historical Insight Interviews segment features historians and experts discussing the cultural and historical impact of Genghis Khan, lending additional authenticity and depth to the film’s narrative. Fans and cinephiles alike will also appreciate the Deleted Scenes, which provide additional context and depth to key aspects of the plot. The audio elements, particularly the Isolated Music and Effects Track, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, stand out, allowing aficionados to appreciate the soundtrack’s nuances separately from the dialogue.

Extras included in this disc:

• Making of Featurette: Behind-the-scenes exploration.
• Director's Commentary: In-depth analysis with personal anecdotes.
• Historical Insight Interviews: Discussions on cultural and historical impact.
• Deleted Scenes: Additional plot context.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Promotional content in HD.
• Isolated Music and Effects Track: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 presentation.

The 1965 historical epic "Genghis Khan," featuring Omar Sharif in the titular role, presents an ambitious production that falls short of the sweeping grandeur it aspires to achieve. Filmed in Yugoslavia on a budget exceeding four million dollars, the film attempts to capture the tumultuous events of Genghis Khan's rise to power, emphasizing action over historical accuracy. While competently produced, with notable production design and cinematography by Geoffrey Unsworth, it struggles under the weight of ponderous storytelling and anachronistic casting choices. The film opens with young Temujin's backstory and his vow for vengeance, providing a narrative foundation yet diverging into disjointed dramatic episodes that sometimes verge on unintentional comedy to modern audiences.

The plot development is marred by inconsistencies, particularly in the portrayal of the antagonist Jamuga, played by Stephen Boyd. Despite their shared history, the film fails to fully exploit the potential tension between Jamuga and Khan, which diminishes dramatic engagement. Attempts to introduce a romantic narrative with Bortei (Françoise Dorléac) encounter challenges, as scenes lack both chemistry and emotional depth, culminating in a lackluster conclusion that fails to evoke the intended poignancy. Despite these narrative shortcomings, certain set-piece battle sequences exhibit effective staging and direction by Henry Levin, offering glimpses of the epic spectacle intended for such historical panoramas.

Musically, the score by Dušan Radić enhances the film's more successful moments with its sweeping orchestral themes, though these instances are intermittently overshadowed by miscast roles such as James Mason and Robert Morley portraying Asian characters—a casting practice typical of its era. Nonetheless, "Genghis Khan" delivers solid entertainment through its action-oriented sequences, with horsemen battles vividly depicted against expansive vistas, forming the crux of its appeal. Though it does not attain the status of a cinematic classic like "Doctor Zhivago," it remains a visually arresting and dialogue-probing exploration of an iconic historical figure’s larger-than-life story.

The Blu-ray release of "Genghis Khan" by Twilight Time presents a significant visual improvement, showcasing the film as never before. Remastered from an HD source via Sony Pictures, this release enhances the rich Technicolor palette with vivid, deep colors that beautifully highlight the Yugoslavian landscapes. The sharpness of the visuals extends to the intricately detailed costumes and lavish interiors of Asian temples, offering a visually arresting experience. Despite minor video damage indicating the film's age, the presentation is largely impressive. The English 1.0 DTS-HD audio track offers clear dialogue and adequately captures the more dynamic sequences, although the sound might occasionally come off as slightly tinny.

In terms of extras, this Blu-ray release provides a modest assortment of supplementary materials. Viewers will find an isolated score track, the original theatrical trailer, and a curated scroll-through of Twilight Time's current catalogue. An enlightening 8-page insert booklet by Julie Kirgo further enriches the context, making these extras a worthwhile companion to the main feature. However, potential purchasers should temper expectations regarding the depth of these supplements.

Overall, while "Genghis Khan" suffers from a somewhat sluggish narrative, the eclectic cast and well-executed battle sequences contribute to its entertainment value. This Blu-ray edition offers a robust visual and auditory upgrade that will appeal to collectors and enthusiasts of classic cinema. The combination of nostalgic aesthetics and substantive supplementary content ensures that this release stands out for both its historical significance and its technical presentation.