Counterpoint Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Counterpoint" by Scorpion Releasing, framed at 2.35:1 and featuring a 1080p transfer with MPEG-4 AVC encoding, brings a mixed visual experience to this classic film. Despite being sourced from an inconsistent master from Universal Pictures, the video quality manages to impress in certain aspects while falling short in others. The overall image stability is commendable with minimal blemishes, free from large debris or distracting damage marks, preserving the film's visual integrity. However, the footage often appears too soft and lacks vibrancy, particularly in indoor and nighttime scenes where darker nuances and depth are compromised.

Cinematographer Russell Metty's work on 35 mm film using the Techniscope process shines through in select scenes where detail and clarity are noticeable, particularly highlighting elements like German uniforms and intricate wood patterns. The lighting, typical of Universal's films from this period, surprises with a more cinematic flair, enhancing textures and adding depth even within the film's inherent limitations. The color palette remains consistently stable, though many hues could benefit from richer saturation to enhance the supporting nuances.

The film’s atmospheric lighting techniques contribute a distinct noir-ish quality to basement scenes, characterized by shadowy depths and muted illumination. Notably, director Ralph Nelson's use of subjective shots delivers compelling visual storytelling through Schiller’s perspective shots. In summary, while "Counterpoint" on Blu-ray exhibits strengths in stability and certain detailed scenes, it ultimately reflects opportunities for enhancement in overall tonal richness and definition due to the source material's inherent inconsistencies.

This Blu-ray release of "Counterpoint" offers a singular, quality audio track in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with supplementary English SDH subtitles. The audio presentation stands out with its clear and sharp dialog, ensuring easy following of the narrative. The track exhibits good balance across frequencies, specifically highlighting a robust upper register free from unwanted distortions such as thinning, pops, or cracks. The dynamic intensity is commendable, though some limitations from the original production are noticeable. Nonetheless, the orchestral performances showcase exceptional clarity and richness, indicating meticulous attention during the recording process to maintain music integrity.

The soundtrack's delivery in English Mono DTS-HD Master Audio accentuates the dialogue's distinctness, allowing for clear communication between characters, particularly during exchanges peppered with German phrases that naturally transition to English. The audio experience is further enriched by classical compositions performed by the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra, featuring works from renowned composers like Schubert, Tschaikovsky, Brahms, Wagner, and Beethoven. These musical selections offer a deep and vibrant soundscape. Additionally, ambient effects such as distant explosions and machine gun fire effectively convey the historical context and dramatic intensity of pivotal scenes, enhancing the overall viewing experience without overshadowing the core dialogue and music elements.

The extras on the Blu-ray release of "Counterpoint" offer a compelling glimpse into the film's production, historical context, and cast. The standout feature is the audio commentary by critic Steve Mitchell and author Steven Jay Rubin, who provide an informative discourse on various aspects of the film. They deliver insights into the unique integration of music in the war-time plot, attention to detail in production design, and highlight the exceptional performances, notably by Charlton Heston and Maximilian Schell. The commentary is well-structured, avoiding meandering tangents, thereby ensuring a rich, informative experience. It adeptly covers details such as the creation of snow effects and the career trajectories of key actors, enhancing appreciation for the film’s craft.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for "Counterpoint", presented in English.
• Commentary: A comprehensive audio commentary by Steve Mitchell and Steven Jay Rubin discussing production details and actor performances.

Ralph Nelson's "Counterpoint" (1967), available on Blu-ray from Scorpion Releasing, presents a dramatic narrative set in the winter of 1944. As Allied forces advanced, a U.S. symphony orchestra led by conductor Lionel Evans (Charlton Heston) finds itself ensnared by a German unit and taken to a medieval Belgian castle. The plot revolves around the conflict between Evans and General Schiller (Maximilian Schell), a fervent music enthusiast, who delays an execution to request a private concert. The film weaves themes of music, resistance, and survival and portrays Evans as a hardheaded maestro leveraging his talents for the orchestra's preservation.

Despite Heston's commendable portrayal and commitment to embodying an orchestra conductor with authenticity, "Counterpoint" falters due to its clichéd script and lack of depth in character development. The film's uneven narrative undermines the intended WWII drama, turning it into a patchwork of disconnected episodes driven by performances that don’t fully integrate with the storyline. This is further compounded by paper-thin character portrayals, especially the overly simplistic depiction of German officers versus the unabashedly patriotic prisoners, which erodes narrative credibility.

Technical inaccuracies also mar "Counterpoint," such as musicians using instruments impractically in cold environments without realistic consequences and incorrect orchestral configurations for performed pieces. The film's verisimilitude suffers, as these elements jar against the dramatic tensions meant to anchor the plot. Furthermore, casting choices like Leslie Nielsen as the concertmaster conflict with the film's tone, detracting from the intended dramatic weight. Despite its ambitions, "Counterpoint" is let down by its screenplay and technical oversights, overshadowing an opportunity to explore the powerful intersections of art and war.

"Counterpoint" has historically struggled to find its audience, receiving mixed reviews since its original release. The film ambitiously juxtaposes classical music selections with narrative developments, attempting to weave them into the fabric of its drama. Unfortunately, despite such intriguing conceptual ambitions, it falters due to weak character development and a screenplay that fails to do justice to its themes. Charlton Heston delivers a performance with notable bravado, embodying Evans' self-importance; however, this occasionally veers into overacting. Such performances lend the film a unique, if not entirely satisfying, edge that distinguishes it from typical war dramas.

From a technical perspective, Scorpion Releasing's Blu-ray offering does little to enhance the film’s reception. Sourced from an aging master from Universal Pictures, the release lacks the visual and auditory impact expected from a high-quality Blu-ray presentation. The picture remains unremarkable while audio clarity is inconsistent, detracting from the intended immersive experience of classical music scores. While these technical limitations are disappointing, they do not eclipse the film’s few engaging moments, though they further hinder any chance of "Counterpoint" securing revitalized acclaim.

In conclusion, "Counterpoint" is a period film with inherent flaws that prevent it from achieving greatness. Its ambitious integration of plot and classical music intrigues but does not compensate for its other deficiencies. While Scorpion Releasing’s Blu-ray may introduce the film to new audiences, both the quality and content may not satisfy expectations. Ultimately, "Counterpoint" remains a curiosity in cinematic history—a bold yet flawed execution destined to be remembered as an unsatisfactory blend of ambition and underachievement.