The Last Temptation of Christ Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ presents a notable upgrade in visual quality, delivering an impressive 1080p high-definition transfer in the film's original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. Supervised and approved by cinematographer Michael Ballhaus and editor Thelma Schoonmaker, this transfer was created from a 35mm interpositive using a Spirit Datacine. Advanced digital restoration techniques, including MTI’s DRS, Pixel Farm’s PFClean, and Image Systems' Phoenix, were utilized to manually remove thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, warps, jitter, and flicker. The results are exceptional; the texture and detail evident in close-ups and panoramic shots alike showcase the film like never before.

The color scheme is rendered superbly, with the arid desert landscapes and old structures reproduced in vibrant yet natural tones. Grain is suitably filmic and evenly distributed, contributing to an organic aesthetic while maintaining the integrity of the original presentation. Contrast levels have been expertly stabilized, enhancing the visual strength of both desert sequences and complex nighttime scenes, now free from the macroblocking issues that plagued previous standard definition versions. While shadows can occasionally exhibit some crush, overall clarity and definition remain outstanding.

In summary, Criterion’s meticulous care has delivered the most precise visual representation of The Last Temptation of Christ to date. Subtle DNR applications preserve a balanced filmic quality without introducing unwanted artifacts or conspicuous softness. The 1080p presentation ensures that colors shine appropriately, details stand sharp, and the visual experience remains thoroughly immersive. Although minor preferences on contrast and shadow details may vary among viewers, this Blu-ray release stands as a definitive visual upgrade over earlier editions, beautifully capturing Ballhaus’s gritty yet profound cinematography.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack for the Blu-ray release of "The Last Temptation of Christ" was meticulously mastered from the original six-track magnetic masters, ensuring a pristine auditory experience free from clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum thanks to the diligent work with Pro Tools HD and AudioCube's integrated workstation. This track showcases a wide range of nuanced dynamics, delivering a rich and colorful rendition of Peter Gabriel’s award-winning score. From its rhythmic, bass-inducing beats to its authentic, organic feel, Gabriel’s music significantly enhances the film’s atmosphere. Dialogue is crisply prioritized with superb clarity and stability, dominating the frontal array as required.

The sound design, overseen by Academy Award-winning sound designer Skip Lievsay, transforms the auditory landscape into a more spacious and broad soundstage compared to previous releases. Channel separation is impeccable, offering a wide image with minimal yet impactful off-screen effects. Ambient sounds such as nails entering flesh, wind blowing, and supernatural elements are deftly placed in the surrounds, providing nice separation and enveloping the audience in the film’s environment. Rear activity is sparse but convincingly used for ambient effects. The dynamic range is not overly extensive but maintains rich, detailed clarity in Middle-Eastern singing and subtle instrumentation, with a faint yet noticeable low-end providing depth.

Overall, the soundtrack’s superior quality elevates the viewing experience, breathing new life into Martin Scorsese’s film. From the intense crowd scenes to the intimate moments between characters, the audio remains consistently precise and engaging, allowing Gabriel's music to be the standout star of this exceptional auditory presentation.

The Blu-ray edition of "The Last Temptation of Christ" by The Criterion Collection offers a compelling suite of extras, leveraging content from its original DVD release to provide a comprehensive look at the film’s production. The audio commentary, recorded in 1997, features in-depth discourse from director Martin Scorsese, actor Willem Dafoe, and screenwriters Paul Schrader and Jay Cocks, delving into the movie's conceptualization, the challenges faced, and the public's reactions. Additional materials include costume designs by Jean-Pierre Delifer, on-location footage shot by Scorsese in Morocco, a richly detailed interview with composer Peter Gabriel, and extensive photo galleries encompassing production stills and historical research images used by Scorsese during filming. These supplements provide valuable insights into the cultural and technical aspects of the movie’s creation.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Director Scorsese, actor Willem Dafoe, screenwriters Paul Schrader and Jay Cocks discuss the film's production and public reception.
• Costume Designs: Collection of hand-sketched images by costume designer Jean-Pierre Delifer.
• Stills and Research: Production and publicity stills by Mario Tursi, along with historical research images used by Scorsese.
• On Location in Morocco: Behind-the-scenes footage documented by Scorsese during the shoot.
• Peter Gabriel Interview: Composer discusses his approach to the film’s music and describes unique instruments used.
• Photo Gallery: Stills of traditional instruments used in the soundtrack and photos from the sound mix sessions.

Martin Scorsese’s "The Last Temptation of Christ" is a profound exploration of faith, humanity, and existential conflict that deserves recognition beyond its controversial reputation. This film reimagines events from Jesus's life with deep philosophical and spiritual insight. Scorsese, adapting Nikos Kazantzakis' novel, portrays Jesus not just as a divine figure but as an extraordinarily human one. This approach enriches our understanding of biblical events, evoking a powerful response regardless of prior beliefs. The movie is adept at encouraging viewers to reassess their own perceptions of faith, aided by stunning cinematography from Michael Ballhaus and Peter Gabriel's atmospheric soundtrack. Performance-wise, Willem Dafoe’s portrayal of Jesus is both bold and deeply evocative.

The most contentious aspect of the film occurs towards the latter part, where Jesus reexamines his divine mission during a moment of weakness induced by Satan. Scorsese’s visual narrative showcases an imagined life where Jesus marries Mary Magdalene and experiences ordinary human joys and sorrows—a sequence meant to evoke empathy rather than offense. The confrontation between Jesus and his Apostles in his final moments is a compelling cinematic achievement. Despite its deviations from traditional gospel accounts, the film adds depth by presenting Jesus' struggles with relatable humanity, profoundly enhancing the impact of his ultimate sacrifice.

"The Last Temptation of Christ" features standout performances from Harvey Keitel as Judas and Barbara Hershey as Mary Magdalene. Criterion's Blu-ray release includes insightful extras such as a video interview with composer Peter Gabriel, behind-the-scenes footage shot by Scorsese in Morocco, and an illuminating essay by film critic David Ehrenstein. The technical quality of the Blu-ray is exceptional, with superior video and audio fidelity that do justice to this visually and sonically rich masterpiece.

Martin Scorsese's "The Last Temptation of Christ" is a film that has been both highly controversial and deeply moving since its release. This Blu-ray release, courtesy of The Criterion Collection, offers a pristine visual and audio presentation that satisfies technical expectations. The film itself remains a provocative and respectful depiction of Jesus Christ, emphasizing his human struggles and experiences. The adaptation takes a unique narrative approach that intensifies the impact of His teachings and sacrifice, resonating strongly with both new viewers and long-time admirers.

Despite its historical backlash and box-office shortcomings, "The Last Temptation of Christ" now stands as a masterpiece worthy of reassessment and appreciation. This Blu-ray release boasts excellent picture quality, showcasing lush cinematography and vivid detail that heightens the storytelling. The audio presentation complements the visual elements, providing clear and immersive sound that enhances the cinematic experience. While the collection may lack an extensive array of supplements, it compensates with its impeccable transfer quality.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray of "The Last Temptation of Christ" serves as the definitive home video release of this seminal film. This is an excellent opportunity for viewers to engage with a movie that is both visually stunning and thought-provoking. Offering a beautiful tribute to Jesus' human side, which makes His ultimate sacrifice more relatable, this edition is very highly recommended.

I sincerely hope that the controversy that once surrounded Martin Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ is a thing of the past. This is a beautiful, respectful and enormously moving and thought-provoking film that ought to be admired, not condemned and ridiculed. If you have never before experienced The Last Temptation of Christ, now is the right time to do it - the film looks gorgeous on Blu-ray, the best it ever has. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.