The Moment of Truth Blu-ray Review

The Criterion release of Francesco Rosi’s "The Moment of Truth" is presented in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, boasting a 1080p transfer. The film's aesthetic naturally lends itself to a raw, gritty presentation, with a moderate to heavy layer of grain that reinforces its documentary style. Despite some fluctuations in detail—especially noticeable during the bullfights where natural light and rapid movements impact clarity—the transfer predominantly maintains a decent level of detail with sporadic moments of impressive sharpness.

Color reproduction is generally convincing, particularly highlighted by the vibrant reds of the bullfighters' capes, though the overall palette can appear drab and faded. Contrast is relatively stable, offering nice whites and consistent blacks, despite the occasional dips attributable to the original filming conditions. However, a noticeable, albeit mild, use of digital sharpening introduces some minor edge enhancement, but it is not overly distracting. The source print is in fairly good shape; only minor specks and scratches detract from the viewing experience.

While some fluctuations in grain resolution and one notable frame skip occur during the latter half of the film, the high-definition transfer remains stable overall. It's clear that this Blu-ray has not undergone an extensive restoration, which retains the film’s authentic, unpolished feel. Consequently, "The Moment of Truth" on Blu-ray offers a serviceable but not overly remarkable visual experience, aligning well with the film's intended aesthetic while making it accessible for contemporary audiences. Note that this Blu-ray is Region-A locked, requiring compatible playback hardware.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Moment of Truth" features a single Italian LPCM 1.0 mono track, accompanied by optional English subtitles that appear within the image frame. Dialogue is notably crisp, stable, and intelligible, despite the prevalent dubbing and resulting lip-sync discrepancies typical of films from this era. Mild background hiss and static are noticeable and somewhat distracting, pointing to age-related degradation in the audio. It's worth noting that the loseless track demonstrates limited dynamic range, which is par for the course for mono mixes of this vintage.

Notably, while the dialogue retains clarity, it lacks the depth and fidelity of more modern audio tracks. Also, issues arise from the considerable background hiss and occasional static audible throughout several scenes, which are likely artifacts from the era of production. Despite these shortcomings, sound effects and the score perform adequately, with bustling crowd scenes showcasing reasonable dynamic range. The mono nature of the track also results in minimal low-end activity, which can leave the mix feeling somewhat flat compared to contemporary audio formats.

Overall, while the mix is serviceable and devoid of disruptive distortions or audio dropouts, it does fall short when compared to other Criterion releases from a similar time period due to the noticeable hiss and static. However, these anomalies are age-related and expected, and while they can be distracting, they do not severely impact the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Moment of Truth" provide a captivating and insightful peek into the production and artistic decisions behind this classic film. The standout feature is an engaging interview with renowned director Francesco Rosi, who eloquently details the inception of the project, the technical hurdles encountered during filming in Spain, as well as the vital contributions of cinematographers Pasqualino De Santis and Gianni Di Venanzo. This 2004 exclusive Criterion interview, presented in high-definition with Italian Dolby Digital 1.0 audio and optional English subtitles, also touches on ethical considerations surrounding the portrayal of bullfighting. Additionally, viewers are treated to a comprehensive and illustrated booklet containing an essay by critic Peter Matthews, enhancing the contextual understanding of this cinematic masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Francesco Rosi Interview: Director discusses the film's creation and technical challenges.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring an essay by critic Peter Matthews.

Francesco Rosi's "The Moment of Truth" makes a powerful debut on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, featuring a quasi-documentary style that delves deeply into the brutal yet fascinating world of bullfighting. The narrative follows Miguel, a peasant from Andalucía who ventures to Barcelona in search of a better life. Struggling in the city, Miguel turns to bullfighting, training under the guidance of an old man in a basement bar. His natural talent quickly propels him to stardom, but the film doesn’t shy away from depicting the physical and psychological toll his new career takes on him. Mixing breathtaking long sequences of real bullfights with a fly-on-the-wall visual approach, the film offers a strikingly authentic portrayal of the inner world of a torero.

A standout feature of "The Moment of Truth” is its use of non-professional actors, including real-life bullfighter Miguel Romero 'Miguelín,' which brings an additional layer of authenticity to the film. The cinematography by Pasqualino De Santis and Gianni Di Venanzo makes extensive use of 300mm wide-angle lenses, typically reserved for large sporting events, giving viewers an intense and intimate perspective of the bullfights. Some scenes are particularly harrowing, including one where Miguel tenderly touches the forehead of a dying bull, creating a chilling juxtaposition between elegant skill and dire consequences. The film’s raw and multi-faceted depiction of violence forgoes any celebratory tone, instead highlighting the gritty realities and complexities of bullfighting.

Despite its thin narrative structure, "The Moment of Truth" effectively explores themes of courage, greed, and exploitation. Rosi's film oscillates between moments of savage beauty and unnerving violence, neither condemning nor condoning the practice, but presenting it as it is. While the quasi-documentary approach may limit emotional engagement with Miguel’s character, it adds to the film's visceral experience. Audience sensitivity to animal rights issues may limit wider appeal, but for those able to separate personal views from cinematic critique, this film provides a unique and artistically valuable glimpse into a perilous art form.

Francesco Rosi's "The Moment of Truth," hailed as potentially the greatest bullfighting film ever made, immerses viewers into the raw and dangerous world of professional bullfighting. The film's depiction is both brutal and beautiful, capturing the sport's essence with striking realism. While the violence and graphic nature might be off-putting to some, the film’s artistic merit remains undeniable. Miguel Romero's performance is a standout, likened to poetry in motion, adding layers of wildness and occasionally an unexpected eroticism.

Regarding the Blu-ray release from Criterion, the presentation of the film is largely satisfactory though not without its flaws. The video quality, while authentically capturing the rough aesthetic of the original film, is at times underwhelming and rough. Similarly, the audio track, despite featuring a noticeable amount of hiss and static, manages to convey the essential elements effectively. The sparse supplemental materials are highlighted by a valuable interview with Rosi, offering insights that interested viewers will appreciate. While not one of Criterion's more polished releases, it succeeds in delivering the core experience of the film.

In conclusion, "The Moment of Truth" remains highly recommended for its raw depiction of bullfighting and superior artistic execution, despite some technical imperfections in this Blu-ray release. It stands as a testament to Rosi's directorial prowess and promises an engaging experience for those willing to engage with its divisive content.