Sunday Bloody Sunday Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of John Schlesinger's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" features an exceptional 1080p transfer presented in the original 1.66:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The new high-definition restoration, supervised by director of photography Billy Williams, was sourced from a 35mm interpositive created from the original camera negative. Using advanced restoration tools such as MTI's DRS and Pixel Farm's PFClean for manual dirt and debris removal, and Digital Visions' Phoenix for minor noise reduction, the image quality has been significantly enhanced. The meticulous work ensures the film maintains a stable, organic appearance without excessive degraining or problematic sharpening corrections.

The visual presentation excels in delivering fine detail and contrast stability. Close-ups display excellent depth and definition, even in low-light scenes where softness is commonly observed in older transfers. Colors are warm but natural, offering consistent reproduction from start to finish with no noticeable artifacts, ensuring a visually cohesive experience. The black levels may appear slightly heavy but do not detract from the overall visual quality. The thorough cleanup process has effectively eliminated flecks, scratches, and other imperfections, providing a clean and immersive viewing experience. Overall, this Blu-ray release offers a substantial improvement over previous editions in every critical aspect of video performance.

The audio presentation of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" on Blu-Ray features an English LPCM 1.0 track, staying true to the film's original monaural format. Criterion has provided optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature, ensuring accessibility for all viewers. The audio character is pleasingly rounded, exhibiting depth particularly admirable for a mono track. The recurring theme from Mozart's Così fan tutte maintains a consistently well-defined presence without unwanted dynamic fluctuations or distortions. Dialogues are notably crisp, clean, and stable, allowing for seamless follow-through of the film's narrative.

This uncompressed LPCM track reflects a meticulous remastering effort from a 35 mm magnetic soundtrack at 24-bit, successfully eliminating typical audible flaws such as clicks, thumps, or hissing. However, challenges inherent to monaural setups are not entirely mitigated. Some vocal segments present a slightly muffled quality, detracting from the otherwise pristine audio experience. Additionally, rare instances of dialog volume dropping to noticeably low levels have been observed, culminating in an inadequately audible final monologue. While these issues are few and don’t majorly diminish the overall listening experience, they warrant attention owing to their impact during critical moments of the film.

Ultimately, despite the monaural limitations, the audio quality of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" holds up admirably in this Criterion Blu-Ray release. The LPCM 1.0 track offers a nearly seamless auditory experience that effectively complements the visual presentation, ensuring that viewers remain engaged throughout the film.

The supplemental features for the Blu-Ray release of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" from Criterion deliver a treasure trove of insightful content. The included materials range from in-depth interviews with key figures such as John Schlesinger and Billy Williams to analytical essays from experts like William J. Mann. Each extra provides a unique perspective on the film's production, its cultural impact, and the creative processes behind its creation. The supplementary offerings maintain high technical quality, with each feature presented in HD, enhancing the viewer's appreciation of this classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original trailer for Sunday Bloody Sunday.
• On Sunday Bloody Sunday: William J. Mann discusses the film's unique qualities and success.
• Michael Childers: Childers recalls his first impressions and intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdotes.
• John Schlesinger Interview: Illustrated audio excerpts from a 1975 AFI seminar.
• Murray Head: Reflects on his role and the groundbreaking aspects of the film.
• Billy Williams: Discusses his cinematographic contributions.
• Luciana Arrighi: Talks about the film's unique settings and designs.
• Booklet: Features essays by Terrence Rafferty, Ian Buruma, and Penelope Gilliatt's introduction to the screenplay.

John Schlesinger's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" is a landmark film from 1971 that masterfully delves into the complexities of human relationships and emotions. The narrative follows Dr. Daniel Hirsh (Peter Finch), Alex Greville (Glenda Jackson), and Bob Elkin (Murray Head) in a delicate love triangle. Both Daniel and Alex, past their prime and carrying emotional scars, share Bob, a young, uncommitted artist. The film explores the honest, intimate dynamics between these three characters, providing a nuanced depiction of love and longing devoid of judgmental overtones. Particularly notable is the authentic portrayal of a same-sex relationship between Daniel and Bob, which was groundbreaking for its time.

Schlesinger's direction, accompanied by Billy Williams' cinematography, creates a visually mesmerizing experience. The film employs innovative shooting techniques, particularly in scenes featuring Bob's kinetic sculptures, blending color and light to underscore the emotional tones. The performances by Finch, Jackson, and Head are exceptional, bringing a natural realism to their roles. The dialogue is crisp and intelligently crafted, allowing the viewer to understand the characters deeply not through their actions but through their conversations.

"Sunday Bloody Sunday" stands out for its modern attitudes towards relationships and sexuality, which were exceptionally forward-thinking for early '70s cinema. It eschews politicizing in favor of an emotional and personal narrative. The Criterion Blu-ray release enhances this experience with superb picture quality and a wealth of supplemental features, including interviews and essays that offer deeper insights into the film's production and its cultural impact. This is a must-see for its historical significance and its beautiful rendition of human vulnerability.

"Sunday Bloody Sunday," directed by John Schlesinger, emerges as a groundbreaking film from the '70s that has received an impressive Blu-ray treatment from Criterion. The film tells a poignant and intricate story of complex relationships, generational divides, and the challenges of non-heteronormative identities during a transformative era. Schlesinger's direction, coupled with superb performances from the cast, ensures the characters resonate deeply with viewers. Each actor breathes life into their roles, making their experiences feel authentic and relatable, even to those whose personal lives differ significantly.

Technically, the Blu-ray release of "Sunday Bloody Sunday" is exceptional. The video quality is remastered to near perfection, preserving the film's original aesthetic while offering a crisp and clean visual experience. The audio tracks have also been meticulously restored, ensuring dialogue and ambient sounds are clear and immersive. Additionally, Criterion has added outstanding supplemental features that offer insight into the film's historical context, production, and enduring impact on cinema history. These extras not only enrich the viewing experience but also emphasize the film's significance as a cultural and artistic milestone.

In conclusion, "Sunday Bloody Sunday" stands as one of John Schlesinger's finest works and a quintessential example of Criterion's excellence in film restoration. This Blu-ray release revitalizes a pivotal piece of cinematic history with immaculate audio-visual fidelity and insightful special features. Whether you're a long-time aficionado or a new viewer, this edition provides an unparalleled experience. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.