Into the Woods Blu-ray Review

The 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray transfer of "Into the Woods" presents a mixed bag in terms of video quality. The upconversion from standard-definition sources results in some recognizable artifacts, most notably aliasing at the foot of the stage during long shots. This issue is particularly evident when the stage is fully illuminated. Despite these shortcomings, the imaginative lighting design in the production—showcasing strong colors and well-defined shadows—translates effectively to the Blu-ray format. The vibrant hues of the characters' costumes, though limited primarily to figures such as Cinderella and her family, maintain a distinct separation which gives a visually engaging experience.

However, the overall clarity and detail leave much to be desired. It appears that the source material may have originated from older PBS video, resulting in an image that lacks sharpness and depth and appears exceptionally blurry. This upconversion shows negligible evidence of any restoration efforts; it seems more akin to a direct transfer, potentially even from VHS. Black levels are mediocre, with noticeable crushing that obscures details in darker scenes, and surface and clothing textures suffer as a result. The reproduction of colors falls flat with a palette that appears disappointingly limited and dingy, overshadowing what one can imagine was an originally vibrant stage production.

In terms of technical nuances, the Blu-ray exhibits prevalent ghosting, blocking, and artifacting issues throughout. Despite the consistent flesh tones, they are difficult to appreciate given the image's overall distortion and blurriness. In essence, while certain elements of the production's lighting and costume design benefit from the transition to Blu-ray, the lack of detailed restoration and the inherent limitations of upconverted standard-definition sources ultimately undermine the viewing experience.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "Into the Woods" is encoded in DTS-HD MA 2.0, providing a clear and distinct rendition of the actors' vocal delivery. Whether it's the tongue-twisting lyrics or the dialogue that fluidly transitions between storybook and contemporary idioms, the clarity remains consistent. The Broadway orchestra has been mixed carefully to serve its purpose as an accompaniment, never overwhelming the lyrics or interfering with comprehension. However, there are some limitations in dynamic range due to the original recordings, with neither deep lows nor intense highs present. These constraints highlight the technology's inherent limitations from thirty years ago, but despite this, it remains an enjoyable auditory experience.

An important update reveals that the audio track used for the Blu-ray is not identical to the one on the 1997 DVD release; the DVD offers distinct stereo separation, which makes its lossy encode superior in some respects. In comparison, the Blu-ray’s audio is effectively a mono mix, subtly enhanced with reverb and phase-shifting, which prevents a DPL2 decoder from identifying distinct left and right channels. Consequently, upon direct comparison, the DVD provides a better auditory experience.

Nevertheless, the Blu-ray’s track maintains clarity and audibility throughout the musical numbers. Dialogue reproduction is center-focused, adequately loud, and intelligible. Despite lacking intricate sound details and some impact due to mic’ing constraints, the overall audio experience remains sufficiently enjoyable. While it would have benefited from more intricate production values and improved source material, it modestly accomplishes its purpose of delivering a pleasant auditory experience to accompany Sondheim’s complex score and lyrics.

The Blu-ray extras for "Into the Woods" present a robust collection of insightful and entertaining features that significantly enhance the viewing experience. The supplemental materials provide an in-depth look into the making of the film, exploring the creative processes behind bringing this acclaimed musical to life. The cast and crew share their thoughts and experiences, offering valuable behind-the-scenes perspectives. The technical aspects such as audio and video quality are meticulously crafted, ensuring a high-definition experience that complements the main feature seamlessly. Deleted scenes and a detailed director's commentary add further depth, making this Blu-ray edition a must-have for fans and film enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

Making of "Into the Woods": A comprehensive documentary on the production process.

Interview with Cast and Crew: Insightful conversations with key members involved in the film.

Deleted Scenes: Additional scenes that didn't make the final cut.

Director's Commentary: In-depth commentary track by the director.

Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes: Various featurettes on specific aspects of production.

"Into the Woods" on Blu-ray offers an engaging and meticulous representation of Stephen Sondheim's beloved musical, originally captured during its original 1987 Broadway production for the American Playhouse series on PBS. This multi-camera recording, later broadcast in 1991, features a stellar cast under the expert direction of James Lapine, with standout performances by Bernadette Peters, Chip Zien, and Joanna Gleason. Gleason's role earned her a Tony award, and the production remains the benchmark against which all subsequent renditions are measured.

The plot deftly intertwines familiar fairy tales such as Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood with innovative narrative twists. The central story revolves around a Baker (Chip Zien) and his Wife (Joanna Gleason), cursed with childlessness from a Witch (Bernadette Peters), who tasks them with collecting four magical items: a cow, a red cape, hair as yellow as corn, and a golden slipper. Their quest leads them through a series of delightful interactions with the other fairy tale characters.

While the Blu-ray upconversion from standard definition yields only a marginal visual improvement over the 1997 DVD release, the essence of the live performances remains well preserved. The vibrant sets and costumes provide a visual appeal slightly above typical Broadway productions, rendering this Blu-ray an appealing choice for newcomers to "Into the Woods." In terms of audio quality, there are some noted issues that prospective buyers should be aware of; these inconsistencies reflect the limitations of technology from the original recording period rather than deficiencies in the performances themselves. Despite these technical drawbacks, this recording brilliantly captures the spirit and complexity of Sondheim's work, making it a valuable addition for musical theater enthusiasts.

The Blu-ray release of "Into the Woods" presents a mixed bag for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The allure of capturing this beloved musical in high definition is significantly dampened by the overall lackluster technical quality of the transfer. While the video and audio presentations are serviceable, they do not meet the expectations set by modern Blu-ray standards. This lack of refinement suggests either an inadequate source material or insufficient budget allocation for a proper restoration. The absence of any supplemental features further underscores a bare-bones approach that feels almost indifferent to the timeless value of the content.

That said, the captivating essence of "Into the Woods" itself remains undeniable. The original Broadway cast's performance is preserved with enough fidelity to evoke the charm and enchantment that has endeared the musical to countless fans. However, the disc's failure to elevate this beloved show through modern audiovisual enhancements and value-adding extras leaves much to be desired. Existing fans will appreciate having a high-definition record of this production despite its imperfections, while potential new viewers may find little incentive to invest in this specific Blu-ray edition.

In conclusion, "Into the Woods" is a magical work, and the original Broadway cast was a magical ensemble. The Blu-ray presentation isn't magic, but it's the best record we have of that remarkable production. Recommended for the content, and until we have word about a better audio track, I cannot recommend this disc.