Alexander Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Alexander" on Blu-ray showcases a tale of two cuts, with differing experiences for viewers. The film, masterfully shot by Rodrigo Prieto, boasts visuals that span the delicate blues and pastels of Ptolemy's Alexandria to the saturated reds of Indian battles. Finished at 2K on a digital intermediate, both the Ultimate and Theatrical Cuts maintain a consistent aesthetic, with finely detailed images that avoid the pitfalls of digital harshness. The color palette is broad and varied, serving the epic's vast landscapes and complex character moments well, with blacks that are deep and colors that vividly recreate the ancient world.

However, the presentation differs significantly between the two cuts included. The Ultimate Cut suffers from extensive filtering issues, leading to a loss of detail and occasional compression artifacts, particularly noticeable during motion. This is disappointing, especially considering the expectations for a superior presentation in longer film versions. In contrast, the Theatrical Cut offers a markedly improved viewing experience, with a clearer, less filtered image that preserves more of the film's intricate details, from fabric textures to skin tones.

These variances in video quality raise questions about the encoding choices made for these releases. Despite both versions being encoded with AVC MPEG-4 at 1080p, and aspect ratios kept at a cinematic 2.40:1, the Ultimate Cut’s lower bitrate does not fully justify its visual shortcomings. Remarkably, even with less filtering and a better handle on detail, both cuts exhibit impressive depth and color reproduction, displaying no noticeable banding or pixelation. It's evident that when it comes to "Alexander" on Blu-ray, the Theatrical Cut is where the video presentation shines its brightest.

The audio presentation of "Alexander" on Blu-ray, featuring both the Theatrical and Ultimate Cuts in a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 format, offers a robust and immersive experience that brings the epic scale of the film's battles and character moments to life with outstanding clarity and depth. Throughout the great battle scenes, the soundtrack provides a visceral impact with the sounds of arrows, galloping horses, and elephants, enhancing the cinematic experience with dynamic surround sound that fully engages the listener. The surround channels are effectively utilized not only in action sequences but also in scenes teeming with atmospheric details, such as the subtle chill of mountain winds when Alexander and Ptolemy reflect on the story of Prometheus, demonstrating the soundtrack’s range from the thunderous roars of battle to the quietest whispers of dialogue.

Dialogue reproduction is notably clear across both cuts of the film, despite some deliberate slurring for character effect by Val Kilmer as Philip. The richness and majesty of Vangelis's score are among the highlights of the audio presentation, providing a lush and dynamic backdrop that further elevates the film's dramatic resonance. While the audio quality between the Theatrical and Ultimate Cuts may be subject to perception bias and individual audio setups, it's clear that both versions strive to deliver an authoritative and immersive listening experience, with an emphasis on crisp dialogue levels, excellent dynamics, and a low-frequency extension that brings cinematic battles to exhilarating life.

The reviews highlight a unanimous appreciation for the soundtrack's ability to immerse the viewer fully into Alexander's world, from the strategic placement of ambient sounds enhancing scene atmospheres to the meticulous attention to audio dynamics that range from bombastic battle sequences to intimate character exchanges. The Blu-ray's DTS-HD MA 5.1 audio track excels in delivering a palpable sense of engagement, making "Alexander" an exemplar of how audio can complement visuals to create a compelling narrative experience. Whether it concerns the heft of warfare or the subtlety of personal dialogue, the audio presentation is a testament to the film's ambitious scope and its meticulous realization on home media.

The Blu-ray extras for "Alexander" offer an extensive and diverse array of content that caters to both fans of the film and history buffs alike. Oliver Stone's commentaries, spanning across different versions of the release, reveal his deep connection and continued reflection on the film's legacy and his creative decisions, albeit without directly addressing the changes between cuts. The involvement of historian Robin Lane Fox adds a layer of authenticity and insights into the ancient world, despite some invented scenes for cinematic purposes. The documentaries, especially "The Real Alexander and the World He Made" and "Fight Against Time: Oliver Stone's Alexander," provide a compelling look behind the scenes and into the historical figure's impact. However, some extra content found in previous DVD releases is noticeably absent, such as Stone's introduction to the 'Revisited' cut, and there's a mix of quality in the visual presentation of these extras. This collection, particularly with its Ultimate Cut exclusives, demonstrates a dedication to both historical exploration and filmmaking intricacies, though it may leave some desiring more clarity on the distinctions between the various cuts of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Ultimate Cut Commentary with Oliver Stone: Insightful reflections mixed with historical context.
• The Real Alexander and the World He Made: A brief yet informative documentary featuring historians and Oliver Stone.
• Fight Against Time: Oliver Stone's Alexander: A comprehensive documentary by Sean Stone that delves deep into the making of "Alexander".
• Theatrical Cut Commentary with Oliver Stone and Robin Lane Fox: A blend of filmmaking insights and historical analysis.
• Resurrecting Alexander: A look into the making of "Alexander" through the eyes of Sean Stone.
• Perfect Is the Enemy of Good: Focuses on historical accuracy and Oliver Stone’s perfectionism.
• The Death of Alexander: Reveals challenges faced during filming, including cast injuries.
• Vangelis Scores Alexander: Vangelis discusses his scoring process for the film.
• Trailers: Includes teaser and theatrical trailers in standard definition.
• UltraViolet Digital Copy – Ultimate Cut only: Offers a digital version of the Ultimate Cut.

Oliver Stone's "Alexander" has been a cinematic odyssey, marked as much by perseverance as by controversy. From its initial release in 2004 to the advent of "Alexander: The Ultimate Cut," this sprawling epic has undergone numerous revisions, each aimed at refining Stone's vision of the life and conquests of Alexander the Great. The journey through these versions uncovers a filmmaker’s relentless quest for perfection, underscored by a willingness to revisit and refine his work in the face of both criticism and the evolving landscape of film presentation technology. This extended engagement with a single project reflects Stone's deep personal investment in the subject matter and his unyielding ambition to fully realize his interpretation of Alexander's complex historical figure.

The theatrical debut of "Alexander" in 2004, and its subsequent iterations – the Director's Cut, the 'Revisited' Final Cut, and finally, the Ultimate Cut – reveal Stone's iterative process in exploring the myriad facets of one of history's most enigmatic figures. While critics were divided, and the box office response was lukewarm in the United States, international audiences were more receptive. Detractors focused on miscasting concerns and perceived narrative overreach, notably critiquing Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Alexander and Angelina Jolie's performance as Olympias. Nonetheless, such criticisms have not overshadowed the film's strengths, particularly its ambitious scope, psychological depth, and the sheer grandeur of its battle sequences. These elements underscore "Alexander" as a work of passion and vision, albeit an imperfect one.

Stone’s latest foray, "The Ultimate Cut," presents an opportunity for reevaluation. This version strives for a balance, incorporating the robustness of content from "Revisited" while attempting a more cohesive narrative structure lost in previous cuts. Notably, it reframes key battles and character arcs, aiming for clarity amidst the epic’s sprawling narrative. Despite the controversies and varied critical reception over the years, Stone’s endeavor with "Alexander" exemplifies a rare cinematic commitment to historical epic storytelling. It serves not only as a testament to Alexander the Great's enduring legacy but also to Oliver Stone's tenacity as a filmmaker willing to confront his own opus multiple times to achieve what he views as its definitive portrayal.

Oliver Stone's "Alexander" has been a polarizing piece for cinephiles and historians alike, having gone through multiple iterations since its theatrical release in 2004. The Ultimate Cut, as reviewed, juxtaposes its predecessors by attempting to refine the narrative through Stone's notable technique of vertical editing, a method where additional images are inserted to deepen the narrative's subtext. This technique, while innovative, appears somewhat imposed upon a film not originally conceived with this edit in mind, rendering the Ultimate Cut less impactful than its theatrical counterpart. The movie's numerous versions, each with its own merits and pitfalls, showcase Stone's relentless endeavor to perfect his vision of Alexander the Great's story. The Blu-ray presentation of these cuts, particularly the Theatrical Cut presented in high definition for the first time, garners praise for its technical specifications, making it a commendable addition for fans and newcomers willing to explore Stone's cinematic portrayal of the historical figure.

Despite mixed feelings towards the various editions of "Alexander," there remains a consensus on the quality of the Blu-ray presentation. The 10th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray, encompassing the Ultimate Cut and the highly anticipated high-definition Theatrical Cut, offers a substantial package. Its demo-worthy technical aspects and satisfactory extras provide an enticing proposition for Oliver Stone admirers and historical epic enthusiasts. However, opinions diverge on the Ultimate Cut's ability to attract new audiences or significantly alter perceptions of the film's legacy.

In conclusion, "Alexander" in its Ultimate Cut Blu-ray presentation breathes new life into Oliver Stone's ambitious but contentious epic. While it may not reconcile all critics or convert skeptics, it reaffirms the film's position within Stone's oeuvre as a work of relentless experimentation and passion. For individuals with an affinity for Stone’s work or a curiosity about Alexander the Great contextualized through a cinematic lens, this Blu-ray release represents a worthy exploration. However, for those seeking a definitive version of "Alexander," the journey through its multiple cuts underscores the complexity of capturing history's nuances on film and suggests that such an endeavor remains an evolving quest rather than a concluded chapter.