Murder on the Orient Express Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Murder on the Orient Express" by Paramount Home Media Distribution offers a commendable 1080p MPEG-4 AVC transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. This release utilizes what appears to be an older, yet well-maintained master originally finished photochemically in a 35mm format. While this doesn't match the crispness of newer 4K standards, it preserves Geoffrey Unsworth’s intended use of diffusion, delivering a rich and authentic visual experience with its innate softness. Notably, the grain structure is well-managed, translating into a naturally textured image that enhances the period setting without feeling overly digital or processed.

Color timing in this release is significantly improved from previous Region B versions. The hues are more vibrant, providing warmer skin tones and removing the bluish tint observed in earlier editions. The update ensures more natural blacks and shadows, lending depth and dimensionality to the scenes. It's particularly noteworthy in settings like Istanbul, where bursts of color – such as the reds of fez caps and verdant foliage – contrast with the cooler tones when the train traverses icy landscapes. This balance brings out nuanced details, from the steam engine's billowing clouds to Poirot’s deep black attire, creating a visually engaging experience.

Despite minor speckling and a bit of heavier texture during the opening Istanbul segments, once the train journey begins, the presentation settles into a warm, film-like feel. The interplay of vibrant color contrasts highlights close-ups and detailed elements like character features with remarkable clarity. This transfer marks a significant improvement over the DVD version by eliminating previous print damage and dull palettes. It shines as the definitive version currently available, despite being derived from an older master, making it a must-have for fans of this classic cinematic whodunit.

The Blu-ray release of "Murder on the Orient Express" offers an intriguing selection of audio tracks, with the standout options being the English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and the restored 2.0 mono Dolby Digital. The 5.1 track provides an immersive soundscape, remarkably enhancing the original mono output without altering its integrity. The surround effects deliver an expansive and enveloping audio experience, notably featuring Richard Rodney Bennett’s Oscar-nominated score, which resonates beautifully through the channels. Train atmospherics, distinct acoustic details such as train whistles and knife-stabbing effects, and bass frequencies are expertly managed across the mix, ensuring clarity and dimension without distortion or unwanted noise artifacts.

However, despite the advanced fidelity and depth of the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, the discrepancies in dialogue clarity from the DVD version persist, primarily due to nuanced accents and occasionally muffled lines. Nevertheless, the mono Dolby Digital track holds its own against the 5.1 track, providing a surprisingly rich listening experience even in its lossy format. This restored track's clarity supports purists who appreciate the original presentation without significant loss of quality. While some might view it as unconventional to offer a restored soundtrack in lossy form on a high-definition platform, this offering provides those inclined toward the original sound quality an appealing alternative.

Overall, both tracks complement each other by offering distinct yet robust auditory experiences, allowing viewers to explore personal preferences in sound presentation. It's recommended for users to experiment with these audio options to fully appreciate their respective enhancements, ensuring an enriched cinematic experience reminiscent of an authentic journey on the iconic train.

The Blu-ray extras for "Murder on the Orient Express" closely mirror those from the original DVD release, offering a comprehensive look into both Agatha Christie's legacy and the film’s production. The standout feature, Agatha Christie: A Portrait, provides a personal glimpse into Christie’s life and creative process through the eyes of her grandson, Mathew Prichard, enriched with rare photographs and insightful commentary on her iconic character, Hercule Poirot. The insightful Making Murder on the Orient Express documentary spans four detailed parts, capturing interviews with significant personalities such as director Sidney Lumet, and cast members, discussing everything from the film’s inspiration to its casting challenges. Throughout the series, the emphasis is on preserving not just the filmmaking process but also the cultural milieu of this iconic piece. Each segment is peppered with affectionate anecdotes and production tidbits.

Extras included in this disc:

• Agatha Christie: A Portrait: Mathew Prichard discusses Christie’s life and impact.
• Making Murder on the Orient Express: A four-part deep dive into the film's production.
  • Part 1: All Aboard!
  • Part 2: The Ride
  • Part 3: The Passengers
  • Part 4: The End of the Line
• Theatrical Trailer: Original U.S. trailer showcasing the film’s star-studded cast.

Sidney Lumet’s Murder on the Orient Express on Blu-ray showcases a film that redefined adaptations of Agatha Christie’s work. This version is both an homage to classic Hollywood productions and a uniquely styled whodunit. A striking example of ensemble acting, the film features a constellation of illustrious actors including Albert Finney as Hercule Poirot, Ingrid Bergman, Lauren Bacall, and Sean Connery. Although the screenplay weaves humor with intrigue, some performances feel uneven, as not all actors align tonally—Bergman winning an Oscar for her role as a stark contrast to others leaning towards humor. Nevertheless, performances by Lauren Bacall and Anthony Perkins stand out, demonstrating the cohesion needed for a film of such star power.

Murder on the Orient Express is a masterclass in blending rich cinematography with Art Deco aesthetics, achieved through Geoffrey Unsworth's distinguished work, complemented by Tony Walton’s set and costume design. The cinematography—evoking a sense of nostalgia and claustrophobia—captures the luxurious confines of train travel in the 1930s. Richard Rodney Bennett’s orchestral score adds to this atmosphere, infusing the narrative with a memorable charm and weighty elegance that holds up under scrutiny. Paul Dehn's screenplay artfully adapts Christie's intricate narrative, ensuring that viewers remain engrossed as Poirot unravels the dense tapestry of secrets within the train.

Despite critiques of Finney’s portrayal—marked by a thick accent and eccentric demeanor—his Poirot is captivating, striking a balance between wit and gravitas without overshadowing his peers. The film remains a benchmark in Christie adaptations for its blend of grandiose sets, a gripping plot, and its adept encapsulation of Christie’s novel’s essence. This Blu-ray release offers an accessible view, backed by superior attention to visual and auditory presentation, cementing Lumet’s Murder on the Orient Express as a distinguished cinematic journey.

Sidney Lumet’s adaptation of "Murder on the Orient Express" arrives on Blu-ray with a refreshed presentation that benefits significantly from improved video quality and a lossless multi-channel audio track. These technical enhancements elevate the classic film's atmospheric charm and ensure an engaging viewing experience. While Albert Finney’s portrayal of Hercule Poirot has its critics, the film’s all-star ensemble, featuring Lauren Bacall, Ingrid Bergman, and Sean Connery, injects life into this captivating mystery. The Blu-ray release is sourced from a slightly dated but commendable master, preserving the period atmosphere more effectively than Kenneth Branagh's modern iteration.

The Blu-ray maintains several compelling special features from the original DVD release, including insightful documentaries divided into various thematic segments. These features explore the making of the film through interviews with the likes of Sidney Lumet and Jacques Bissett. Notably, it includes a heartfelt piece with Agatha Christie’s grandson, offering personal insights into Christie’s world and Poirot's character. Although it lacks some extras found in other regional releases, the included English, French, and Japanese subtitles for all extras reflect a well-rounded package.

In conclusion, "Murder on the Orient Express" endures as a fascinating cinephile journey, rendering its classic narrative with sophistication supported by enhanced audiovisual fidelity on Blu-ray. Despite some shortcomings in Poirot's characterization and notable absences in features compared to other versions, Paramount’s edition is a valuable addition to any collection due to its polished presentation and captivating storyline. For those who appreciate classic cinema with a rich, atmospheric allure, this release is highly recommended.