Shiraz Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Shiraz," delivered by MVD Visual and Juno Films, features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, stemming from an exceptional restoration undertaken by the British Film Institute. This comprehensive restoration utilized both the original negative and a positive safety, culminating in a stunning visual output. Viewers are treated to excellent detail levels, especially in scenes showcasing sophisticated chiaroscuro techniques. While most of the footage is impressive, darker sequences with coarser grain suggest portions sourced from the secondary element due to potential damage in the original negative. Despite visible signs of age-related wear, including occasional brief blemishes and a notable horizontal scratch toward the film's end, the visual quality remains largely intact and commendable.

Rendering the lush architecture and intricate clothing with dazzling resolution, the HD disc rejuvenates the film's texture almost 90 years after its inception. Long shots featuring hundreds of extras, whether on horseback or praying, retain sharpness without any discernible loss in detail. The encode tackles grain replication effectively, maintaining precision with minimal issues. Despite some shots faltering in definition due to original cinematography and rudimentary editing techniques, these are not flaws attributable to this transfer or master. Brightness levels impressively capture India's intense sun without clipping, while the grayscale exhibits stability and coherence, albeit with limited use of true black. "Shiraz" predominantly maintains a well-lit ambiance throughout its runtime.

Anoushka Shankar's score for "Shiraz" is a remarkable auditory experience, magnificently merging ethnic instruments like tablas with modern elements such as Moog synthesizers. Delivered in both DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 and LPCM 2.0 formats, the audio presentation is lush and immersive. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track stands out for its heightened low-end response and enveloping spatial qualities, making it the preferred choice for those seeking a fully dimensional soundscape.

In this surround track, Shankar’s deft use of percussion and traditional instruments creates a rich tapestry of sound that is both culturally evocative and sonically pleasing. The localized culture is brilliantly sold through strategic small surround flourishes, particularly enhancing the resonance and depth of the drums. This meticulous attention to audio detail ensures a compelling and robust listening experience, solidifying the score as one of the most captivating elements of the Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray of "Shiraz" offers an intriguing array of extras that delve deeper into the film's historical and cultural context. However, it appears there is a discrepancy between the advertised supplements and the actual content present on the disc. Specifically, the anticipated restoration demonstration and vintage documentary on Indian musical instruments, which are listed on the packaging, are missing from both the Blu-ray and DVD menus. Despite this, the quality of the available supplements reinforces the film’s historical significance and provides substantial value to enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Restoration Demonstration: Footage showcasing the painstaking process of restoring the film.
• Vintage Documentary: A 1944 public service announcement exploring the richness of Indian music.

"Shiraz" is a cinematic masterpiece that exemplifies what international co-production can achieve. Released in 1928, amidst India's struggle for independence, the film brings forth a visually sumptuous narrative purported to explain the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. Directed by Franz Osten and featuring a native Indian cast, led by Himansu Rai, "Shiraz" deftly combines elements of myth and history to produce an evocative and emotionally resonant silent film. Osten's masterful use of light and shadow, along with the cast's emotionally astute performances, make this film a poignant visual feast that effectively tugs at the heartstrings.

Himansu Rai, both producer and star, plays Shiraz, a villager who falls in love with Selima, an orphaned princess. Their story is steeped in melodrama and explores themes such as love transcending social class and the sacrifices it entails. While the film sometimes prioritizes lush visuals over narrative pacing, these extended scenes offer a historical travelogue of India's rich culture and lifestyle. Notably, the movie avoids a conventional happy ending, instead offering a tale grounded in emotional truth and historical realism.

Ultimately, "Shiraz" isn’t just about romance; it’s a reflection on class divides and unfulfilled love that birthed an architectural wonder. Rai’s portrayal of Shiraz as a man willing to sacrifice everything for love adds depth to the narrative. The film’s climactic moments, where Shiraz builds the Taj Mahal model while blind, embody a love unreciprocated yet immortalized in stone. This choice to focus on realism over fantasy is gutsy and makes "Shiraz" a timeless piece that captures India’s elegance and complexity in a way that transcends its era.

The Blu Ray of "Shiraz" showcases a classic silent film romance with a meticulously restored visual experience. Brought to life by the British Film Institute (BFI), this version offers an impeccably clean and crisp transfer that highlights the extraordinary imagery of India. The attention to detail in the restoration process is evident, providing a true spectacle for lovers of silent cinema. The audio, although limited by the era's technology, is clear and complements the visual experience adequately.

However, the narrative itself may not be universally appealing. Some may find the romantic elements clumsy and the pacing sluggish, which could detract from overall engagement. Despite these shortcomings, the visual splendor of "Shiraz" and its historical significance in cinema make it a noteworthy addition to any collection. The artistry in its cinematography is particularly commendable, capturing the essence and mystique of its time and setting with striking accuracy.

In conclusion, Shiraz was a pleasant surprise in my review queue, and I can't imagine any lover of silent cinema romances not finding something to appreciate here. The BFI has done a remarkable job restoring this, and technical merits on this release are solid. Unfortunately, the supplements listed on the back cover seem to have gone missing somewhere along the way. Highly recommended.