Enigma Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Enigma" by MVD Marquee Collection, presented in an AVC encoded 1080p transfer at 1.78:1, demonstrates a mixed performance. The transfer quality is unsatisfactory at times, pointing towards an older telecine effort with little to no recent restoration. Substantial grain often appears overly abrasive to the extent of introducing noticeable noise interference. The initial scenes suffer from instability, with considerable wobble during the opening credits—a possible indicator of the absence of restoration work. However, this release marks a significant improvement in picture quality over any prior versions, presenting it properly in its theatrical aspect ratio.

The color palette seems inconsistently managed, displaying tonal biases and unnatural flesh tones during the first 30 minutes. The hues lean substantially towards blues and purples initially but warm up as the movie progresses. Despite this transition, cool blue undertones sporadically persist. The shadow delineation is acceptable, though the blacks can appear milky as observed in some darker scenes where a hazy overlay can obscure detail. Age-related wear like dirt and white flecks also intermittently surface, reflecting an unrefined transfer.

Although clarity varies, definition remains mostly film-like responsive to the era and film stock. Detail visibility is reasonably decent under favorable lighting and stands out prominently in close-ups. The Blu-ray uses an MPEG-2 encode on a BD-25, with notable occurrences of macroblocking in dimly lit scenes, though this is not a prevalent issue. The relatively high presence of opticals within the film could likely contribute to its rough-looking quality. While mise-en-scène complexities and era-specific film characteristics are preserved, optimal video clarity and color fidelity fall short of modern standards.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Enigma" includes a lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 mono track. Within this context, the audio is listenable but lacks the considerable energy that could be expected from more advanced soundtracks, particularly in the midrange and low end frequencies. While dialogue is clear and easy to understand, it is evident that a stereo soundtrack would have provided superior separation between background sounds and dialogue, adding more depth to scenes with dramatic effects like rioting students.

The score is nicely balanced within the mix, ensuring that it competently supports the film without overshadowing crucial dialogue. However, the overall auditory experience leans more towards older television movie aesthetics rather than large-scale theatrical productions. Despite its limitations, the audio does not suffer from any inherent damage or distortion, maintaining an acceptable level of clarity throughout. Optional English SDH subtitles are available, presented in a readable white font.

In summary, while the inclusion of a lossy Dolby Digital 2.0 mono track for "Enigma" may not offer the dynamic range and fidelity seen in modern soundtracks, it remains functional and free from harmful distortions. The balanced score and clear dialogue serve the narrative adequately, albeit in a manner more reminiscent of older television fare.

The Blu-ray extras for "Enigma" offer a modest yet informative collection that enhances the viewing experience. They provide a window into the film's background and primary actors through brief yet concise featurettes. The Photo Gallery includes an assortment of promotional posters and stills that add visual context. While the Theatrical Trailer presents an older SD format upscaled to HD, it effectively captures the essence of the film. Additionally, the Actor Biographies deliver succinct text capsules on Martin Sheen and Sam Neill, automatically advancing at a calculated pace.

Extras included in this disc:

• Photo Gallery: An assortment of promotional posters and still images.
• Theatrical Trailer: The film's trailer, upscaled from older footage.
• Actor Biographies: Brief text summaries of Martin Sheen and Sam Neill's careers.

"Enigma," directed by Jeannot Szwarc and based on the novel Enigma Sacrifice by Michael Barak, stars Martin Sheen as Alex Holbeck, an East German dissident recruited by the CIA. Set in the early 1980s, the narrative hinges on the CIA's need to procure an Enigma code-scrambling device to thwart a KGB assassination plot targeting Russian spies who defected to the West. This setup, while intriguing, carries an undercurrent of illogicality, questioning why the Americans wouldn't directly secure the device from their British allies who originally invented it. The film's plot rapidly unfolds into a cat-and-mouse chase with Holbeck trapped in East Berlin, pursued by the ruthless KGB agent Dimitri Vasilikov, played by Sam Neill.

The screenplay by John Briley attempts to build tension in a quasi-Hitchcockian manner, but falters by revealing key plot points too early, compromising the film’s suspenseful potential. Holbeck, relying on his former lover Karen Reinhardt (Brigitte Fossey) who has ties to Vasilikov, navigates a series of perilous situations. The complex relationships add a layer of emotional depth, yet the climax feels somewhat anticlimactic, ending with a sense of unresolved finality. Despite these narrative inconsistencies, the performances are notable; Sam Neill excels as a menacing antagonist, while Sheen’s portrayal of Holbeck fades slightly into the background.

This Cold War-era spy drama lacks the high-octane action seen in contemporary espionage films but compensates with its character-driven storytelling and atmospheric suspense. Its dense plotting demands close attention from viewers to keep track of the multiple twists and supporting characters. The romantic subplot between Holbeck and Reinhardt brings a human element to the otherwise mechanical spy maneuvers. While not a quintessential example of spycraft, "Enigma" finds its strength in the nuanced performances and intricate character relationships, making for a compelling watch for fans of intelligential thrillers accustomed to the genre's demands.

The Blu-ray release of "Enigma" presents an enjoyable, albeit imperfect, experience for fans of Cold War spy dramas. Starring Martin Sheen and Sam Neill, the film attempts to balance suspense and romance but struggles to master either. Noteworthy performances by a notable cast, including Derek Jacobi, offer compelling moments, although the film does not fully capitalize on its potential. For those seeking diversion during this era of quarantine, the film's engaging plot and character dynamics can still provide satisfactory entertainment.

Despite the film's strengths, the technical presentation on this Blu-ray edition leaves much to be desired. The picture quality shows inconsistencies, lacking the sharpness and vibrant colors expected from high-definition transfers. Audio quality fares slightly better but does not consistently deliver the immersive experience modern audiences crave. These technical shortcomings may disappoint even dedicated fans of the genre and cast.

Bonus materials on the PG-rated Blu-ray are modest yet offer some additional value. They include a photo gallery featuring color stills and a reproduction of the original poster, accompanied by the film's Douglas Gamley/Marc Wilkinson score. Cast biographies and the original theatrical trailer round out the extras, providing some nostalgic glimpses into the film's creation.

In conclusion, "Enigma" on Blu-ray offers a mixed bag of engaging performances and a reasonably entertaining spy drama marred by subpar technical execution. While it serves as a decent time-filler, particularly in times of quarantine, its technical flaws might disappoint those seeking a more polished viewing experience.