Sebastiane Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray video presentation of "Sebastiane" offers a robust and visually engaging experience, evidenced by its sharp and vibrant image quality. The VC-1 encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio reveals a remarkably crisp and clean picture, marred only slightly by minimal filtering, which removes much of the filmic grain. This results in a predominantly smooth image while preserving enough fine detail to showcase the unique texture of facial features, costumes, and set designs. The delightful visual essence of the film is maintained through a bright and bold color palette, with deep reds and blues rendering the vibrant fabrics and cartoonish ambiance effectively. Shadow detail is commendable, keeping dense hairstyles and nighttime scenes appreciable without discomfort.

Despite minor issues such as occasional softness and slight ringing, which surface mainly in a few sequences, the overall transfer remains consistent and pleasant. The contrast is very good, with whites appearing crisp and clean, and blacks retaining their accurate and often inky quality, adding substantial depth to the visuals. This consistency in video presentation ensures that architectural details and clothing textures stand out with distinct lines, while facial complexions are naturally rendered and rich in revealing texture. All in all, "Sebastiane" on Blu-ray successfully strikes a balance between clarity and visual authenticity, providing an enjoyable viewing experience suited for cinematic appreciation.

The audio presentation of the "Sebastiane" Blu Ray offers an engaging and dynamic listening experience with its 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio sound mix. This track ensures a gratifying frontal push for dialogue, providing full and crystal-clear voices. The intricacies of Murphy's performance are detailed crisply, maintaining a satisfying balance with the overall verbal activity. The mix excels in creating an immersive soundfield, with the rears filled with discrete effects that enhance the front soundstage and envelop the viewer in the film’s ambience, making the scenes come alive.

The sound mix showcases a balanced and supportive scoring that harmonizes well with the dialogue, occasionally ramping up to highlight key moments of mischief. Specific scenes, such as Sherman's King Kong nightmare sequence, utilize low-end frequencies effectively to deliver a pleasing and impactful rumble. Outdoor scenes leverage surround channels for discrete activities, while indoor sequences such as party antics and classroom moments have a circular, immersive feel. Ambient sounds, whether in Klumps' laboratory or around the university campus, further enhance the overall auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Sebastiane" offers a limited but insightful collection of extras, presenting both historical context and glimpses into the production's impact. The extras shed light on various iconic elements and figures related to the film and its studio, delivering a professional and engaging experience for audiences seeking a deeper understanding of the film's cultural and cinematic significance.

Extras included in this disc:

• 100 Years of Universal: The Lew Wasserman Era: Explores the visionary agent behind Universal Studio's expansion, featuring interviews with historians and family members.
• 100 Years of Universal: Unforgettable Characters: Highlights Universal’s iconic creations including Universal Monsters, Jaws, Back to the Future, and more.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original preview of the movie.

Eddie Murphy's 1996 remake of 'The Nutty Professor' distinguishes itself from the 1963 Jerry Lewis classic by infusing the plot with a contemporary focus on obesity and body transformation, a decision that both gives the film a unique identity and introduces new comedic elements. Murphy plays Sherman Klump, an obese but amiable science professor who discovers a formula that temporarily transforms him into the slender and confident Buddy Love. This transformation allows Murphy to exhibit his immense range as an actor, taking on multiple personas with distinct traits, all underpinned by exceptional special effects and makeup.

However, while Murphy's performance is impeccable and thoroughly engaging, the film’s humor often falls short. The jokes largely center around Sherman's weight, delivering a barrage of fat jokes that undermine the film's surface-level message of tolerance and acceptance. The humor consistently leans toward crudeness – particularly with its reliance on fart gags courtesy of the Klump family scenes – which quickly grows tiresome and lazy. Notably, even amidst this, moments like Buddy Love's confrontation with comedian Reggie Warrington (Dave Chappelle) showcase Murphy's remarkable comedic timing and capacity to elevate even the most juvenile material.

In terms of narrative structure, 'The Nutty Professor' endeavors to explore deeper themes such as self-esteem and identity through Sherman's character arc. Despite this, the film rarely captures genuine emotionality, as any attempt at heartfelt storytelling is frequently overshadowed by mean-spirited comedy. Ultimately, the movie struggles to balance its dual tones, swinging between sentimental underdog moments and broad slapstick with jarring abruptness. Nonetheless, Murphy’s multi-character performance remains a standout and a crucial reminder of his significant comedic talent.

Sebastiane' stands out as one of the most unique and compelling historical dramas of its time. The Blu-ray release masterfully preserves the film's rich visual and aural textures, providing viewers with a remarkably immersive experience. With meticulous remastering, the film’s vibrant color palette is brought back to life, emphasizing the Mediterranean aesthetics and the period-specific scenery. The Dolby TrueHD audio track offers a clear, dynamic soundscape which accentuates both the ambient noises and the subtly powerful score.

One notable aspect of this Blu-ray release is its commitment to authenticity. The restoration team has successfully retained the integrity of Derek Jarman’s visionary direction and Howard Guard’s cinematography. This effort is evident in the precise rendering of nuanced light and shadow, as well as the careful reconstruction of the original film grain. The historical fidelity is further enhanced by the film's accurate depiction of 3rd-century Rome, meticulously detailed costumes, and the use of authentic Latin dialogue, all contributing to a compelling viewing experience.

However, despite these strengths, it is disappointing that the Blu-ray edition lacks substantial bonus content. The inclusion of a few short featurettes does little to provide deeper insights into the making of 'Sebastiane' or its cultural significance. This omission detracts slightly from what could have been a comprehensive package for devoted fans of Jarman’s work and scholars of historical cinema.

Conclusively, 'Sebastiane' on Blu-ray is a worthy acquisition for its exceptional audiovisual presentation that faithfully preserves the film's artistic vision. While the paucity of bonus features is noticeable, the revitalized picture and sound quality ensure this release remains a standout for both collectors and new audiences alike.