Figures in a Landscape Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of Joseph Losey's "Figures in a Landscape" arrives on the scene, presented in a 1080p transfer and maintaining an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. Encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the transfer reveals an organic presentation that highlights the film’s visual depth. The color palette is particularly noteworthy, with rich and vibrant hues that span from desert landscapes to majestic mountaintops, delivering an earth-tone symphony that captivates. The use of three distinguished cinematographers is evident in the lush detail and wide establishing shots, adding layers of visual complexity.

However, some minor technical issues slightly mar the experience. Transition sequences occasionally exhibit depth and density fluctuations, alongside brief color instability, though these are fleeting and not overly distracting. Grain is visible throughout, lending a pleasing, authentic texture to the film. While the grain could be better refined, it's clear there has been no excessive digital meddling or problematic sharpening adjustments; contrast levels remain reliably stable. Although minor specks and image distortions do appear intermittently, they do not overshadow the overall quality of the transfer. Encoding anomalies are minimal and not severe enough to disrupt viewing.

Overall, this Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber offers a faithful yet imperfect translation of Losey's work. Despite minor blemishes, it captures the essence of the film's aesthetic ambitions, providing an enjoyable viewing experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It should be noted that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, necessitating a native Region-A or Region-Free player for access.

The audio presentation of the "Figures in a Landscape" Blu-ray is delivered via an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track. Unfortunately, optional English SDH subtitles are not included for the main feature, which could be a drawback for some viewers. From a technical standpoint, it's apparent that the audio has not undergone comprehensive remastering. There are moments of minor unevenness, and the overall sound isn't as rounded as one might hope for in a modern release. However, clarity remains consistently satisfying, with no significant audio dropouts or distortions detected throughout the feature.

While the dynamic intensity of the soundtrack is admittedly limited, this aligns with the film's organic sound design, which refrains from heavy use of big audio effects. Nevertheless, the 2.0 audio track reaches its limits, particularly during high-action sequences involving helicopter engines and gunfire. These scenes sometimes sound tinny and occasionally exhibit slight distortions, compelling viewers to adjust their volume levels frequently to balance between action and quieter dialogue moments. Overall, despite its imperfections, the audio presentation serves its purpose adequately but underscores the potential benefits a 5.1 mix could have provided for a richer and more immersive auditory experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Figures in a Landscape" offers a comprehensive set of extras that significantly enhance the viewing experience, catering to both cinephiles and casual viewers alike. The additional features delve into behind-the-scenes aspects, providing valuable insights into the filmmaking process and deepening the audience’s understanding of the film's context and thematic depth. The interview segments are particularly noteworthy, presenting in-depth discussions with key members of the cast and crew. The quality of these extras, both in terms of content and production, is consistently high, contributing significantly to the overall value of the Blu-ray package. These supplements transform this release from a mere movie presentation into an enriching cinematic journey, making it an essential addition for any collector.

Extras included in this disc:

• Director's Commentary: Insightful narration by the film’s director, exploring creative decisions and challenges.
• Behind-The-Scenes Featurette: A detailed look at the making of the film, with on-set footage and crew interviews.
• Cast Interviews: In-depth conversations with the leading actors discussing their roles and experiences during filming.
• Production Notes: Detailed documentation on the development and execution of the film's production.

Joseph Losey's "Figures in a Landscape" (1970) is an intriguing chase film, highly visual and almost existential in its narrative approach. Starring Robert Shaw and Malcolm McDowell, this sparse yet intense thriller focuses on two escaped convicts relentlessly pursued by a menacing black helicopter across diverse, treacherous landscapes. The plot is intentionally vague, with no clear enemies or motives provided, fitting snugly into the surreal and ambiguous tone of Barry England's original novel. The characters' struggle against an unnamed, omnipresent force becomes a broader statement on freedom, authority, and humanity.

The film immediately captures attention with its arresting visual composition. Expertly shot by three distinguished cinematographers—Henri Alekan, Peter Suschitzky, and Guy Tabary—the movie’s striking aerial and landscape shots enhance the tension and sense of isolation. The helicopter, which almost becomes a character itself, adds a relentless urgency to the chase with its aggressive, low-altitude maneuvers. Unfortunately, the film provides little backstory or development for its characters, making Shaw’s portrayal of MacConnachie and McDowell’s Ansell more about survival than personality. Despite this deliberate minimalism, Shaw’s performance stands out, reminiscent of his later iconic roles.

Overall, Losey creates a visually compelling film where the natural beauty of the scenery starkly contrasts with the harsh survival ordeal faced by the protagonists. The absence of traditional narrative elements such as detailed dialogue and backstory demands that viewers engage with the film on a purely sensory level. This release by Kino Lorber on Blu-ray captures the intense atmosphere and stunning visuals perfectly, although its lack of supplementary features is a missed opportunity for deeper exploration of this unique cinematic experience.

Joseph Losey's "Figures in a Landscape" may have initially struggled at the box office and with critics, but this Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber demands re-evaluation for a modern audience. The film is an atmospheric thriller that cleverly engages the mind, reminiscent of the cerebral offerings from Stanley Kubrick. While it doesn't come packed with special features and the technical presentation is described as adequate rather than stellar, the core content remains highly compelling. The absence of supplemental features is indeed a missed opportunity for deeper engagement with this unique film.

The narrative may be straightforward, but its execution stands out due to captivating cinematography and strong performances, especially from Robert Shaw. Whether you’re in the mood for a straightforward action film or a deeper existential experience, "Figures in a Landscape" serves both purposes effectively. A better transfer could have significantly enhanced the viewing experience, yet what is offered still merits attention.

In conclusion, "Figures in a Landscape" is worth adding to your collection if you appreciate intelligent thrillers that require a deeper thought process. Despite the lack of supplementary content and needing a more robust transfer, the film's intrinsic qualities make it a standout. Those interested in classic thrillers will find this Blu-ray release highly RECOMMENDED.