Macbeth Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray of Roman Polanski's "Macbeth," presented in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, features a 1080p transfer that is a visual treat, despite a few minor inconsistencies. This new digital transfer, supervised by Grover Crisp and color-corrected by Sheri Eisenberg at Sony Colorworks, has been made from a 4K scan of the 35mm original camera negative and a 35mm color reversal internegative. Restoration work was meticulously performed using MTI's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix tools to manage debris, dirt, flicker, grain, and noise, ensuring no visible scratches, cuts, or damage marks, resulting in excellent image stability.

The video presentation captures the film’s dark, atmospheric cinematography with impressive depth and clarity. Despite the overall gloomy palette dominated by nuanced browns, blues, grays, greens, and blacks, the color reproduction stands out for its subtlety and precision. While grain consistency varies slightly from scene to scene, the moderate to heavy layer of grain contributes to a pleasingly organic texture. Blacks are slightly elevated, but shadow details remain solid throughout. A few scenes suffer from minor focus issues and faintly noisy grain early on, but these are negligible compared to the otherwise superb quality. The 1080p transfer effectively highlights period details like characters' chainmail armor and set props with commendable precision, maintaining Polanski’s visual vision intact.

Polanski’s director-approved transfer brings out the inherent strengths of the source materials. The occasional contrast fluctuations are inherent to the original cinematography and do not detract from the overall high-quality presentation. The Blu-ray maintains a consistent cinematic feel without resorting to unnecessary degraining or sharpening. Though there are instances of a slight soft look, particularly in dimly lit scenes, and faint out-of-focus shots, these issues are minor. The restoration ensures a very clean image free of digital artifacts. In essence, this high-definition transfer is an exemplary effort that preserves the film's integrity while enhancing visual enjoyment.

This Blu-ray presentation of "Macbeth" features a single audio track, presented in English DTS-HD Master Audio 3.0. Criterion has ensured that viewers have the option of English SDH subtitles, which are placed within the image frame for convenience. The 3.0 track is derived from a 35mm 3-track composite LCR magnetic element, contributing to its robust historical authenticity. The mix is characterized by exceptional clarity and depth, particularly in outdoor scenes, with dialogue presented crisp and stable throughout. There are no discernible audio dropouts, pops, or distortions.

While the DTS-HD MA 3.0 mix does not possess the immersive qualities of contemporary 5.1 or 7.1 surround soundtracks, it achieves a balanced soundstage that enhances the film's atmosphere. Effects such as galloping horses and clashing swords are adequately distributed across the three channels, though directionality remains limited. The music score benefits from good stereo separation, contributing to the unsettling themes inherent in the film. Nonetheless, the overall audio experience has a somewhat flat quality, and the absence of rear soundfield activity is noticeable.

Despite these limitations, the dynamic range and clarity provide a suitable and satisfying auditory experience. Subtle low-frequency elements add depth to intense scenes, and shadow detail in darker sequences is preserved admirably. The vintage nature of the 3.0 mix may not equate to modern surround capabilities but offers an expansive soundstage that remains true to the source material's era while supporting Shakespeare’s iconic dialogue authentically and effectively.

Criterion’s Blu-Ray extras for "Macbeth" provide a substantial and enlightening exploration of the film's production and reception. With attention to both contemporary and archival materials, the collection is meticulously presented in 1080p with either Dolby Digital 1.0 or 2.0 audio. The standout feature is "Toil and Trouble: Making Macbeth," a thorough 2014 documentary that revisits the film's difficult inception, its initial dismissal by critics, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics involving director Roman Polanski and his cast. Moreover, "Polanski Meets Macbeth" offers invaluable on-set footage from 1971, affording viewers an authentic glimpse into the filmmaking process. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the segment from "The Dick Cavett Show" featuring Kenneth Tynan, and the Aquarius series' analysis of different stagings of the play. This discerning collection effectively contextualizes Polanski’s vision within both cinematic and theatrical traditions.

Extras included in this disc:

• Toil and Trouble: Making Macbeth: Comprehensive 2014 documentary on the film’s production with interviews from cast and crew.
• Polanski Meets Macbeth: 1971 documentary showcasing on-set footage and interviews.
• Dick Cavett and Kenneth Tynan: Segment from 1971 discussing the film briefly among other topics.
• Aquarius: Two Macbeths: 1972 TV segment comparing different interpretations of Macbeth.
• Trailers: Original promotional trailers for the film.
• Leaflet: Featuring Terrence Rafferty’s essay "Something Wicked".

Roman Polanski’s 1971 adaptation of “Macbeth” stands as an artistically powerful rendition of Shakespeare’s iconic play, set against a backdrop steeped in authentic medieval grimness. The movie, infused with Polanski's dark personal history and raw artistic vision, is a visually compelling and haunting narrative about ambition, power, and guilt. Jon Finch's portrayal of Macbeth captures a perfect balance between battlefield poise and vulnerable uncertainty, while Francesca Annis offers an atypically gentle yet deeply affecting interpretation of Lady Macbeth. Notably deviating from traditional performances, the younger cast infuses fresh energy and a complex emotional palette into their roles.

The film's most distinctive quality is its striking visual style, attributed to Polanski's collaboration with cinematographer Gilbert Taylor. Utilizing spectacular locations in Wales and England, the movie achieves a raw and grim authenticity. Such attention to detail can be seen in scenes like the perilous ridge crossing by Macbeth and Banquo, reflecting the dedication to creating an immersive experience. The production design by Wilfred Shingleton and Anthony Mendleson’s BAFTA-winning costume designs further enhance this gruesome tale’s vibrant authenticity.

Polanski’s adaptation of Shakespeare is unflinchingly brutal, employing graphic depictions of violence to underscore the emotional devastation within the narrative. While the original dialogue is largely intact, some soliloquies are delivered through voiceover narration, lending a cinematic fluidity to the storytelling. Despite minor disconnects in these voiced monologues, the acting remains powerful throughout. Polanski’s film skillfully turns Shakespearean tragedy into a visually arresting and psychologically profound story. The Third Ear Band’s dissonant score and eerie sound design add further depth, maintaining an atmosphere of tension and dread that complements the narrative’s dark themes.

Roman Polanski's "Macbeth" remains a singularly violent and genuinely unsettling interpretation of Shakespeare's iconic play, characterized by its kinetic energy and atmospheric tension. Criterion's recent 4K restoration brings this adaptation to a new level of visual and auditory excellence. The Blu-ray transfer is exceptional, vividly capturing the film’s haunting imagery and dynamic performances. The audio mix further enhances the immersive experience, delivering clarity and depth that perfectly complement Polanski’s intense directorial vision.

The dialog in this rendition is masterfully pared to its essence, emphasizing youth, passion, and raw emotion. This adaptation is decidedly not traditional Shakespeare, but rather a powerful reimagining that resonates with contemporary audiences. Criterion has supplemented the restoration with an impressive array of special features, including an exclusive documentary with new interviews from Polanski, Martin Shaw, and Francesca Annis. These features provide valuable insights into the film’s production and thematic undertones, enriching the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, Criterion's release of Roman Polanski’s "Macbeth" on Blu-ray is a definitive edition for both fans of Shakespeare and cinematic excellence. The meticulous restoration breathes fresh life into this overlooked minor classic within Polanski’s oeuvre. The added supplemental content adds significant value, making this release highly recommended for anyone seeking a compelling fusion of classic literature and masterful filmmaking.