Woman in the Moon Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "Woman in the Moon" on Blu-ray, delivered through an AVC encoded image with a 1.28:1 aspect ratio, is an impressive result stemming from a 2000 restoration effort aimed at securing the film’s future. Despite the presence of extensive scratches and some notable damage, the clarity achieved is commendable. Details such as faces, textured costuming, and intricate set designs emerge distinctly, allowing for a pause-worthy inspection. The delineation is articulate while the contrast remains as steady as possible. Although there is ongoing discourse regarding vertical stretching in Kino Lorber's silent cinema releases, no perceptible visual discomfort or distortion was noted during viewing.

Enhancing the overall experience is a 1.33:1 1080p transfer that further accentuates the film's visual appeal. This presentation manages to showcase remarkable detail—whether it’s Mannfeldt’s cluttered home filled with sketches and papers or the striking design of the futuristic rocket. The black levels, greyscale, and contrast are stable, adding considerable depth to the scenes. Although some minor image stretching appears sporadically, it is subtle and unlikely to impair your viewing experience. Given the film's nearly 90-year-old age, it remarkably holds up well, with some age-related issues even enhancing its historical charm.

The 2.0 LPCM mix for "Woman in the Moon" is exceptional, characterized by its crisp and fresh piano-based soundtrack. The audio presentation maintains distinct changes in mood without any hint of distortion, creating a vibrant and engaging auditory experience that complements the film's narrative seamlessly. The clarity of the piano score ensures that every note is conveyed with precision, providing an immersive atmosphere for the viewer.

The featured piano score by Javier Pérez de Azpeitia on the LPCM 2.0 track enhances the silent film's nostalgic feel. Given that the film is accompanied by title cards in German with English translations, this musical piece is paramount in setting the tone and emotion. Azpeitia's composition evokes the ambiance of an old movie theater, adding an authentic touch to the viewing experience. The simplicity and beauty of the music align perfectly with the film’s aesthetic, making it a remarkable audio presentation.

Overall, the LPCM 2.0 track offers a beautiful and absorbing piano score that heightens the viewing experience of "Woman in the Moon." The technical quality and artistic selection of music ensure that it not only accompanies but enhances the silent storytelling effectively. This is an exemplary use of audio to support and elevate the cinematic experience.

The extras for the Blu Ray release of "Woman in the Moon" offer an enlightening and comprehensive glimpse into the meticulous research and scientific ambition behind this seminal film. Notably, the featurette, “The First Scientific Science Fiction Film,” dives into the influence of German physicist Hermann Oberth, who served as a production consultant and attempted to construct a rocket to commemorate the film’s release. The comparison between the film's depictions and the 1969 Apollo 11 moon mission is particularly compelling, highlighting Fritz Lang's prescience and the movie's pioneering role in the genre. The technical depth and historical context provided enrich the viewing experience, making these extras indispensable for aficionados.

Extras included in this disc:

• The First Scientific Science Fiction Film: Covers the scientific research and influence of Hermann Oberth, includes comparisons with Apollo 11.

Fritz Lang's Woman in the Moon, an exemplary 1929 science fiction film, is a cinematic milestone, rooted firmly in the scientific understanding of its time. Building off the success of his previous work, Metropolis, Lang crafts an expansive narrative that brilliantly marries melodrama with speculative science. The movie delineates the painstaking process of rocket flight, meticulously presenting the scientific theory and planning that underpin the venture. Lang blends bold visuals with comprehensive character development, ensuring that emotional depths are explored alongside scientific ambition.

The plot centers on Professor Mannfeldt, whose radical idea of lunar gold draws scorn from his peers. Helius, a daring entrepreneur, sees potential in Mannfeldt's vision, leading to an intricate story of rivalry and human connection. The inclusion of characters like the ambitious Friede and the sly Walter Turner adds layers of tension and collaboration. The journey to the moon isn't just a testament to human ingenuity but also a narrative rich in drama and interpersonal dynamics. The film's ability to stay grounded in then-contemporary astrophysics while conveying an optimistic vision of human potential renders it both timeless and endearing.

Woman in the Moon stands out not only for its technical aspirations but for its innate sense of wonder and humanity. Unlike Metropolis, which painted a more dystopian future, this film celebrates human spirit and curiosity. It remains a beautiful time capsule from an era rife with post-World War I optimism and dreams of exploration. Despite advancements in science and technology overshadowing some of its speculative elements, Woman in the Moon continues to captivate, representing science fiction at its most earnest and aspirational. The film is a joyous exploration of human potential, illustrating our capability for greatness in the face of adversities and challenges.

Fritz Lang's "Woman in the Moon" stands as a seminal work in science fiction cinema, showcasing the director's visionary approach to film. Clocking in at just under three hours, the film maintains viewer engagement through innovative visuals and exceptional design achievements. The second half, which unfolds the saga of lunar travel, is particularly impressive. Lang's meticulous attention to detail, from the rocket's design to the sandy surface of the moon, presents a semi-accurate and influential depiction of space exploration that both astonishes and educates.

Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Woman in the Moon" does justice to this classic. The audio-visual presentation is remarkable, ensuring that the film's dated technologies and ideas shine with clarity and historical relevance. The high-definition transfer brings out the nuanced textures and contrasts that Lang employed, making this vintage piece feel vibrant and almost timeless. Additionally, a solid extra feature delves into the science behind the film, providing valuable context and thereby enhancing the viewing experience for aficionados of early science fiction.

In conclusion, "Moon travel arrives in the second half of the film, and it's worth the wait, with design achievements impressive and considered, establishing many elements of space exploration that are in place today. While the feature is lengthy (clocking in just under three hours), Lang keeps surprising visuals coming, including the sandy surface of the moon and the particulars of rocket travel, inventively cooking up an educated vision of the future that turned out to be semi-accurate and wholly influential." For those passionate about vintage science fiction, "Woman in the Moon" is a must-watch, offering a captivating journey through early cinematic envisioning of space travel.