Sebastiane Blu-ray Review

Kino's 1080p/AVC-encoded Blu-ray transfer of "Sebastiane" offers a significant upgrade over any available standard definition versions, particularly those freely available on Internet Archive. Acknowledging the constraints posed by its original low-budget, 16mm film production, this edition faithfully preserves the source's essence while delivering a deft improvement in resolution and clarity. Grain is ever-present yet naturally rendered, maintaining the film's authentic texture without suffering from digital noise reduction or edge enhancement issues. Although the image remains predictably soft owing to the original focusing and lenses used, close-ups exhibit a noticeable uptick in sharpness and detail, reaffirming the high-definition presentation. Colors appear slightly washed-out but stable, with no distracting fluctuations. The contrast is adequately handled, although minor restore work means viewers will note occasional white and black specks, small scratches, and gate hairs.

The 1.51:1 aspect ratio chosen for this release, neither strictly widescreen nor full-frame, aligns closely with the film's original presentation aspects seen in certain theatrical showings in England. Compared to previous editions, this Blu-ray version accentuates the film's natural grain structure, enhancing its film-like quality. The balance between contrast and brightness is commendable, with clean whites and robust blacks; however, some detail loss in darker segments of the image is unavoidable due to the absence of a comprehensive restoration effort. Notably, primary colors emerge particularly bold and accurately rendered, reinforcing the visual appeal. Despite retaining some vestigial flaws attributable to its source material, this Blu-ray edition of "Sebastiane" stands out as a valuable and improved representation of Derek Jarman's work.

The audio presentation of "Sebastiane" on Blu-ray, despite the best efforts of Kino, reveals its low-budget origins and age. The uncompressed Linear PCM 2.0 track maintains the intelligibility of the Latin dialogue, although at times, it can sound slightly muffled with occasional high-end peaking. Background noise such as pops and crackles is present but generally quiet and non-distracting. Noteworthy is Brian Eno's early ambient score, which, while still evocative, is somewhat affected by time, displaying minor pitch-wobble that appears unintentional. Despite these issues, the music maintains a decent sense of presence. Optional English subtitles are accessible and likely necessary for most viewers.

The PCM mono soundtrack does offer a satisfactory auditory experience, though some limitations are evident. The dynamic range feels restricted, particularly in the transition between mids and highs, which slightly impacts the immersive quality of Brian Eno's hauntingly absorbing score. Nevertheless, there is a commendable presence of low bass, adding some depth to the audio design. Dialogue remains clear and centered, which ensures intelligibility. Much of the lossless mix seems confined to the center channel but achieves a decently wide soundstage for Eno's atmospheric compositions. Despite inherent deficiencies, this audio track effectively captures the essence of the original film's sound design.

The Blu-ray release of "Sebastiane" unfortunately falls flat in the extras department, lacking any bonus content that could have provided valuable insights or context to the film. This bare-bones approach is disappointing, especially given the significant cultural and historical impact of the movie. While the visual and audio transfer is commendable, the absence of supplementary materials such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with cast and crew, or director's commentary leaves much to be desired for fans and film enthusiasts alike.

Extras included in this disc:

No extras: This disc does not include any supplementary materials.

Directed by Derek Jarman and Paul Humfress, "Sebastiane" is a captivating fusion of art-house cinema and historical drama that presents a provocative depiction of faith, martyrdom, and homoeroticism. The film offers an unflinching portrayal of Saint Sebastian, an early Christian martyr, and transforms his story into an exploration of both spiritual ecstasy and physical desire. Jarman discards strict biographical fidelity in favor of visual and thematic experimentation, making "Sebastiane" an extraordinary testament to the director's unique vision. The setting oscillates from decadent Roman revelry to a stark military outpost, enhancing the dichotomous themes of carnal indulgence and spiritual devotion.

Jarman's decision to film entirely in Latin adds a poetic layer to the narrative, while the minimalistic budget of $45,000 lends a raw, lived-in aesthetic that heightens the sense of isolation and desperation experienced by the characters. The limited locales further project an atmosphere of seclusion consistent with the film's themes. Despite its controversies over nudity and sensuality, "Sebastiane" is pioneering for its positive portrayal of homosexuality in '70s cinema. Scenes of male intimacy are filmed with an honest, unembellished lens, challenging conventional norms and emphasizing the purity and intensity of same-sex affection against a backdrop of intolerance.

Visually, the film is rich with symbolic imagery that recalls Renaissance art, encapsulated by artfully designed scenes that juxtapose sacredness with sensuality. Jarman raises questions about heteronormativity and social bigotry through this iconoclastic portrayal, embedding his narrative deeply within the historical context while echoing contemporary issues. In sum, "Sebastiane" is an essential piece in Queer Cinema that laid the groundwork for future explorations of LGBTQ+ themes in the medium. The film doesn't shy away from explicit male nudity or homoerotic innuendo but rather celebrates it as an act of defiance and affirmation, making it both a critical and cultural landmark in cinematic history.

Derek Jarman's "Sebastiane," co-directed with Paul Humfress, stands as a pivotal piece in the realm of gay cinema, offering a reimagined narrative of Saint Sebastian's life and martyrdom. The film's strength lies in its evocative use of homoerotic imagery and its progressive portrayal of homosexuality, elements that were bold and pioneering for the 1970s. Kino Lorber's Blu-ray release of "Sebastiane" delivers improved audio and video quality, adhering closely to the original 16mm source material. While the upgrade doesn't drastically enhance the viewing experience for new audiences, it is a noteworthy effort to preserve and present a significant cultural artifact.

"Sebastiane" intertwines themes of faith and flesh, ultimately creating a nuanced portrayal of its characters and their struggles. The low-budget roots of the production are evident, yet they do not detract from its visual and emotional impact. Pasolini's influence is palpable in the film's ability to balance religious reverence with humanistic expressions, inviting viewers to engage with the material on multiple levels. The Blu-ray release, though minimalistic in its special features, stays true to the film’s essence, offering a crisp and faithful transfer of both audio and visual elements.

One of the most groundbreaking films of the 1970s in its candid depiction of homosexuality, Derek Jarman's "Sebastiane" is a work of beauty that transcends its once-controversial subject matter. Today, it can be appreciated for its sophisticated blending of spiritual and corporeal themes. Despite the inherent limitations of its 16mm origin, Kino's Blu-ray edition does justice to this landmark film. Highly recommended for enthusiasts of niche gay and religious-themed cinema.