Eleni Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image of "Eleni," presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio, is labeled as an HD remaster and rightfully so. The viewing experience is remarkably natural with strong, organic colors that vividly preserve greenery and costuming. Skin tones appear healthy and realistic, enhancing the overall immersive quality. Detail is meticulous, maximizing both close-up shots and location-specific details. Meanwhile, set ornamentation is clearly perceivable, revealing the thought and care put into the production design. The grain structure is fine and film-like, maintaining a secure delineation. The source material is in excellent condition with only minor speckling sporadically apparent.

The 1.79:1 1080p transfer for "Eleni" further enhances visual fidelity, benefitting from a newly remastered process. The unobtrusive grain adds depth to the image while ensuring a rich amount of detail, particularly noticeable when the narrative moves to 1948 Greece. Colors have a delightful primary pop, especially in outdoor scenes, while flesh tones retain a natural vibrancy. The image quality boasts commendable inky black levels devoid of any crushing, contributing to a satisfying depth in the visual presentation. This transfer represents an impressive effort for a back catalogue release, offering fans a visually engaging and pristine viewing experience.

The Blu-ray release of "Eleni" features an English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track that delivers a commendable auditory experience. The mix offers an ample amount of dimension, utilizing stereo separation effectively to bring scenes from the newsroom and war zones to life. Dialogue is rendered crisply and cleanly, accommodating various accents and paces effortlessly. However, it should be noted that the overall level of the track tends to be on the quieter side, necessitating a volume boost for optimal listening.

As "Eleni" is predominantly a dialogue-driven film, the voices are clear and prominent throughout, seamlessly integrating with Bruce Smeaton’s evocative score. The sound effects and background atmospherics contribute significantly to the spatial and immersive quality of the audio, enhancing the transition between the bustling newspaper office and the expansive Greek landscapes. One minor issue is that the stereo mix's imaging can feel somewhat constrained at times, as if the sound is predominantly channeled through the front and center speakers, limiting its breadth during more dynamic scenes. Nonetheless, this is a minor setback in an otherwise robust audio presentation.

Overall, the DTS-HD MA 2.0 track provides a well-balanced audio experience, successfully combining clarity in dialogue with a satisfactory blend of scoring and atmospheric elements. It manages to create an engaging sound environment that enriches the viewing experience of "Eleni".

The supplementary material accompanying the Blu-ray release of "Eleni" enhances the viewing experience, providing insightful content and promotional materials. Although the extra features are somewhat limited, they add a valuable layer of context and engagement for fans of the film. The trailers included in high definition give a concise preview of related works, demonstrating the same aesthetic and thematic qualities appreciated in "Eleni." Despite the lack of extensive bonus content, what is presented remains professionally curated and accessible, contributing to a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the historical drama depicted in the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• 'House on Carroll Street' Trailer: A high-definition preview lasting 2 minutes.
• 'Hidden Agenda' Trailer: A high-definition preview lasting 2 minutes and 3 seconds.

"Eleni," directed by Peter Yates and released in 1985, is a poignant exploration of the Greek Civil War, rooted in the emotional ground of Nicholas Gage's autobiographical tale. The film navigates the dual timelines of 1948 war-torn Greece and an investigation in 1979. It captures the devastating personal loss and the harrowing quest for truth by Gage (John Malkovich), a New York Times reporter seeking to uncover his mother Eleni's (Kate Nelligan) last moments before her execution by Communist forces. The performance by Malkovich anchors the film with a focused intensity, depicting Gage's struggle as both an objective investigator and a grieving son.

Yates masterfully juxtaposes the personal with the historical, transforming "Eleni" from a standard wartime drama into a compelling investigative thriller. The narrative oscillates between Eleni's desperate efforts to protect her children and Gage's detective-like pursuit of the truth. This structural choice enriches the story, adding depth to both timelines. Kate Nelligan delivers a heart-wrenching portrayal of Eleni, particularly excelling in her broader moments of emotional agony, while Oliver Cotton's depiction of the sadistic general Katis adds to the film's palpable tension.

The screenplay by Steve Tesich is detailed and character-focused, avoiding melodramatic pitfalls while maintaining an urgent sense of reality. Each vignette peeled back through Gage's investigation is saturated with authenticity, respectfully presenting the historical context without descending into gratuity. The film evokes the horrors suffered, but balances them with an enduring hope and resilience. "Eleni" proves to be not just an educational piece about a lesser-known chapter in history but also a gripping portrayal of human endurance and justice-seeking, making it a substantial, albeit sobering, cinematic experience.

"Eleni" is a compelling film that combines political and familial tensions, providing audiences with a gripping narrative filled with emotional intensity. Directed by Peter Yates, known for his adept handling of character complexities without succumbing to melodrama, the film excels in presenting a poignant story. The Blu-ray release by Kino Lorber is particularly impressive, boasting an exceptional image transfer and a robust audio track, ensuring that the film's visual and auditory qualities are preserved with high fidelity. This technical excellence enhances the viewing experience, making it a must-own for fans and a strong recommendation for newcomers to the film.

The film's narrative structure takes an intriguing turn as it progresses, building gradually toward a thriller-esque finale. The climax brings significant suspense and heartbreak, distinguishing the conclusion from the rest of the film. This shift might seem inconsistent to some, but it effectively underscores the underlying political and familial unrest that fuels the storyline. The 1980s were marked by films tackling similar themes, and "Eleni" stands out with its raw, sometimes unwieldy passion that leaves a lasting impact on its viewers.

In conclusion, "Eleni" is a standout film that deftly navigates complex emotional landscapes against a backdrop of political turmoil. The exemplary Blu-ray presentation by Kino Lorber enriches this cinematic experience, making it an essential addition to any collection. Whether you're a long-time admirer or a first-time viewer, "Eleni" is a film that deserves your attention and appreciation. Recommended.