Anne of the Thousand Days Blu-ray Review

"Anne of the Thousand Days" is delivered on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. This edition, sourced from the Universal catalog, presents an impressively refined display, marked by superb fine details and an appropriately maintained grain structure. The intricate textures of Henry's fur collar and the elaborate brocades worn by the women are captured with remarkable clarity. While the color palette retains a strong vibrancy, some viewers might notice a slight shift with reds appearing somewhat orange. Overall, the presentation remains vivid and energetically consistent.

The transfer showcases Arthur Ibbetson's Oscar-nominated cinematography beautifully, capturing the authentic locations and outdoor scenes with particular brilliance. The slight incidents of age-related artifacts such as dirt and speckling are barely noticeable, ensuring a visually compelling experience that's a significant enhancement over its previous DVD release. The dedicated treatment in this Blu-ray transfer does justice to the film's artistic visuals, making it a worthy addition for any collection.

"Anne of the Thousand Days" features an impressive DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mix that proficiently showcases Georges Delerue's Oscar-nominated score alongside period-specific music creations. The mix elevates the audio experience with clear and robust dialogue rendering devoid of any noticeable dropouts or hissing. This faithful reproduction aids in delivering a rich auditory experience encompassing both indoor scenes and outdoor sequences, where ambient environmental effects are rendered with realistic accuracy.

This Blu-ray release maintains strong fidelity across the board, further enhancing the narrative through its pristine audio track. The English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track adeptly balances sound effects, musical numbers, and dialogue, ensuring they all possess substantial weight and prominence in the mix. Instances of crackling, popping, or hissing are minimal, making for a seamless listening experience. Subtitles in English SDH are available, providing additional support for clarity.

Overall, "Anne of the Thousand Days" audio presentation on Blu-ray sets a high standard with its meticulous attention to maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the original soundtrack. The result is a captivating soundscape that complements the film’s visual opulence, drawing viewers deeper into its historical drama.

The Blu Ray of "Anne of the Thousand Days" offers a commendable selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience. The isolated music track, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, provides a bright and full rendition of Georges Delerue’s Oscar-nominated score, elevating the auditory experience beyond the original soundtrack. Additionally, the original theatrical trailer, narrated by producer Hal Wallis, gives intriguing insights into the film's production. The provided booklet, featuring an essay by Julie Kirgo, is particularly informative and insightful, offering in-depth context and analysis.

Extras included in this disc:

• Isolated Music Track: Georges Delerue’s lush and lovely Oscar-nominated score.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Narrated by producer Hal Wallis.
• Essay Booklet: In-depth context and analysis by Julie Kirgo.

"Anne of the Thousand Days" is a richly crafted historical drama, deftly directed by Charles Jarrott, which has stood the test of time since its 1969 release. The film, an adaptation of Maxwell Anderson's acclaimed 1948 Broadway play, vividly portrays the tumultuous relationship between Henry VIII (played by Richard Burton) and Anne Boleyn (Genevieve Bujold). Jarrott manages to captivate audiences throughout the film's runtime, despite the occasionally stiff and historically inaccurate narrative. Notably, the film garnered ten Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Costume Design—a testament to Margaret Furse’s splendid work in recreating 16th-century England.

The storytelling is remarkable as it combines intimate drama with significant historical context. The plot primarily unfolds in an extended flashback initiated by Henry contemplating Anne’s execution for adultery. Although some creative liberties are taken—such as the fictional meeting between Anne and Henry in the Tower of London—the film effectively conveys the passion and intrigue of their relationship. Supported by strong performances from the cast, Burton brings intensity and depth to Henry VIII while Bujold’s portrayal of Anne Boleyn is both fierce and vulnerable, making her the only actress to earn an Oscar nomination for this role. Supporting actors, including Anthony Quayle as Cardinal Wolsey and Irene Papas as Catherine of Aragon, also deliver commendable performances that bolster the film's credibility and engagement.

Visually, "Anne of the Thousand Days" excels with its opulent cinematography and period-accurate set designs, including on-location shoots at historical sites like Hever Castle. The film’s music score complements the narrative with tasteful and occasionally lavish compositions. Despite mixed contemporary reactions, including accusations of Universal’s aggressive Oscar campaigning, the film remains a compelling examination of a significant historical romance. Although its release came at a time when cultural tastes were evolving away from such grandiose historical epics, its merits in direction, performance, and production design endow it with enduring appeal.

Twilight Time's new Blu-ray release of "Anne of the Thousand Days" offers a visually stunning and richly detailed representation of one of history's most tumultuous romances. Colors are impressively vibrant, with reds being particularly striking, and outdoor scenes showcasing remarkable depth and texture. The audio presentation equally excels; the English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers clear dialogue and robust sound effects, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. English SDH subtitles are also included for accessibility.

Despite its mixed reception upon initial release, "Anne of the Thousand Days" remains an engaging historical epic, recounting the infamous love affair between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn with both literary and cinematic finesse. Twilight Time’s Blu-ray release enhances these qualities, making a compelling case for an upgrade from previous DVD editions. The limited run of 3000 copies adds an element of exclusivity to this already desirable release.

In conclusion, while "Anne of the Thousand Days" may feel a bit dated in its presentation, it offers rich historical storytelling complemented by Twilight Time's outstanding technical treatment. For fans of historical dramas, this Blu-ray edition is highly recommended. If and when Kino Lorber releases "Sweet Charity" on Blu-ray, another hallmark of 1969's Academy-nominated films, it will certainly demonstrate a similar attention to quality and detail.