The Conformist Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Conformist" arrives on Blu-ray from Arrow Films featuring a 1080p transfer. The release reportedly uses a high-definition restoration supervised by cinematographer Vittorio Storaro. While improved detail and clarity are evident, particularly in close-ups compared to the problematic R1 DVD, the resulting visuals are underwhelming for a high-definition offering. Contrast levels have seen minor stabilization but not to the expected levels of excellence.

Notably, there are various technical issues with the presentation. Early in the film, around the 15-minute mark, the image experiences stability problems, becoming jumpy. Additionally, persistent compression artifacts mar the viewing experience, with healthy film grain barely discernible amidst light noise and artifacts that soften the image significantly. While it's an upgrade over the macroblock-laden R1 DVD, particularly in terms of color reproduction where light browns and neon blues are richer and better saturated, the overall image quality leaves room for improvement.

Thankfully, this high-definition transfer has avoided severe denoising and post-production sharpening, though it's evident that the master used was already filtered, likely prepared with DVD as the primary target. While colors show significant improvement over the R1 DVD, fundamental flaws such as compression artifacts and soft image quality dilute the potential impact of this Blu-ray release. "The Conformist" indeed deserved a more definitive high-definition presentation, which this release falls short of providing.

The Blu-ray release of "The Conformist" features a solitary audio track in Italian LPCM 2.0 with optional English subtitles. The lossless audio track presents a decent dynamic range, though it can be described as unexceptional. One of the most positive aspects is the clear and stable dialog, making it easy for viewers to follow the narrative without issue. However, there are occasional instances of light background hiss, likely noticeable to attentive listeners.

Georges Delerue's captivating melodies add a rich layer to the film's soundscape, though the overall dynamic movement within the track is limited. While there are no severe technical shortcomings that detract from the enjoyment of the film, the audio presentation doesn't elevate the viewing experience to new heights. The provided English subtitles are a welcomed improvement over previous versions, enhancing comprehension and accessibility for non-Italian speakers.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "The Conformist" provide a rich, immersive experience into the film's complex artistry and historical context. Highlights include a thorough and insightful audio commentary by Italian cinema expert David Forgacs, who explores production intricacies, character development, and the significant political backdrop of the era. Additionally, the feature-length documentary "Bernardo Bertolucci: Reflections on Cinema" offers an engaging look into Bertolucci's illustrious career with archival interviews and on-set footage, delivering a comprehensive narrative on his directorial approach. The accompanying booklet adds another layer of depth, featuring new critical essays, a reprinted interview with Bertolucci from 1971, and the director's reflections on filmmaking, illustrated with original stills.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Insightful audio commentary by David Forgacs covering production, characters, and historical context.
• Bernardo Bertolucci: Reflections on Cinema: Feature-length documentary with archival interviews and on-set footage.
• Booklet: Contains new writings, a 1971 interview with Bertolucci, and his thoughts on filmmaking with original stills.

Bernardo Bertolucci's seminal film "The Conformist" (1970), adapted from Alberto Moravia's novel, is a masterful exploration of the psyche and moral paralysis amidst the rise of fascism in 1930s Italy. Jean-Louis Trintignant delivers a riveting performance as Marcello Clerici, a man who navigates the treacherous waters of political ideology with chilling compliance. His assignment to assassinate his former professor, an ardent communist, introduces complexities that delve deep into his past and psyche, revealing his struggle between personal desires and societal demands.

The narrative's intricacy is amplified by Vittorio Storaro's impeccable cinematography, which is often lauded as his finest work. His innovative use of color and light not only adds a profound aesthetic dimension but also serves to underscore the film’s thematic undercurrents. This visual splendor occasionally distracts from the film's complex plot, but it is a testament to Storaro’s genius that even these distractions add layers of meaning. Georges Delerue's evocative soundtrack complements the film perfectly, heightening its emotional and dramatic weight.

The supporting cast, including Stefania Sandrelli and Dominique Sanda, bring further depth to the film. Their performances encapsulate the conflict and allure within their characters, making the ensemble’s interactions intensely compelling. The Conformist isn't merely a story about political intrigue; it's a visually stunning portrayal of existential struggle and moral compromise. Each frame is meticulously crafted, revealing the intricate dynamics between power, identity, and conformity. The film's psychological depth and artistic execution make it one of the most significant cinematic achievements of the 1970s.

The Blu-ray release of "The Conformist" directed by Bernardo Bertolucci offers significant improvements over the earlier R1 DVD edition from 2006. The high-definition transfer reveals a wealth of detail previously obscured, enhancing the film’s visual storytelling. However, it is evident that the source material is dated, which unfortunately leads to certain inconsistencies in picture quality. While the colors and contrasts appear richer, some scenes suffer from graininess and lack sharpness that are expected in contemporary Blu-ray releases.

The audio presentation benefits from a lossless track, which amplifies the hauntingly beautiful score by Georges Delerue. Dialogue remains clear and well-balanced against ambient sounds and musical elements, providing an immersive auditory experience. However, there is occasional unrestored audio damage that a keen ear may detect. The special features included in this release are sparse but informative, offering insightful commentary and historical context that enriches the viewing experience.

In conclusion, despite its limitations and dated source material, this Blu-ray represents the best English-friendly version available in the market. The improvements in visual and audio quality over previous releases are appreciable, making it a worthwhile addition to any cinephile’s collection. Until a more definitive version is made available—which appears unlikely—this Blu-ray stands as the most authentic presentation of "The Conformist." RECOMMENDED.