David and Bathsheba Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.37:1 aspect ratio) presentation of the "David and Bathsheba" Blu-Ray retains the vivid Technicolor power of the original cinematography. Hues remain vivid and exaggerated, contributing significantly to the film’s cinematic presence. The transfer takes full advantage of aged tech achievements to bring out the sharpness and intricate textures in sets, costuming, and locations, all while maintaining secure delineation and a palpable sense of depth. The grain is filmic and natural, enhancing the film-like feel of the image without any overt damage or blemishes.

In line with the spectacle typically associated with Biblical epics, the 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer from Kino Lorber is rendered vividly. Though there is some color fading, the image still exudes a pleasing lushness, particularly noticeable when focusing on Gregory Peck’s rugged features or Susan Hayward’s elegant face and auburn hair. Grain, while more faint than expected, provides sufficient texture to maintain a lovely film-like consistency. The image showcases rich black levels, excellent shadow delineation without crush issues, and easy-to-discern background elements. Flesh tones remain natural and stable throughout. There are no detectable digital defects, and any enhancements are inconspicuous, delivering a high-quality visual presentation of this classic film.

The "David and Bathsheba" Blu-ray release features a 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track that reveals its age through occasional hiss and crackling, which can detract from the overall listening experience. While these imperfections soften some of the scoring cues and dialogue exchanges, the mix manages to maintain the dramatic intent of the scenes. The audio's atmospheric elements, such as crowd sequences and exterior adventures, are present albeit somewhat blunt.

Despite these age-related anomalies, the DTS-HD MA track impresses with a hint of stereo that slightly widens the soundscape, adding a touch of nuance and immersion. Although not warranting a true two-channel description, mild separation enhances the drama, making it more engaging. The audio remains clear, with well-modulated dialogue that is easy to comprehend. Alfred Newman's Oscar-nominated score resonates powerfully, filling the room with its robust tones. Additional elements like gentle breezes, wind storms, and flock noises are crisp and distinct, contributing to a rich auditory experience even amidst occasional surface noise.

While not perfect, this 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio track delivers a commendable performance given its age, adequately supporting both dialogue and music, and ultimately serving the film well.

The Blu Ray of "David and Bathsheba" offers a modest but engaging selection of special features that supplement the main film. The key highlight is the Vintage Featurette: Once in 3000 Years, an entertaining black-and-white promotional piece where Gregory Peck humorously navigates the 20th Century-Fox lot, providing insight into his casting process and interactions with director Henry King and screenwriter Philip Dunne. The featurette ends abruptly, leaving some question about its full content. Accompanying this are two succinct TV Spots and the original Theatrical Trailer, all presented in standard definition. Together, these extras effectively capture the vintage Hollywood promotional style, adding historical context to the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Vintage Featurette: Once in 3000 Years: Gregory Peck promotes the film through a series of amusing interactions at the studio.
• TV Spots: Two brief black-and-white advertisements showcasing the film's spectacle.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original color preview promoting "David and Bathsheba" as an epic love story.

"David and Bathsheba," a 1951 biblical epic from 20th Century-Fox, explores a particularly somber narrative from the Second Book of Samuel. Directed by Henry King and starring Gregory Peck as King David and Susan Hayward as Bathsheba, the film captures the grandeur typical of its era with sweeping sets, elaborate costumes, and a cast of thousands. However, it often feels more invested in its visual scale than its emotional depth. Despite the lavish production values, the film is bogged down by a sluggish pace and intermittently engaging plot points that fail to sustain momentum.

The central storyline revolves around David's adulterous affair with Bathsheba, culminating in scandal, divine retribution, and moral conundrums. Unfortunately, while screenwriter Philip Dunne's script was praised for its poetic quality and even garnered an Oscar nomination, it omits critical details that might have endowed the narrative with greater coherence and impact. The film's attempts to delve into David's psychological torment are noble but feel somewhat half-hearted, leaving some viewers unsatisfied with the unresolved moral ambiguities and lack of emotional payoff.

Peck and Hayward's performances, though visually appealing, suffer from a lack of chemistry and fervor. The rigid constraints of Hollywood's production code at the time further dilute the romantic tension, rendering their relationship more clinical than passionate. Director King's focus on minute character examinations over grandiose spectacle results in a drama that often feels inert. Subplots like the Ark of the Covenant offer brief moments of intrigue but cannot wholly revive the film's pacing issues. Despite its historical significance and technical achievements—including Oscar nominations for cinematography, art direction, costume design, and music—the film today feels like a beautifully crafted, well-meaning endeavor that ultimately falls flat in execution.

The Blu-ray release of "David and Bathsheba" offers a mixed bag of experiences. Gregory Peck and Susan Hayward competently lead the cast, embedding themselves within the biblical surroundings with their characteristic poise. Their performances, paired with those of a steadfast supporting ensemble, manage to inject some semblance of dynamism into the narrative. The high-quality production values augment the film's majestic aura, though they fall short in instilling the urgency and fervor one would expect from a tale rooted in divine transgressions and profound moral conflicts.

Despite its promise of passionate intrigue, Henry King's rendition is marred by a notable lack of excitement and emotional engagement. The epic's preachy tone and sluggish pacing detract from its potential to captivate audiences. The Blu-ray presentation, while boasting commendable video and audio quality, does little to address these core deficiencies. The minor extras included in Kino Lorber's release offer scant additional insight or enrichment, making it a rather underwhelming package on the whole.

In conclusion, "David and Bathsheba" stands as a testament to thespian prowess and impressive production achievements, yet falters in delivering a gripping narrative. While fans of the genre or adherents of Peck and Hayward may find some redeeming qualities, the film ultimately misses the mark in evoking the potent urgency that its biblical subject matter warrants.