Camelot Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Camelot" by Warner Brothers is marked by an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.40:1 aspect ratio. This release is a notable improvement over other musical classics, offering an engaging and filmic experience that largely honors the original aesthetic of the 1967 film. Throughout the transfer, a consistent layer of grain adds a rich texture, emphasizing the authenticity and aged beauty of this classic. Nonetheless, the initial sequences exhibit a haziness and drabness that might lead to misconceptions about the transfer quality, but these characteristics are faithful to the original film elements. About 30 minutes in, the visual clarity improves remarkably, showcasing fine details such as intricate textures on costumes and set designs, including Vanessa Redgrave’s dresses and chainmail armor.

The overall color scheme leans towards earthy tones with a preference for browns and oranges, presenting a muted palette that nonetheless maintains some vibrancy. Moments such as the jousting tournament and candlelit wedding ceremony benefit from these choices, accentuating both colors and contrast effectively. Black levels and contrast remain solid, despite occasional slight elevations. Though there are some minor issues, like the persistent haziness and softness in certain scenes, these irregularities seem inherent to the source material rather than flaws in the transfer process. Ultimately, despite these minor anomalies, the transfer's faithful rendition of "Camelot" offers fans a visually striking and authentic experience that aligns well with the film's original presentation.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Camelot" boasts a lush and immersive lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track that excels particularly during the film's musical sequences. Renowned for its collaboration between Newman and Darby, the musical score is delivered with extraordinary fidelity, capturing the essence of each orchestrated piece despite the historical vintage of the film. Dialogue clarity is paramount, with each line presented cleanly and without significant distractions from background noise. However, there are occasional issues with dubbing and lip-synching that are more noticeable upon close inspection. The high-end registers do have a thin layer of hiss, an acceptable artifact given the film's age. Those concerned about prior issues with stems or source material will be pleased to find them effectively resolved in this presentation.

Accompanying sound elements like ambient surround presence are subtly integrated, featuring minor ambiance effects (such as rustling winds and chirping birds) which subtly enhance the soundscape. The mix does an admirable job of utilizing the full soundstage, achieving solid separation between instruments and vocals—particularly during the musical numbers. The dynamic range, while commendable, does not quite achieve the expansiveness found in modern releases but remains adequate for the film's needs. Issues such as brief crackling during Vanessa Redgrave's vocals and slightly unnatural audio panning detract minimally from the overall experience.

This DTS-HD MA 5.1 track, with optional English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles, meets expectations for a film of this era in audio quality while delivering the beloved score with clarity and richness. Despite minor technical anomalies and limited bass activity, lovers of the "Camelot" soundtrack will find this Blu-ray presentation distinctly pleasing.

The Blu-ray edition of "Camelot" offers an engaging array of extras that greatly enhance the viewing experience, although it notably lacks the Isolated Score track included in prior DVD releases. The features include a new audio commentary by film critic Stephen Farber, who provides an insightful exploration of both the Broadway and Hollywood versions of "Camelot," covering production details, trivia, and some gentle criticisms. "Camelot: Falling Kingdoms" is a comprehensive mini-documentary paralleling the decline of Warner Brothers with Camelot's bittersweet ending, featuring informative interviews. Additionally, vintage featurettes such as "The Story of Camelot" and "The World Premiere of Camelot" bring historical depth and nostalgia, the latter including memorable retro advertisements. Finally, five theatrical trailers round out the set.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary by Stephen Farber: In-depth analysis covering various aspects of the film.
• Camelot: Falling Kingdoms: A mini-documentary on the film's production and historical context.
• The Story of Camelot: A vintage featurette with behind-the-scenes footage.
• The World Premiere of Camelot: A time capsule featurette from the film’s 1967 premiere.
• Trailers: Five theatrical trailers.

Joshua Logan's "Camelot," inspired by the 1960 musical by Lerner and Loewe, evokes a blend of charm and lavish production, characteristic of its period. The film, featuring Richard Harris as King Arthur, Vanessa Redgrave as Guenevere, and Franco Nero as Lancelot, invites viewers into a vibrant retelling of Arthurian legends. Despite its significant charms—impressive sets, captivating costumes, and a melodic soundtrack—it cannot completely shed the drawbacks of its source material. The original stage play's verbose book transmits a similar verbosity to the film, contributing to its nearly three-hour runtime. Logan's direction, while earnest, sometimes clashes with the material’s epic nature through his use of zooms and close-ups, creating an odd dissonance with the widescreen format.

The narrative revolves around Arthur’s idyllic reign disrupted by the arrival of Lancelot and the subsequent love triangle with Guenevere. Although occasionally marred by melodrama and some outdated directorial choices, the film portrays resonant emotional beats. Harris brings a compelling blend of nobility and vulnerability to Arthur, while Redgrave effortlessly balances Guenevere's internal conflict. Nero's portrayal of Lancelot evolves from initially brash to deeply compassionate, providing an added depth to the storyline. The musical numbers, notably orchestrated by Alfred Newman and Ken Darby, remain the film’s highlight, infusing wit and poignancy into the story. Tracks like “Camelot” and “If Ever I Would Leave You” stand out for their lyrical beauty and orchestration.

Despite its flaws, "Camelot" offers valuable insights into a bygone era of film musicals. Its lush production design and magnetic performances manage to capture the grandeur and melancholy of Camelot’s legendary tale. Though elements may seem outdated, its nostalgic appeal and evocative music warrant a viewing for admirers of classic Hollywood musicals.

The Blu-ray release of "Camelot" is a richly nostalgic revisit to a grand and opulent film from a bygone era. While Joshua Logan's direction features some awkward moments and pacing issues, the film's captivating music and the cast's commendable performances largely redeem it. The sets and costumes are lavishly detailed, contributing to a magical atmosphere that holds the viewer's interest despite occasional directorial missteps. Video quality can be uneven, though it often achieves striking clarity. The audio mix, aside from minor technical hiccups, successfully delivers the classic songs that anchor the film’s allure.

The Blu-ray disc is accompanied by substantial supplemental material that enhances the viewing experience. Notably, the release includes an informative audio commentary by film critic Steven Farber, even though it has some pauses. The new half-hour HD documentary on the film's making offers fresh insights, complemented by two vintage featurettes and five trailers that collectively provide a comprehensive look at the film’s history. Packaged in a meticulously illustrated 40-page digibook, the Blu-ray also features a CD soundtrack sampler with four songs, making it a collector's delight.

Yes, "Camelot" is lengthy, teeming with anachronistic attempts to appeal to a younger audience, and marred by excessive close-ups and dizzying zooms. However, its flaws are outweighed by its virtues—magnificent craftsmanship, stunning visuals, and an overall charm that makes it a treasured relic. Whether you’re discovering "Camelot" for the first time or revisiting it after many years, this Blu-ray edition is the ideal way to experience or reconnect with this cinematic gem. With solid video and audio quality and valuable supplements (despite the notable absence of an isolated score), this release comes highly recommended.