Slaughterhouse-Five Blu-ray Review

Arrow Video's presentation of Slaughterhouse-Five on Blu-ray features a meticulously restored AVC encoded 1080p transfer in the film's original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, derived from a 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative. The restoration process, carried out by Pinewood Studios and scanned at EFilm, Burbank, preserves the film's rich, sometimes cool palette with remarkable fidelity. In particular, the World War II sequences exhibit a notable prevalence of grays, while the nostalgic Ilium segments feature incredibly vivid primary colors, particularly reds. Despite some noticeable variability in grain thickness—predominantly fine but occasionally venturing into heavier, more textured territory—the transfer maintains a high standard of detail and resolution without degenerating into a digital mass.

The grain field is well-managed and remains organic throughout, even as it shifts density in scenes with optical effects. This makes Arrow's encode a future baseline for handling such thickness in film stock. From the stark contrast of the German front's snowy landscapes to Dresden's bombed-out cityscape, the film never loses visual density or depth. Pure blacks maintain consistency, while contrast where applicable is rich and satisfying. The color shifts scene-to-scene are always appealing, with scenes of brighter saturation bringing firm primaries into focus and earth tones providing a suitable backdrop for the film's downbeat narrative. By the time the fireworks display culminates the movie, the reds, blues, and greens leap off the screen magnificently.

Addressing any potential age-related wear and tear, the 4K source scan significantly mitigates damage. Scratches, dirt, and tears are virtually non-existent, offering an exceptional improvement over previous home video releases, including Universal’s earlier DVD. This Blu-ray transfer is likely the definitive edition of Slaughterhouse-Five, providing a visually compelling experience that stays true to George Roy Hill’s ambitious vision.

The audio presentation of "Slaughterhouse-Five" on Blu-ray features a meticulously crafted LPCM Mono track that stands out for its exceptional fidelity and surprising dynamic range. This release maintains the film's ambitious sound design, where the Glenn Gould performances of Bach masterpieces resonate with full-bodied richness. Dialogue and sound effects are rendered with remarkable clarity, ensuring a clean and problem-free auditory experience, free from the typical defects found in older tracks.

Presented in uncompressed PCM mono, the soundtrack offers impressive range and depth. Subtle nuances, like the treble of typewriter keys and the natural bass of vehicles in war scenes, demonstrate the track's surprising power given its age. This version showcases a pure sound free from distortions and crackling. Dialogue is consistently strong and clear, with the ambient sound mix and Gould's score delivering an inviting warmth that enriches the overall viewing experience.

This Blu-ray release significantly improves upon previous formats, offering the finest auditory representation of the film to date. The audio track delivers a pristine listening experience that aligns seamlessly with the high-quality video, making this a standout presentation for aficionados of classic cinema sound design.

The Blu-ray release of "Slaughterhouse-Five" offers an impressive collection of extras that delve into various aspects of the film, providing both context and critical insights. Troy Howarth’s audio commentary is detailed and informative, though occasionally struggles with minor inaccuracies regarding Vonnegut's work. Kim Newman's engaging featurette provides a thoughtful analysis comparing George Roy Hill's directorial style to other cinematic classics. Insightful interviews with Perry King and Rocky Lang shed light on the film's production from a cast and family perspective, while Robert Crawford Jr.'s segment offers behind-the-scenes footage and narrative. Daniel Schweiger’s contribution is particularly noteworthy for its in-depth exploration of the movie’s unique soundtrack featuring Glenn Gould.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary by Troy Howarth: Analysis of production details and the novel.
• And So It Goes: Kim Newman’s review of the film and George Roy Hill.
• Pilgrim’s Progress: Playing Slaughterhouse-Five: Interview with Perry King.
• Only on Earth: Presenting Slaughterhouse-Five: Rocky Lang on his father's career.
• Unstuck in Time: Documenting Slaughterhouse-Five: Robert Crawford Jr.’s behind-the-scenes documentary.
• Eternally Connected: Composing Slaughterhouse-Five: Daniel Schweiger on the soundtrack.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original marketing trailer.
• Reversible Sleeve: Artwork by Corey Brickley.
• Insert Booklet: Features essay by Peter Tonguette.

George Roy Hill's "Slaughterhouse-Five," adapted from Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s novel, is a masterful and textured adaptation featuring the disjointed narrative of Billy Pilgrim, portrayed by Michael Sacks in a memorable debut. The film navigates through various timelines—from the atrocities of World War II, including the bombing of Dresden, to the domestic tranquility of present-day Ilium, New York, and finally some unspecified future on the alien world of Tralfamadore. Hill's direction, coupled with Stephen Geller’s screenplay and Dede Allen’s editing, results in a film that effectively captures the narrative complexity and surreal essence of Vonnegut’s work.

The screenplay manages to retain much of Vonnegut's black comedy and sharp wit. The film juxtaposes Billy’s seemingly ordinary life against extraordinary circumstances—his fragmented experiences as a POW, his adaptability to domestic life with wife Valencia (Sharon Gans), and his surreal captivity on Tralfamadore with actress Montana Wildhack (Valerie Perrine). Through intelligent editing and effective visual transitions, Hill ensures that Billy’s time leaps are both coherent and evocative, mirroring the nonlinear structure of Vonnegut's narrative. Cinematic techniques are employed skillfully to represent Billy's time travels and the metaphysical aspects of his story, from wartime trauma to existential contemplations, making the film a study in quasi-montage theory.

The performances anchor the film’s success; Sacks embodies Billy’s wearied but resilient spirit, while Ron Leibman’s portrayal of the sociopathic Paul Lazzaro adds a menacing intensity. Eugene Roche as Edgar Derby and other supporting roles significantly contribute to the film's emotional depth and authenticity. Despite initial underappreciation, it’s evident why Vonnegut lauded the adaptation as harmonious with his own vision— "Slaughterhouse-Five" not only encapsulates the antiwar sentiment inherent in Vonnegut's writing but also stands as one of the most poignant sci-fi films of its era.

"Slaughterhouse-Five," an adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s iconic novel, receives superior treatment in its Blu-ray release thanks to Arrow's meticulous effort. The film, which premiered in 1972, skillfully navigates the complex narrative of Billy Pilgrim's unstuck existence in time, capturing the disjointed yet profound storytelling of Vonnegut's source material. The performances from Michael Sacks, Ron Leibman, and Valerie Perrine stand out, and the adept direction by George Roy Hill is evident in the film's cohesive yet non-linear structure. This Blu-ray version boasts outstanding picture and sound quality, enhancing the original experience for modern audiences.

The supplementary materials included are extensive and invaluable for any film enthusiast or Vonnegut aficionado. Troy Howarth’s commentary offers deep insights into the film’s adaptation process and its historical context. Kim Newman's reflections on George Roy Hill's career, Perry King's anecdotes about his experiences, and other behind-the-scenes features create a comprehensive package that enriches one's understanding and appreciation of the film. Additionally, the inclusion of essays and restoration details adds a scholarly layer to the viewer's engagement.

Vonnegut was one of those authors du jour (similar to Herman Hesse or Robert L. Pirsig) who were almost de rigueur for students when I was in high school and college. If you haven't read any of Vonnegut's rather captivating books, "Slaughterhouse-Five" is certainly a good place to start. This film version is surprisingly cogent given the challenging source material and includes engaging performances alongside intriguing editing and production design choices. The film successfully encapsulates the slightly confused zeitgeist of the early seventies. Technical merits are solid and the supplemental features very interesting. "Slaughterhouse-Five” comes highly recommended.