The Seventh Seal Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Ingmar Bergman's "The Seventh Seal" is an exemplary showcase of how to treat a cinematic classic. With a video transfer that respects and revitalizes the film’s original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and delivered in 1080p resolution, the restoration work here is nothing short of breathtaking. The print's integrity has been meticulously preserved, displaying robust blacks, crisp whites, and a grayscale that can only be described as delicately balanced, presenting a contrast that is both natural and striking. The attention to detail ensures that every frame conveys the intended depth and texture, from the haunting environments to the intimate close-ups of characters, revealing the nuanced expressions and details that were previously lost to time.

The fidelity to the original grain structure adds an authentic layer of texture that enhances the viewing experience, ensuring that the film’s cinematographic beauty is presented as intended. This approach not only respects the source material but elevates it, offering viewers a visual clarity and detail that surpasses previous editions. Scenes are rendered with such precision that elements like the intricate patterns in Block's chain-mail, the stark clarity against the sky, or the deep shadows of the ghost town are vividly brought to life. The film's iconic imagery benefits immensely from this treatment, making it a revelatory experience for both longstanding fans and newcomers.

Moreover, Criterion’s handling of potential wear-and-tear issues exemplifies their commitment to film preservation. The absence of significant damage, debris, or scratches, combined with an excellent handling of film grain, results in a presentation that is both visually stunning and historically respectful. The blacks are deep and unyielding, supporting a picture depth that pulls viewers into Bergman’s medieval world, while the highlights are managed with such finesse that they complement rather than compete with the darker tones. In sum, Criterion has not merely released "The Seventh Seal" on Blu-ray; they have crafted an essential cinematic artifact that beautifully honors Bergman's vision with technological grace and respect for the artistry of film.

The audio presentation of "The Seventh Seal" on Blu-ray boasts a meticulous restoration that does justice to the film's original Swedish track, presented in PCM Uncompressed mono. This careful treatment has culled the majority of age-related imperfections such as pops, cracks, and hiss, resulting in a clarity that enhances both the dialogue and the film's memorable sound landscape. Every line of dialogue emerges crisp and discernible, ensuring viewers miss none of the nuanced performances. The soundtrack, featuring Erik Nordgren's haunting compositions, is seamlessly balanced with the film’s auditory elements, creating an immersive experience without requiring constant volume adjustment. Noteworthy are the moments where the audio's handling of effects adds a spatial dimension to the scene, such as the distinct layers heard when chess pieces are scattered or the sharpness of a scream in a tense confrontation.

Further enhancing the audio experience is the attention paid to environmental sounds and musical cues. The ocean's roar, a storm's approach, and even the intentionally jarring serenade by Jof and Mia are given due prominence in the mix, contributing to the atmosphere. Nordgren's score, while not bombastic, is effective in evoking the impending doom and existential dread central to the narrative, subtly swelling to emphasize the film's thematic weight. The restoration team's effort extends to ensuring that even quieter moments, like the innocent chuckle of Jof's son or the sorrowful wail of the witch, are preserved and integrated into the overall soundscape with care.

It's important to note that while an English Dolby Digital 1.0 dub is included, the recommendation leans heavily towards experiencing the film in its original language track for its authentic and superior sound quality. The inclusion of optional English subtitles ensures accessibility without compromising on the film’s auditory integrity. This audio restoration prioritizes authenticity and atmospheric precision, making it an essential aspect of appreciating the film's detailed craft and haunting themes.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Seventh Seal" is an exemplary showcase of diligent curation, blending intellectual exploration with intimate revelations from the film’s iconic creator. The disc's extra features offer a rich, layered context that enhances the appreciation of Bergman's masterpiece through a variety of lenses. Peter Cowie's scene-specific audio commentary, recorded for Criterion, provides deeply informed and occasionally pretentious insights, complemented by an 11-minute afterword that rounds off his reflections with a more recent perspective. Marie Nyrerod’s engaging "Ingmar Bergman Introduction" and comprehensive documentary "Bergman Island" delve into Bergman’s life and career, offering candid glimpses into the man behind the camera. Additional interviews, including Max von Sydow's reflections and Woody Allen's homage to Bergman, alongside the analytical "Bergman 101," enrich the package. The inclusion of a meticulously illustrated booklet with Gary Giddins’ essay underscores the release's value, making it a substantial offering for cinephiles and fans alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A commentary by film scholar Peter Cowie.
• Afterword: A follow-up discussion on "The Seventh Seal" by Peter Cowie.
• Ingmar Bergman Introduction: A short introduction to the film by Ingmar Bergman himself.
• Bergman Island: A feature-length documentary by Marie Nyrerod on Bergman's career.
• Max von Sydow Audio Interview: Insights from the actor in conversation with Peter Cowie.
• Woody Allen on Bergman: Woody Allen discusses his admiration for Bergman.
• Bergman 101: An overview of Bergman's work by Peter Cowie.
• Trailer: The film's trailer in high definition.
• Booklet: Contains Gary Giddins' essay "There Go The Clowns".

Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal (1957) delivered on Criterion's Blu-ray offers a meticulously restored high-definition digital transfer that brings out the best in Gunnar Fischer's breathtaking cinematography, complemented by an uncompressed monaural soundtrack with optional English subtitles. This release not only presents the film in its most pristine visual and auditory condition but also enriches the viewing experience with enlightening supplemental features, such as the documentary Bergman Island (2006). The movie, anchored by Max von Sydow's exceptional portrayal of a knight wrestling with existential quandaries upon his return from the Crusades, remains a cinematic tour de force, probing themes of faith, mortality, and human nature with unparalleled depth and artistic finesse.

The narrative, as timeless and provocative as ever, explores the knight's confrontation with Death on a desolate beach, engaging in a chess game for his life while seeking answers to the perennial questions of God's existence and the meaning of life. Alongside, the rich tableau of characters, including Gunnar Bjornstrand's squire and Bibi Andersson's Mia, adds layers of earthy realism and poignant contrast to the knight's spiritual quest. The film's exploration of religious symbolism, moral ambiguity, and mankind's perpetual struggle with life's existential dilemmas resonates as strongly today as it did over fifty years ago, possibly gaining even greater relevance amid modern societal conflicts and spiritual quests.

Technically, the film is an exemplar of masterful cinematography and audiovisual integration. Fischer’s panoramic shots and intimate close-ups complement Bergman’s profound narrative, creating a visually stunning piece that transcends its era. Coupled with Erik Nordgren’s haunting score, the movie captivates and immerses the viewer in its medieval yet timeless world, marked by its bold examination of life, death, and what lies beyond. The Criterion release does exceptional justice to this monumental piece of cinema, ensuring that its existential resonance and aesthetic beauty continue to engage and provoke thought in audiences old and new.

The recent Blu-ray release of "The Seventh Seal" has undoubtedly set a new benchmark in the realm of home video presentation. In a market frequently bombarded with numerous editions claiming unprecedented visual and audio enhancements, this particular release stands out not merely for its claims but for its unassailable delivery on those promises. The remastering process undergone by this cinematic masterpiece has revitalized its visual and audible essence, offering an experience so pristine and immersive it's akin to witnessing the film's premiere. This edition is a must-have for both aficionados of classic cinema and connoisseurs of superior quality Blu-ray presentations.

Detailing the technicalities, the transfer exhibits an astoundingly clean and stable image, with an array of grayscale gradients breathing life into each frame, unlike any previous release. The meticulous restoration work has ensured that the film’s iconic imagery, from the stark landscapes to the hauntingly expressive faces of its characters, is rendered with a clarity that surpasses expectations. Accompanied by a meticulously restored audio track, this release encapsulates the very essence of what makes "The Seventh Seal" a cornerstone of world cinema, preserving its auditory nuances with as much care as its visuals.

To conclude, this Blu-ray release of "The Seventh Seal" is a triumph in every sense, offering an unparalleled home viewing experience that remarkably respects and rejuvenates Ingmar Bergman's magnum opus. It's not just highly recommended; it's an essential addition to any serious film collection. With its outstanding technical presentation and faithful rendering of the film's original vision, it fulfills the promise of delivering cinema’s classics to contemporary audiences in their most definitive forms yet.