A Haunting in Venice Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "A Haunting in Venice," from 20th Century Studios and Disney/Buena Vista, delivers an impressive AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Shot digitally with Sony CineAlta cameras up to 6K resolution and finished as a 4K digital intermediate, the Blu-ray still captures exceptional levels of detail. Despite the lack of a 4K UHD physical release, the 1080p version offers beautifully secure detail levels, especially commendable in its rendering of low-light sequences, characterized by deep blacks and ominous shadows. This attention to detail extends to facial features, clothing, and the film's intricate set locations.

The film's dynamic use of color is also noteworthy. With a palette favoring dark fall-like greens, reds, and oranges, colors are bold and well-reproduced. Skin tones remain healthy and natural throughout the film. Branagh and returning cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos take advantage of digital technology with unique framing choices, including fisheye lenses that enhance the film’s visual storytelling. These techniques create extreme close-ups with exceptional fine detail, though some CGI elements might appear slightly softer.

While some early establishing shots in Venice display minor banding on specific displays, generally, the Blu-ray video presentation remains clean with no noticeable artifacts. The film's photography maintains clarity and detail in even the darkest scenes without any motion distortion issues. With strong color reproduction and deep, rich black levels that avoid crushing, "A Haunting in Venice" stands out as an excellent addition to any collection despite the absence of a 4K disc, holding up admirably on a seasoned 1080p format.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 soundtrack for "A Haunting in Venice" delivers an impressive and engaging audio experience, characterized by robust dynamics and spatial dimension. Dialogue is exceptionally clear and remains intelligible despite the characters' thick accents. The soundtrack artfully employs directional effects and a punchy low-frequency extension to complement the film’s thematic tone. This immersive audio presentation dynamically supports the visual elements, creating an evocative viewing experience that enhances the film's atmospheric quality.

The sound design takes center stage, with meticulous attention to ambient details and pinpoint sound effects. Frequent surround activity is apparent, effectively supporting the film's haunted house theme with chilling and unexpected sound cues. Though it lacks the height dimension of a Dolby Atmos mix, the audio track stands out through its consistent use of rear and side channels, lending depth and a full-bodied sense of presence.

Hildur Guðnadóttir’s score further elevates the experience by integrating seamlessly into the mix, utilizing various channels to create an eerie musical atmosphere. Even during quieter moments, subtle creepy effects maintain an active soundstage that keeps viewers engaged. Overall, while missing the grandeur of an Atmos soundtrack, this DTS-HD MA 7.1 mix offers a thoroughly enjoyable at-home audio experience, enriched by optional subtitles in multiple languages for additional accessibility.

The Blu-ray of "A Haunting in Venice" offers a succinct yet engaging collection of extras. The standout is "Murder, Death and Haunting," a 26:08-minute featurette that provides an insightful look behind the scenes. It delves into the adaptation of Agatha Christie's 'Hallowe’en Party,' the innovative relocation to Venice, and the remarkable ensemble scenes constructed by Kenneth Branagh and team. Though somewhat concise, it effectively captures the film's production nuances. The disc also includes 11 deleted scenes, spanning 8:14 in total, which serve primarily as pacing extensions or scene trims, offering additional glimpses of Poirot and Venetian locales. Unfortunately, while intriguing for enthusiasts, these excisions do not significantly enhance the narrative. Additionally, a digital copy is available.

Extras included in this disc:

• Murder, Death and Haunting: Behind-the-scenes featurette on film adaptation and production.
• Deleted Scenes: Eleven trimmed scenes from the film.
• Digital Code: Redeemable Movies Anywhere HD copy.

A Haunting in Venice marks Kenneth Branagh's return both as director and Hercule Poirot, capturing an eerie post-WWII Venice setting on All Hallows’ Eve. The film deviates from typical Poirot narratives, embedding itself in the realm of the supernatural. The narrative begins with Poirot in retirement, sequestered in Venice, before he is drawn into a seance at a haunted palazzo. Following a gruesome murder, Poirot is hurled into a labyrinth of dark secrets and shadows. Employing stylish cinematography with Dutch angles and playful lenses, Branagh crafts a visually striking experience that aligns well with the film's haunting theme.

The screenplay, adapted from Agatha Christie's lesser-known Hallowe’en Party, wrestles with the challenge of refreshing familiar plots while paying homage to Christie’s legacy. Despite being retained as a quintessential Poirot tale, the setting, narrative elements, and character portrayals notably diverge from the original. The film leverages these creative liberties to present a unique standalone story that stands out in the modern retelling of Christie’s works. The ensemble cast, featuring Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, and Michelle Yeoh, enhances the tension and allure of the plot, contributing to this adaptation’s success.

Technically astute, the movie benefits from meticulously crafted sets and an atmospheric backdrop, eschewing excessive CGI for genuine locale fidelity. The tension-filled confines of the palazzo amplify the thriller's claustrophobic intensity — something that Branagh's previous endeavors lacked. With layered performances and a tightly wound plot riddled with red herrings, A Haunting in Venice stands as a superior entry in Branagh's Poirot trilogy. Despite minor flaws in narrative execution and theatrical release strategy, the film succeeds in delivering a captivating blend of mystery and horror, securing its place as a refined adaptation within Branagh's oeuvre.

"A Haunting in Venice" Blu-ray represents the pinnacle of Kenneth Branagh's adaptations of Agatha Christie's tales, blending a tightly-knit production with an engaging narrative that departs refreshingly from previous films. While it veers from Christie's original "Hallowe'en Party," it constructs a compelling plot with clever surprises. The film's photography and score, alongside an adept sound design, contribute to a genuinely atmospheric experience. Enthusiastic fans will appreciate how the film strikes a balance between a rich visual style and a meticulous blend of mystery, maintaining a captivating grip throughout its runtime.

Technically, the Blu-ray release is well-executed. The 1080p transfer effectively captures the film’s aesthetic, displaying consistently good video quality that brings out the film's intricate details and striking cinematography. The 7.1 audio track complements the visuals, enveloping viewers in a dynamic soundscape that enhances the eerie, immersive experience. Although a 4K release would have been ideal to fully showcase the film's visual prowess, the standard Blu-ray remains a commendable effort.

In conclusion, despite its absence on 4K disc, "A Haunting in Venice" is a recommendable addition to any home collection for both Christie aficionados and newcomers to Branagh's vision. Its vivid storytelling and technical competence create an entertaining viewing experience. The Blu-ray package is satisfactory with worthwhile supplementary features, making it a desirable acquisition, especially at a favorable price point. This rendition of Hercule Poirot's escapades under Branagh’s direction is distinguished as his finest yet, encouraging further anticipation for similar releases.