Cyrano Blu-ray Review

"Cyrano" is presented on Blu-ray with a 1080p AVC encoded transfer, captured using Arri Alexa LF cameras and finished at 4K with an aspect ratio of 2.39:1. The transfer offers a visually impressive presentation despite not being available on the superior 4K Ultra-HD Blu-ray format. The film's image quality is notably crisp, with exceptional clarity, especially in close-ups where fine details such as actor's pores and textured period costumes are clearly visible. The warm, burnished tones used throughout much of the film's first acts highlight the intricate fabric textures and period makeup authentically while maintaining depth and dimensionality.

Color reproduction in "Cyrano" is commendable, featuring elegant and naturally vivid hues without appearing overly saturated. The coloration evolves strikingly with the narrative, transitioning to subdued tones during wartime sequences, although the vibrant colors maintain their depth and impact in earlier scenes. The palette encompasses pastel shades alongside bold appearances in golds and browns, particularly in fabrics and upholstery, contributing to the film’s Renaissance aesthetic. Black levels are deep, enhancing contrast while retaining texture and detail even in darker scenes, and without any noticeable crushing.

The depth of field provides a strong sense of separation between characters and their surroundings, contributing to a smooth, natural movement within each frame. Motion remains fluid with no distortions, ensuring an immersive viewing experience. Overall, "Cyrano" delivers an exquisite visual experience on Blu-ray, characterized by natural skin tones and well-defined make-up lines, implying both high-quality production and a well-executed transfer. While it's slightly disappointing not to have a 4K physical format release, the Blu-ray presentation displays commendable technical proficiency across all aspects of its video quality.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "Cyrano" showcases an impressively immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, expertly providing a rich bed of surround sound that enhances the film's musical and dramatic elements. The audio track effectively utilizes underscore to anchor ambient sounds, adding depth and nuance to scenes. Particularly notable are the dynamic production numbers and Cyrano's sword fights, showcasing excellent engagement of side and rear channels. The instrumental and vocal fidelity is flawless, with surprisingly well-executed singing from leads not traditionally recognized for their vocal prowess. The transition between sung material and underscore, such as during the theatrical performance sequence, demonstrates a stylistic variance that enriches the auditory experience.

Technically, the DTS-HD MA 7.1 track offers a deeply immersive sound presence, complimented by precise placement of audio cues throughout. The playhouse sequence, for instance, exhibits a natural progression of sound as Cyrano moves through the theater, enhancing spatial awareness. LFE integration adds an effective low-end boost to musical numbers, offering a full-bodied and dynamically pleasing experience. The audio maintains excellent fidelity and dynamic range, with dialogue remaining clean and clear across all scenes. Optional subtitles in English, French, and Spanish are available, ensuring accessibility.

The intricate layering of this audio mix is notable for its balanced volume placement and polished delivery. While it lacks an Atmos mix due to its original 7.1 configuration, the track presents a captivating natural surround sweep that thoroughly engages the listener. The inclusion of both low-frequency extensions and ambient soundscapes complements the narrative visually and auditorily, making each speaker usage intentional and impactful. Overall, it's a compelling audio presentation that genuinely enhances the viewer's engagement.

The Blu-ray edition of "Cyrano" offers a well-produced selection of extras, notably "An Epic Adventure: The Making of Cyrano," a featurette that delves into the film's transition from stage to screen. Despite its brevity at just over nine minutes, this piece provides valuable insights with interviews from the cast and crew, highlighting the creative process and musical composition efforts. The inclusion of this feature alongside both DVD and digital formats enhances the value of the package. This particular featurette is exclusive to the physical edition, offering additional incentive for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate in-depth production insights.

Extras included in this disc:

• An Epic Adventure: The Making of Cyrano: An engaging featurette on film development, focusing on theatrical origins and scoring.

The 2021 film adaptation of "Cyrano," directed by Joe Wright, presents a refreshing and inventive take on Edmond Rostand's classic 1897 play. In this version, Peter Dinklage replaces the iconic large nose with a portrayal that emphasizes dwarfism, creating a poignant narrative focusing on the theme of unrequited love and personal insecurity. The screenplay, adapted by Erica Schmidt, maintains fidelity to the source material while integrating musical elements composed by members of The National. Despite stylistic choices that might not appeal to every musical theater aficionado, the production is visually sumptuous, with exquisite cinematography by Seamus McGarvey that captures the scenic beauty of Noto, Sicily.

The casting decisions, particularly the choice of Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Christian, challenge traditional portrayals without altering the story’s essence. This version of “Cyrano” stands out by not emphasizing race or physical differences as plot points, instead opting for a universal portrayal of love and longing that transcends conventional barriers. Dinklage delivers a deeply moving performance, characterized by his expressive portrayal of Cyrano's inner turmoil and impressive singing abilities. Haley Bennett shines as Roxanne, providing warmth and earnestness to the character, which complements Dinklage’s portrayal seamlessly.

While the musical score may divide audiences due to its modern folk-rock sensibilities, it presents an interesting counterpoint to the film’s historical setting. Some viewers might find The National's composition style incongruous with the period backdrop, potentially detracting from the immersive experience. Nonetheless, the live vocal performances enhance the film’s authenticity. Overall, this adaptation of "Cyrano" offers a visually rich and thoughtful retelling that balances innovative storytelling with a respectful nod to Rostand's original work, though its musical ambitions may not resonate equally with all audiences.

"Cyrano" on Blu-ray delivers an exceptional cinematic experience, underscored by outstanding technical merits. Joe Wright's direction is showcased through a visually stunning transfer that maintains a crisp, dynamic image quality, complemented by a robust 7.1 audio mix that envelops the viewer in the film's rich soundscape. The musical tale of romance and poetry is deftly brought to life by a cast that imbues each role, large or small, with memorable performances. However, the Blu-ray release does fall short in one area—special features are extremely sparse, leaving audiences wanting more insights into the making of this adaptation.

While the music composed by members of The National interweaves through the narrative with mixed success, for aficionados of the band, it serves as an enticing highlight. The soundtrack brings a unique dimension to the story, although it may not universally resonate with all viewers. Nevertheless, the adaptation remains emotionally satisfying and thoroughly engaging, thanks to well-executed storytelling and strong overall production values.

In conclusion, despite the limited extras, "Cyrano" is a commendable release on Blu-ray, notably excelling in both audio and visual departments. Fans of The National will find additional enjoyment in the film's musical elements, but even those less familiar with the band will appreciate the artistic flair and poignant performances that elevate this romantic tale. Therefore, "Cyrano" comes strongly recommended for its technical achievements and compelling narrative, with a nod to potential music-related reservations.