Quartet Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Quartet" is commendable, showcasing a remarkable 1080p, AVC-encoded transfer. Shot on 35mm film and completed through a digital intermediate, the film maintains a fine grain that adds to the visual texture, a choice that rightly retains the authenticity of its theatrical quality. John de Borman's cinematography adeptly highlights the natural beauty of the English countryside and the dignified aging of Beecham House's residents. The image is crisp, capturing every delicate facial expression and emotion, as noted in Hoffman's commentary on the actors' lack of cosmetic alteration. The pastel color palette harmonizes perfectly with the serene landscape and the subtle wardrobe, lending an air of elegance to every scene.

Color reproduction in "Quartet" is noteworthy, with the gala night scenes standing out vividly. The black evening attire contrasts sharply against the sequined gowns, emphasizing every jewel in exquisite detail. This careful attention to detail not only enhances visual pleasure but also remains true to the director's vision, maintaining consistent skin tones even with a slightly warm color grade. There are no visible compression errors, ensuring that the visuals remain clear and true to the source material throughout the viewing experience. The high-definition transfer encapsulates an array of rich colors, which contributes significantly to making "Quartet" a visually engaging film on Blu-ray.

Overall, the Blu-ray presentation preserves the film's artistic integrity while offering a superior viewing experience. The meticulous transfer highlights every picturesque shot and expresses the narrative's emotional depth, which makes "Quartet" a joy to watch in high definition.

The Blu-ray release of "Quartet" features an exemplary DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack that brings a robust auditory experience, predominantly driven by the film's musical elements. The score, composed of a diverse range of music from opera, English music hall, and even hip-hop lectures, is seamlessly interwoven with short segments by Dario Marianelli, bridging major classical compositions by Verdi, Rossini, and Schubert. This intricate blending preserves the authenticity of Beecham House's ambiance while maintaining clear and intelligible dialogue. The sound mixers have done a commendable job keeping the multitude of auditory elements coherent and engaging.

From a technical standpoint, the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track ensures optimal delivery with dialogue consistently emanating from the front channels, while the rear channels efficiently capture and enhance the musical performances and score. This directional audio design, though not heavily reliant on extensive directionality, achieves a well-balanced and immersive listening experience without any discernible flaws. The Blu-ray also features a French Dolby Digital 5.1 track along with subtitles available in English SDH and Spanish, augmenting accessibility for a broader audience.

The Blu-ray release of "Quartet" offers a commendable collection of extras, although it lacks a bookmarking feature which complicates playback continuity. The Audio Commentary with Dustin Hoffman is an engaging highlight, where Hoffman delivers insightful stories about the cast and crew, albeit in his characteristic monotone. The commentary delves deeply into the actors' individual performances and experiences on set, giving a rich background to the film's production. Additionally, the Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes provide valuable backstage glimpses through various focused segments. Each segment explores different elements of the filmmaking process, from direction to music, and enhances appreciation for the intricate details of production.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Dustin Hoffman: Insightful discussion on actors and production.
• The Director: Interviews and on-set footage focusing on Hoffman's direction.
• The Story: Cast and crew discuss the film's narrative.
• The Music: Exploration of the musical elements integral to the film.
• The Salsa: Insights into the dance sequences.
• The Dance: Behind the choreography.
• The Chairlift: Unique filming challenges and moments.
• Introductory Trailers: Promotions for The Intouchables, The Artist, and The Sapphires (skippable).

Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut, "Quartet," brings to life a compelling narrative set in Beecham House, a retirement home for musicians. Adapted by Ronald Harwood from his own play, the story revolves around the intertwining lives of retired opera singers. The central plot follows Reginald Paget (Tom Courtenay), Wilfred Bond (Billy Connolly), Cicily Robson (Pauline Collins), and the new arrival Jean Horton (Maggie Smith). The drama intensifies with Jean's entrance, particularly as she shares a tumultuous past with Reginald, involving a marriage that ended poorly. Hoffman's all-star cast effectively navigates through themes of forgiveness, aging, and the undying passion for music.

The film shines in its authenticity. Hoffman populates Beecham House not just with renowned actors but with real-life retired musical performers, bringing a genuine musical texture to the film. Notably, all musical performances are live, adding credibility and an engaging sensory experience. Billy Connolly stands out with his portrayal of Wilfred Bond, whose flirtatious and irrepressible nature injects both humor and pathos, balancing Maggie Smith's more somber role as Jean Horton. The interactions and evolving relationships among the quartet elicit both poignancy and warmth.

"Quartet" gracefully underscores the message that one is never too old to continue learning and living. Through Hoffman's sensitive direction and Harwood's poignant script, coupled with stellar performances by the lead actors, the film captivates its audience. While the narrative may not be groundbreaking, the heartfelt execution and superb acting make it a memorable watch. The movie's unique charm lies in its blend of humor, nostalgia, and inspiration, making it a commendable piece in Hoffman's varied career.

Quartet, a directorial debut by Dustin Hoffman, showcases a seasoned ensemble cast delivering endearing and dynamic performances. The Blu-ray presentation is exemplary, offering an impressive visual fidelity that highlights the lush and serene settings of Beecham House. Hoffman’s astute direction brings Ronald Harwood's poignant screenplay to life, though some might argue it doesn't entirely transcend its theatrical roots. The cinematography is solid, capturing the essence of the English countryside with clarity and warmth.

Technically, the Blu-ray boasts pristine image quality and a robust sound mix, immersing the viewer in both the dramatic and musical elements of the film. While the disc falls short on substantial bonus features, it benefits significantly from the high-definition presentation. The detail in every frame is meticulously preserved, rendering a viewing experience that is visually and audibly endearing. This restraint in extras does, however, limit repeat viewability and collectible appeal.

It's easy to imagine how Quartet could have become a treacly mass of sentiment, but Hoffman and his spirited ensemble never let that happen. Everyone involved—the writer, the director, and the stars—are far too aware and respectful of the fact that remaining vital and focused as time wears away at you is a serious business (even if, like Connolly, one's business is comedy). As Hoffman recalls in his commentary, and many moviegoers may not be aware, Maggie Smith, the two-time Oscar-winning actress whom generations now know as Professor Minerva McGonagall, had retired in the late Eighties after a long and debilitating illness. Her love of acting brought her back in 1991's Hook, and she has continued working ever since. In Quartet, Dame Maggie breaks new cinematic ground as she utters the f-word for the first time in a screen career spanning over fifty years. She says it beautifully. Highly recommended.