A Matter of Life and Death Blu-ray Review

Criterion’s presentation of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's "A Matter of Life and Death" on Blu-ray, benefiting from a new 4K restoration by Sony Pictures Entertainment, is exemplary. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC at 1080p, this restoration brings unparalleled clarity and depth to this classic film. The visuals consistently exhibit exceptional density and delineation, making it hard to believe the film dates back to the 1940s. Notably, the film's stellar color reproduction is achieved through the meticulous scanning of the original 35mm three-strip Technicolor negatives using Cineric's proprietary 4K high-dynamic-range wet-gate film scanner, with a photochemical restoration used as a color reference.

The black-and-white sequences on this Blu-ray are equally impressive, with sharpness and contrast facilitated by utilizing the magenta record from the color negatives. The color sequences are nothing short of breathtaking, showcasing the rich Technicolor saturation with a level of accuracy never seen before in previous releases. The superb color alignment enhances detail significantly, with scenes appearing almost new and free from any age-related imperfections. Black levels are deep with no signs of crush, and the image remains stable throughout the film, never feeling flat despite its age. Additionally, skin tones appear natural across both color and black-and-white sequences, contributing to a lifelike presentation.

The restoration team’s efforts, supervised by Grover Crisp and consulted by Thelma Schoonmaker, are noteworthy for overcoming the challenges presented by aged materials. This Blu-ray release does not just serve as a showcase for the restored film but stands as an exemplary model of how classic cinema should be preserved and presented. The entire transfer is spotless, with consistent grain that enhances the viewing experience rather than detracting from it. For aficionados of Technicolor and classic cinema, this release represents one of the most pristine and visually captivating presentations available on Blu-ray.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray for "A Matter of Life and Death" features a singular, yet highly proficient, English LPCM 1.0 track. This uncompressed, monaural audio track delivers a robust and flawless listening experience. The attention to maintaining stability and clarity is evident, resulting in a highly consistent and nuanced dynamic range. The dialogue is crisp and seamlessly integrated into the mix, with no discernible hiss or age-related artifacts, making it easily understandable.

The music and effects are equally impressive, benefiting from the clean and distortion-free quality of the track. Though there is no low-frequency extension or surround sound presentation to speak of, this is not missed given the impeccable execution of the audio's primary components. The presence of optional English SDH subtitles complements the main feature, ensuring accessibility without compromising the listening experience.

In summary, the audio track on this Blu-ray is an exemplary presentation of monaural sound. The combination of clear dialogue, fantastic music and effects, along with the absence of any noticeable audio issues, highlights the meticulous work put into this release. This LPCM 1.0 track does justice to the film's original audio elements while enhancing the overall viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "A Matter of Life and Death" are exemplary, providing comprehensive insights into the film’s production and legacy. The disc features engaging interviews, such as Martin Scorsese’s introduction, which underscores the film's unique artistic style, and Thelma Schoonmaker’s in-depth discussion on the socio-political influences and special qualities of the movie. Additionally, "The Colour Merchant" offers a fascinating look at cinematographer Jack Cardiff’s contributions. The technical prowess behind the film’s visual effects is explored by Craig Baron and Harrison Ellenshaw. Historical context is provided by "The South Bank Show” and Christie’s detailed audio commentary, both essential for understanding Michael Powell’s passion for cinema. Furthermore, a restoration demonstration highlights the meticulous 4K restoration undertaken for this release. These extras are invaluable for any film scholar or enthusiast.

Extras included in this disc:

Introduction by Martin Scorsese: Discusses the unique artistic style of the film's creators.

Thelma Schoonmaker: Insights on the film's history, socio-political context, and special qualities.

The Colour Merchant: Documentary on cinematographer Jack Cardiff's life and work.

Special Effects: Breakdown of the film's visual style and special effects.

The South Bank Show: Michael Powell: Archival documentary on Michael Powell’s career.

Restoration Demonstration: Highlights improvements from the recent 4K restoration.

Audio Commentary: Film historian Ian Christie's extensive commentary tracks film history and composition.

Leaflet: Features an essay by critic Stephanie Zacharek.

Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s "A Matter of Life and Death" (1946) masterfully blends fantasy with reality, making it a standout piece in cinematic history. Revolving around RAF pilot Peter Carter (David Niven), who miraculously survives a plane crash, the film adeptly navigates between vibrant Technicolor depictions of earthly life and stark black-and-white scenes of the afterlife. This dual visual narrative, orchestrated by cinematographer Jack Cardiff, remains as striking today as it was innovative at the time. Cardiff’s impeccable use of color and light, particularly the transitions between the two realms, showcases not only aesthetic brilliance but also technical ingenuity that modern digital effects still strive to match.

The film's strength lies in its ability to marry profound concepts with an engaging storyline. Peter’s unexpected survival leads him to American radio operator June (Kim Hunter), whose affection develops rapidly yet convincingly. Their romance is disrupted by Conductor 71 (Marius Goring), a whimsical French aristocrat tasked with rectifying Peter’s uncollected soul. This narrative incorporates a fascinating trial in the Other World, where Peter must argue for his right to live, tenderly highlighting themes of love, fate, and human resilience. The seamless blending of humor, fantasy, and drama in Powell and Pressburger’s screenplay grants the film a timeless appeal, making the fantastical utterly believable and emotionally resonant.

"A Matter of Life and Death" is bolstered by stellar performances from its cast. David Niven’s portrayal of Peter is both earnest and charming, ensuring audience empathy from his first scene. Kim Hunter provides a strong counterpart as June, while Roger Livesey imbues Dr. Frank Reeves with intellectual warmth and complexity. Marius Goring’s Conductor 71 adds a delightful mix of humor and pathos, enhancing the film’s rich character tapestry. Ultimately, this film isn’t just a visual marvel but an enduring exploration of life’s profound questions, cementing its reputation as an essential cinematic masterpiece.

"A Matter of Life and Death" from the iconic duo Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger receives a magnificent Blu-ray release, marked by an impeccable 4K restoration. The visual fidelity is breathtaking, revitalizing the film’s beautiful cinematography with crisp clarity and vibrant colors that faithfully represent the directors' artistic vision. The disc offers an exceptional audio experience, ensuring that every detail of the original sound design is preserved, further immersing viewers into the film's enchanting narrative.

Complementing the superb technical presentation is a robust collection of bonus features. These range from insightful commentaries to comprehensive documentaries and interviews, providing deep dives into the film's creation, its thematic depth, and its significant impact on cinema history. The inclusion of exclusive new content alongside archival materials offers both seasoned fans and new viewers a well-rounded understanding of this cinematic gem. The only minor shortfall is the absence of a trailer, but this does not detract from the overall value.

This truly special film from Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger desperately needed a proper makeover so that it can look as spectacular as its creators had intended. The new 4K restoration that was completed at Sony Pictures and used to produce this upcoming Blu-ray release is the definitive presentation that fans of A Matter of Life and Death had hoped will materialize. It is an absolute stunner. As usual, the folks at Criterion have also compiled an excellent selection of exclusive new and archival bonus features to complement the terrific technical presentation. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.