Death Watch Blu-ray Review

Shout Factory presents Bertrand Tavernier's "Death Watch" on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. The quality of the basics is impressive, as the close-ups exhibit commendable depth and definition. The panoramic shots are also fluid and captivating. Color reproduction maintains a good balance though it sometimes fluctuates in low-light scenes. There is light noise correction applied, leading to occasional softness that slightly affects definition. However, this minor issue is virtually imperceptible when the film is in motion. Noteworthy is the absence of sharpening corrections, which often plague other transfers. The film’s high-definition transfer avoids serious banding or aliasing patterns effectively and maintains commendable stability.

Overall, the Blu-ray of "Death Watch" demonstrates a satisfying visual quality notwithstanding some minor areas for improvement. The transfer does justice to the film's visual elements, presenting it in its best possible state. This release stands as the most superior presentation of "Death Watch" available, deserving a place in any serious collector's library. Prospective viewers should note the disc’s Region-A locking for compatible playback options.

The Blu-ray release of "Death Watch" offers a single audio track in English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0. Although the sound design is relatively modest, Antoine Duhamel's score does occasionally shine through, especially in sequences where the strings are prominently featured. The dynamic range is limited, providing a straightforward auditory experience without significant spatial movement or depth.

Dialogue remains stable and clean throughout the feature, though it's worth noting that the thick accents of some European actors can make it difficult to follow the conversations. Regrettably, Shout Factory has not included optional English SDH subtitles with this release, which would have been a helpful addition for clarity. Importantly, the audio presentation is free from major issues such as pops, distortions, or dropouts, ensuring an uninterrupted viewing experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Death Watch" exhibit a robust and thoughtful curation of supplementary content, presenting a rich contextual background to the film's production and thematic essence. The standout feature is the commentary track, filled with detailed anecdotes and insight, making it indispensable for aficionados. The behind-the-scenes footage and interviews further enhance understanding of the film's complex narrative by delving deep into the director's vision and actor performances. These extras not only offer substantial replay value but also serve as a critical resource for those studying filmography and cinematic techniques.

Extras included in this disc:

• Photo Gallery: A collection of stills from the film.
• Commentary Track: Insightful commentary loaded with anecdotes.
• Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Reveals production details.
• Interviews: In-depth discussions with cast and crew.

Death Watch, directed by Bertrand Tavernier, is an exploration of the invasive nature of media and the erosion of personal privacy. The film stars Harvey Keitel as Roddy, who has a camera implanted in his brain to record every moment of Katherine's (Romy Schneider) life, unbeknownst to her. This setup forms the basis of a reality show named Death Watch, spearheaded by a manipulative producer (Harry Dean Stanton). The narrative is split into two distinct parts: Katherine's realization of her predicament and Roddy's eventual moral awakening.

Initially, Katherine grapples with the news of her impending death and begins reflecting on her life and relationships. Her transition from a woman resisting her fate to someone exploited by the media is gradual yet poignant. The film accurately critiques the commodification of individuals, depicting Katherine as a commodity rather than a person with autonomy. This is exacerbated during her interaction with the producer, which disturbingly mirrors contemporary media practices.

The second half shifts focus to Roddy's internal meltdown as he contemplates the implications of his actions. His arrest during a protest acts as a catalyst for his transformation, moving from an ambitious participant in the machinery of exploitation to a man questioning his morality. The film's melancholic tone is accentuated by its dreary settings—industrial parks and somber countryside—conveying an atmosphere where hope seems futile. Roddy's realization that he plays a part in an "enormously evil" system underscores the film’s critical stance on media ethics.

Death Watch's narrative poignantly intersects with reality, especially given today's proliferation of reality TV and media’s exploitative tendencies. Despite its occasionally preachy tone, Tavernier’s direction ensures the film retains its relevance and potency. The film's dedication to Jacques Tourneur and its historic Glasgow locales enhance its cinematic significance.

The Blu-ray release of Bertrand Tavernier's "Death Watch" by Shout Factory offers a technically impressive presentation of this early '80s cinematic gem. The 1080p transfer retains the film's original 1.66:1 aspect ratio and delivers a richly detailed image that captures the atmospheric charm of the movie. The color palette, characterized by its muted tones, remains consistent with the film's somber mood and thematic depth. There is a commendable level of detail in both the lighter and darker scenes, providing viewers with an immersive visual experience that does justice to Tavernier's directorial vision.

On the audio front, the Blu-ray features a robust DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo track. This effectively conveys the dialogue and Michel Legrand’s haunting score with clarity and precision. The sound mix, while not as dynamic as modern releases, is adequate for a film of this era and enhances the overall viewing experience. Additionally, the Blu-ray includes a solid selection of supplementary materials, such as interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, which offer valuable insights into the making of this thought-provoking film.

I have been very pleased with Shout Factory's recent acquisitions and releases. After Abel Ferrara's Fear City, the label has now given us Bertrand Tavernier's Death Watch, a thought-provoking and very atmospheric film from the early '80s. Also on the way are Jane Campion's The Portrait of a Lady, Ridley Scott's The Duellists, and John Carpenter's They Live. I am looking forward to all of them. RECOMMENDED.