The Great Beauty Blu-ray Review

"The Great Beauty," directed by Paolo Sorrentino, is given a stunning visual treatment in its Blu-ray presentation, available through Criterion. Exhibited in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC for a 1080p transfer, the film's visual exquisiteness is effortlessly conveyed to home audiences. The digital transfer, meticulously crafted from the 35mm original camera negative using a 2K resolution on an ARRISCAN film scanner, underscores Criterion's commitment to maintaining the film's aesthetic integrity. Additionally, the release boasts a vibrant and fully digital soundtrack, with the 5.1 surround audio masterfully remastered from the original 24-bit digital audio master files, offering an auditory experience that complements the visual splendor.

The technical specifications further enhance the viewing experience, with colorist Andrea Orsini from Technicolor in Rome, ensuring that each frame's color palette is as rich and dynamic as intended by Sorrentino. The approved 2K digital transfer showcases an exceptional clarity and depth of image, making every scene—from the nuanced expressions of characters to the sprawling cityscapes—a feast for the eyes. Particular note must be made of the film's handling of colors; the reproduction of the wide range of hues is nothing short of beautiful, ensuring that the film's vivid visual storytelling is faithfully preserved. Moreover, scenes that play with lighting conditions, such as those set at night, retain their intended ambiance without compromising detail.

Viewers and enthusiasts conducting direct comparisons with other releases, such as Artificial Eye's, will find little to no disparity in the basic transfer characteristics, confirming Criterion's release as a superior viewing choice. The meticulous effort put into ensuring the absence of transfer-specific anomalies and maintaining image stability throughout further attests to the quality of this presentation. This Blu-ray release not only respects but elevates "The Great Beauty" to new heights, affirming its place among Europe's cinematic gems of recent years. However, it's important to note that this is a Region-A locked Blu-ray release, necessitating a compatible player for playback.

The Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offered on the Blu-ray release of "The Great Beauty" delivers an audio experience that is both immersive and intricate. This singular audio option, complemented by optional English subtitles accurately positioned within the frame, ensures an accessible viewing for a wider audience. The clarity of dialogue is exceptional, with every line delivered crisply, firmly anchoring the film's narrative flow. These technical efforts facilitate a seamless engagement with the storied landscapes and complex character arcs woven throughout the film.

The technical superiority of the lossless 5.1 track cannot be overstated; it consistently exhibits an exceptional depth and dynamic range that brilliantly captures the essence of the visual storytelling. The meticulous use of Lele Marchitelli's score, especially pronounced in the latter half of the film, showcases a nuanced appreciation for the film's atmospheric layers. Such sound design does not merely accompany, but significantly elevates the cinematic experience, enveloping the viewer in an auditory spectacle that is as immersive as the visual splendor of "The Great Beauty."

This audio track stands out for its remarkable dynamic intensity and breadth of nuances, testament to the meticulous care invested in its production. The English translations provided are of superior quality, ensuring that the film's poetic dialogues and profound monologues retain their impactful essence across linguistic boundaries. The marriage of these elements culminates in an auditory experience that not only meets but surpasses expectation, rendering this audio track impeccable in its delivery and integral to the film's overall sensory tapestry.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Great Beauty" encompass a rich tapestry of insights into the creation and thematic exploration of the film, presented through high-definition interviews and unique behind-the-scenes content. Key figures such as Toni Servillo and Paolo Sorrentino offer deep dives into their careers and contributions to the film, shedding light on the intricate depiction of Jep Gambardella and Rome. Screenwriter Umberto Contarello provides context on the development process, while deleted scenes and an original U.S. trailer expand the visual narrative. An accompanying booklet penned by Philip Lopate complements this array of extras with critical analysis, enriching the viewer's appreciation and understanding of this cinematic masterpiece. This collection is indispensable for enthusiasts seeking to grasp the full scope of Sorrentino’s vision and the collaborative effort behind "The Great Beauty."

Extras included in this disc:

• Toni Servillo: A video interview with actor Toni Servillo discussing his role and work with Paolo Sorrentino.

• Paolo Sorrentino: A conversation between the director and Italian film scholar Antonio Monda on Sorrentino's career and themes in "The Great Beauty."

• Umberto Contarello: Video interview with the screenwriter on his contributions and the creation of "The Great Beauty."

• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer for "The Great Beauty."

• Deleted Scenes:

  • Maestro Cinema.
  • Montage.

• Booklet: Featuring an essay by critic Philip Lopate.

Paolo Sorrentino's La grande bellezza (The Great Beauty), the recipient of the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film, makes a memorable journey onto Blu-ray through Criterion's exquisite presentation. This 2013 masterpiece, steeped in the evocative landscapes of Rome, navigates the existential reverie of Jep Gambardella, brilliantly portrayed by Toni Servillo. Once the celebrated monarch of Rome's elite social circles, Jep grapples with his waning days amidst a city whose eternal allure seems just out of reach. The disc, region-A locked and furnished with English subtitles, bolsters the film’s mesmeric charm with an array of special features, including insightful interactions with the film’s prime contributors and a collection of deleted scenes, anchored by an essay from critic Philip Lopate.

Through Sorrentino’s lens, Rome transcends its physical boundaries to become a tableau for Jep’s introspective odyssey. The city, with its juxtaposition of beauty and decay, mirrors Jep's internal conflict - a man ensnared by the cynicism fostered by a life of excess. Sorrentino navigates this tale with a Felliniesque grandeur, blending surreal encounters with Rome’s eccentric denizens, from disillusioned aristocrats to a sage centenarian. The narrative weaves these characters into a tapestry that reflects the varied philosophies shaping Rome’s contemporary saga. The ensemble cast, led by Servillo’s commanding performance, brings authenticity to this reflective exploration of life’s ephemeral delights and inevitable regrets.

Sorrentino’s Rome is an aesthetic feast, where the splendor of its locales serves as backdrop to a gathering of souls adrift. The Great Beauty delves into themes of memory, loss, and the search for meaning amidst opulence and spectacle. The cinematography is as much a narrative force as the script, painting each frame with an allure that is both haunting and seductive. This film not only showcases Sorrentino’s exceptional capacity to meld visual splendor with poignant storytelling but also reaffirms the enduring power of Italian cinema to captivate and move audiences worldwide.

In the realm of cinematic home entertainment, the Criterion release of Paolo Sorrentino's "The Great Beauty" stands as a beacon for those yearning to immerse themselves in the film's captivating visuals and narrative depth from the comfort of their own domain. While there's a unanimous agreement that experiencing the film in theaters is an unparalleled enchantment, this Blu-ray edition not only bridges the gap but also extends an invitation to explore the film's intricacies on a granular level. The technical presentation is lauded for its excellence, a testament to Criterion's commitment to preserving the film’s aesthetic fidelity. Moreover, the inclusion of exclusive interviews with key figures such as Toni Servillo and Umberto Contarello, paired with a compelling dialogue between Antonio Monda and Paolo Sorrentino, enriches the viewing experience, offering insights that elevate one's appreciation of the film.

Criterion's dedication to quality is evident in every aspect of this release, ensuring that both audio and visual elements are rendered with utmost clarity and precision. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that audiences are provided with a version of "The Great Beauty" that mirrors the director's original vision. The added special features, which delve into the filmmaking process and narrative themes, act as a fascinating supplement to the main feature, allowing enthusiasts and cinephiles alike to engage in a deeper discourse surrounding the film's enduring allure.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Great Beauty" is an essential acquisition for anyone captivated by Sorrentino's masterful exploration of beauty and the complexities of life. It offers not only an exceptional technical presentation of the film but also enhances the viewer's engagement through thoughtful extras. Whether revisiting or discovering "The Great Beauty" for the first time, this edition exemplifies home cinema at its most enriching, making it a highly recommended addition to any collection.