The Elephant Man Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, "The Elephant Man" Blu-ray from Criterion showcases a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The release stems from a new 4K restoration initiated by StudioCanal, which included meticulous scanning of the original 35mm camera negatives. David Lynch supervised and approved this restoration, and it was performed at Silver Salt Restoration in London, with further enhancement at L'Immatine Ritrovata in Bologna, Italy, and color correction at FotoKem in Burbank.

The resulting visuals are impressive, featuring enhanced clarity, density, and stability. Notably absent are debris, scratches, and other age-related imperfections. The film retains a fine layer of natural grain, adding to its filmic quality, with the intricate details such as facial complexions and Victorian furniture fully realized. The contrast is pitch-perfect; whites are clean and radiant, while black levels are deep and rich, offering superb shadow details in darker scenes. While some minor soft moments inherent to the original source do exist, they do not significantly detract from the viewing experience.

This restoration also allows for a better appreciation of the film’s intricate craftsmanship, including Christopher Tucker's prosthetic make-up effects and Freddie Francis's cinematography. The grimy neighborhoods look more authentic, and the stitching on costumes is strikingly vivid. Overall, this presentation surpasses previous home video releases, making it a definitive version for fans.

The audio presentation of "The Elephant Man" Blu-ray is anchored by an English LPCM 2.0 track, with optional English SDH subtitles appearing within the image frame. This choice preserves the film's original audio design approved by David Lynch, ensuring an authentic auditory experience. The overall dynamic balance is significantly improved over previous releases, with dialogues coming through clean, clear, and stable, free from any noticeable anomalies. This meticulous remastering is evident in scenes such as the stage sequence around the 01:51:53 mark, where the clarity of speech is particularly notable.

Furthermore, this uncompressed PCM stereo soundtrack, derived from StudioCanal's remaster of the original magnetic printmaster, holds up admirably when compared to its DTS-HD MA counterpart on the 4K Ultra HD edition. Utilizing receiver up-mixing functionalities like Dolby Surround or DTS: Neural:X enhances the ambient sound effects and John Morris's haunting score, contributing to a more immersive viewing experience. The retention of the original sound design by Alan Splet ensures that intricate ambient details are spread effectively into height channels, making the film's auditory dimensions both engaging and haunting.

In summary, this Blu-ray release represents likely the best auditory experience for "The Elephant Man" on home video. The PCM track, characterized by strong dialogue and a faithful representation of the sound mix and score, far surpasses older editions. Users will appreciate the absence of issues such as crackling, hissing, or popping, which plagued earlier releases like the Paramount DVD.

The Blu-ray extras for "The Elephant Man" are impressively comprehensive, providing an in-depth exploration of both the film’s production and the real-life story that inspired it. Highlights include detailed archival interviews with key contributors such as John Hurt, Frank Connor, and David Lynch. These interviews offer valuable insights into the film's production, international reception, and David Lynch's unique creative process. Additionally, features like "Room to Dream" and "The Terrible Elephant Man Revealed" delve into the movie’s background, adding layers of context. Various interviews and featurettes, including a Q&A session with producer Jonathan Sanger from BFI Southbank and an engaging discussion by David Lynch at the AFI, enrich the viewer's understanding of the artistic and technical challenges faced during filming. Notably, the extras also honor Joseph Merrick's legacy through thoughtful documentaries and archival materials.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Vintage trailer for The Elephant Man.
• Room to Dream: David Lynch and co-author Kristine McKenna read from their book.
• Interviews:
  • John Hurt: Archival interview discussing collaboration with David Lynch.
  • Frank Connor: Discussion about his work as a stills photographer on the film.
  • Jonathan Sanger at the BFI: Q&A session about the film's production.
  • David Lynch: Archival interview on the film’s genesis.
• Archival:
  • David Lynch at the AFI: Seminar recording discussing various topics including The Elephant Man.
  • The Terrible Elephant Man Revealed: Featurette on the film's production history.
  • Joseph Merrick: The Real Elephant Man: Documentary on Merrick’s story.
  • Mike Figgis and David Lynch: Interview focusing on Lynch's creative process.
  • Clapper Board: John Hurt: UK TV interview about his work on The Elephant Man.
  • Skintricks: Christopher Tucker and John Hurt: Discussion about makeup creation for The Elephant Man.
• Radio Spots: Vintage promotional material.

David Lynch's 1980 masterpiece, "The Elephant Man," remains one of his most poignant and accessible works. This film chronicles the harrowing life of Joseph “John” Merrick (John Hurt), a man forced to endure life as a 'circus freak' under the sociopathic Bytes (Freddie Jones). Rescued by Dr. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins), Merrick's journey from exploitation to a semblance of dignity is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The stark black and white cinematography by Freddie Francis, combined with Stuart Craig’s art direction, deftly captures the grim atmosphere of Victorian London, enhancing the film’s melancholic tone. John Morris’s haunting score further accentuates this eerie yet empathetic narrative.

Lynch’s storytelling, although straightforward compared to his more surreal works, does not shy away from integrating his characteristic visual and emotional intensity. The film oscillates between moments of deep empathy for Merrick’s plight and harsh critiques of societal indifference, never resorting to cheap sentimentality. Instead, Lynch uses the raw emotional power of his actors to keep the narrative grounded. Hopkins delivers one of his finest performances, portraying Treves with a blend of compassion and internal conflict. Hurt, almost unrecognizable under intricate makeup, brings immense depth to Merrick, making his suffering palpable and his intelligence and gentleness unmistakable.

Supporting cast members, including John Gielgud as Francis Carr Gomm and Anne Bancroft as actress Madge Kendal, contribute significantly to the film’s impact. Their performances add layers to the narrative, embodying both society's cruelty and kindness. Despite taking historical liberties, the film remains true to its core themes of human dignity and compassion. In sum, "The Elephant Man" elegantly showcases Lynch's prowess in blending stylistic elements with profound storytelling, further solidifying his status as a master filmmaker.

David Lynch's "The Elephant Man" presents a poignant biographical narrative that deviates from his typically surrealist style, yet harmoniously aligns with his oeuvre through its depiction of the human condition. The film delves into the trials of John Merrick, with a masterful portrayal by John Hurt, and the compassionate Dr. Frederick Treves, played by Anthony Hopkins. This Criterion Collection Blu-ray release of the classic cult drama offers an exceptional technical presentation. The video quality is staggeringly clear, showcasing reference-quality high-definition visuals that bring out every detail in the rich black-and-white cinematography. Complementing this is an excellent uncompressed PCM stereo sound mix that enriches the viewing experience.

The disc also excels in supplementary content, featuring both recent and archival materials. These extras include insightful documentaries and interviews that explore the making of the film and the real-life story of John Merrick. Such comprehensive bonus material positions this edition as an invaluable resource for cinephiles and scholars alike, reflecting Criterion's dedication to curating a well-rounded home viewing experience.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Elephant Man" is an outstanding tribute to David Lynch’s work. The 4K restoration, despite already receiving accolades in its native format, particularly shines in this Blu-ray adaptation. It is an upgrade that avid film collectors and newcomers should not hesitate to make. With its stunning audiovisual quality and extensive bonus features, this release rightfully deserves the highest recommendation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.