Cymbeline Blu-ray Review

"Cymbeline" is presented on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio, courtesy of Lionsgate Films. Despite the film's limited budget, Director Michael Almereyda and Director of Photography Tim Orr manage to deliver a visually engaging experience. In brightly lit scenes, the film showcases a vividly saturated palette with excellent fine detail, creating an evocative and accurate cinematic atmosphere. However, the darker sequences, where ambient or minimal lighting is employed, noticeably lack the same level of intricate detail, occasionally resulting in a murky and hazy presentation that can be distracting.

Interior scenes often benefit from a soft, buttery ambiance that smooths over the midrange shots but maintains a respectable level of general detail. The overall color grading tends towards a slightly yellowish hue, although it does not significantly detract from the natural appearance of flesh tones and other elements. Despite certain concessions made due to the tight budget, "Cymbeline" generally offers a visually pleasing experience, especially during its well-lit moments, which are complemented by the dream-like haze that characterizes much of the film.

The Blu-ray release of "Cymbeline" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that, while technically proficient, may leave some viewers wanting more in the way of immersive surround sound. Dialogue is generally clean and clear, supported by excellent fidelity without any notable issues. However, the mix struggles to fully utilize the potential of a 5.1 setup. Most of the sound remains anchored in the center channel, leading to a scarcity in ambient effects from the side and rear channels, which some viewers might find underwhelming given the film's context involving biker gangs.

While the track achieves an adequate balance between sound effects and music, it occasionally falters when it comes to dialogue clarity, partially due to some performances. During certain scenes, viewers might find themselves increasing the volume and rewinding to catch missed lines. Outdoor sequences do offer some lifelike ambient environmental effects, providing fleeting moments of immersion. Overall, the soundtrack delivers a serviceable audio experience but lacks the dynamic engagement that might be expected from a film with action elements. The subdued imaging and restrained surround activity result in an audio experience that is functional yet unremarkable.

The Blu Ray extras for "Cymbeline" provide a solid mix of content, engaging commentary, and behind-the-scenes insights. The Audio Commentary features Screenwriter/Director Michael Almereyda, Actor Ethan Hawke, and Shakespeare expert Anthony Holden. Despite some awkward moments, it offers an intriguing discussion on adapting Shakespeare's work. The Behind the Scenes provides a decent EPK with interviews and production insights. Interviews with Cast and Crew include brief segments with Ethan Hawke, Dakota Johnson, Ed Harris, John Leguizamo, Anton Yelchin, and Penn Badgley. Though somewhat overlapping with the EPK, they add value by exploring character interpretations. The Trailer is uniquely presented, drawing curiosity by mixing modern and classic elements without initially revealing its Shakespearean roots.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Engaging discussion on adapting Shakespeare.
• Behind the Scenes of Cymbeline: Solid EPK with production insights.
• Interviews with Cast and Crew: Brief interviews offering character insights.
• Cymbeline Trailer: Unique presentation blending modern and classic elements.

"Cymbeline," directed by Michael Almereyda, presents an intriguing yet uneven adaptation of Shakespeare’s latter-day tragedy. With a novel setting in the milieu of a biker gang, the film attempts to parallel the power struggles of Shakespearean royalty with modern outlaws. While Almereyda's ambition is evident, this revisionist approach often feels forced and unconvincing. Notably, unlike successful modernizations such as Ian McKellen's "Richard III," which retain inherent royal themes, "Cymbeline's" characters don't seamlessly translate to their biker personas, making the adaptation feel more like a gimmick than a natural reimagining.

The screenplay retains Shakespeare’s dialogue but heavily abridges the original text, stripping the play to its narrative bones. This condensation, coupled with the anachronistic setting, can result in a disjointed experience. Dakota Johnson’s Imogen and Penn Badgley’s Posthumus navigate through a plot of love, deception, and betrayal with mixed success. Veterans like Ed Harris as Cymbeline and Ethan Hawke as Lachimo deliver solid performances, though many younger cast members struggle with the material's cadences and emotional depth. Artistic choices such as extended takes and close-ups, while visually striking, often exacerbate the film’s lifeless air.

The juxtaposition of biker gang culture with Shakespearian dialogue highlights the inherent challenges in such a transformation. While movies like "10 Things I Hate About You" succeed through inspired-by adaptations, Almereyda’s "Cymbeline" might have benefited from a similar approach, focusing on essence rather than fidelity to the original script. Despite commendable cinematography by Tim Orr and sporadic moments of tension and humor, "Cymbeline" often feels like an ambitious misfire—interesting in concept but faltering in execution. In essence, it’s a daring attempt that ultimately raises more questions about adaptation and context than it answers.

The Blu Ray release of "Cymbeline" offers a unique take on Shakespeare's work, setting it against the gritty backdrop of a modern biker gang. While this ambitious adaptation might intrigue those familiar with Kurt Sutter's "Sons of Anarchy," it struggles to seamlessly blend the poetic Shakespearean dialogue with its contemporary setting. The clash between the Elizabethan text and the biker culture creates an awkward dissonance that might alienate purists and casual viewers alike.

From a technical standpoint, the Blu Ray delivers commendable audio and visual quality, enhancing the viewing experience with crisp visuals and clear sound. The performances are uniformly strong, with the cast delivering earnest portrayals despite the challenging material. The disc also includes a range of extras that provide added value for those interested in behind-the-scenes insights.

In conclusion, while "Cymbeline" offers an intriguing concept with a modern twist, its execution falls short of creating a cohesive and engaging adaptation of Shakespeare's play. Though technically sound and bolstered by solid performances, the thematic and cultural misalignment suggests that viewers might be better served by exploring other adaptations of Shakespeare's works. Renting this title before making a purchase is advisable.