Queen of the Desert Blu-ray Review

In evaluating the video presentation of "Queen of the Desert" across its various Blu-ray releases, the North American edition by Shout Factory stands out for its technical execution and clarity. The feature is presented on a BD-50 disc, showcasing an MPEG-4 AVC encode with an impressive average video bitrate of 29,984 kbps, peaking to a total disc bitrate of 36.87 Mbps. This high bitrate ensures the visual content is delivered with depth and precision, making it suited for display on large screens, tested up to 130' with favorable outcomes. Notably, the presentation adheres to a 2:40:1 aspect ratio that complements the cinematographic choices aimed at capturing the vast, desolate landscapes and intricate character moments crafted by Herzog.

Viewers will appreciate the meticulous attention to detail in the transfer, where black levels remain deep and consistent, and fine details are preserved across varying lighting conditions – a testament to the source material's quality and the transfer process. Despite this, there are minor issues to note, such as fluctuating skin tones influenced by the natural lighting of the scenes and occasional artificial banding noticeable in specific high-contrast situations, such as in Scene 19's Tower of Silence sequence. The presence of slight edge enhancement was observed, though these imperfections do not significantly detract from the overall viewing experience.

Shout Factory's treatment of "Queen of the Desert" benefits from standard but effective chapter selection, featuring twelve chapters that allow easy navigation through the narrative. This aspect, while not groundbreaking, contributes to user convenience and complements the Blu-ray's strong video presentation. Overall, the release marries technical prowess with careful consideration of the film's aesthetic and narrative demands, delivering a visual experience that is both engaging and faithful to Herzog's vision, albeit with room for minor improvements in handling specific technical challenges.

The audio presentation of "Queen of the Desert" on Blu-ray showcases a robust and immersive auditory experience, underscored by its DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround track, which operates at a bitrate of 3167 kbps and a 24-bit depth. This primary audio track is proficiently engineered, providing a crisp and clear soundstage that allows for an excellent balance and seamless directional effects. Notably, the mix places a significant emphasis on creating an enveloping atmosphere, effectively utilizing the front speakers and surround channels to engage the audience fully. Additionally, the Blu-ray offers a down-converted DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Stereo option, with a bitrate of 1576 kbps and the same 24-bit depth, catering to setups with more basic audio configurations without sacrificing too much on quality.

Klaus Badelt's musical score, while evoking comparisons to Maurice Jarre's iconic work in "Lawrence of Arabia," stands out on its own merit within the audio mix, marrying well with the visual panorama and thematic elements of "Queen of the Desert." The score benefits greatly from the lossless audio's fidelity, allowing its nuances to shine through and complement the film’s narrative drive. However, it is worth noting that while dialogue is predominantly clear and well-articulated throughout, there are occasional lapses where whispers and softer spoken lines tend to get lost or become difficult to discern. This minor shortcoming aside, the overall auditory clarity remains commendable.

Despite the presence of multiple languages within the film, including Arabic and Turkish, the audio tracks maintain their accessibility through well-integrated English translations. This multilingual aspect is handled with care, ensuring that the film's inclusivity does not detract from its auditory experience. Together, these elements coalesce into a highly satisfactory sonic package for the viewer, with an attention to technical detail and auditory ambiance that enhances the viewing experience of "Queen of the Desert" on Blu-ray.

The extra presentation of the "Queen of the Desert" Blu-ray provides a concise yet engaging glimpse into the film's promotional efforts and broader context within IFC's cinematic world. The theatrical trailer, presented in an approximate 2:40:1 aspect ratio with DTS-HD Master Audio sound, delivers a compelling preview of the film's visual and auditory essence. Supplementing this main feature are bonus previews for other IFC films such as "Band Aid," "Sex Doll," and "Wakefield," which autoplay upon disc load, offering viewers a broader perspective on similar genre films and potentially piquing interest in IFC's diverse movie lineup. These extras, though few, enrich the Blu-ray experience with a deeper understanding of the film's promotional arc and positioning within contemporary cinema.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A theatrical trailer for Queen of the Desert.
• Bonus Previews: Previews for Band Aid, Sex Doll, and Wakefield.

Werner Herzog's "Queen of the Desert," a 2015 film based on the life of Gertrude Bell, marks a notable departure for the director by focusing on a female protagonist amidst his predominately male-driven filmography. The movie delves into Bell's multifaceted life as a historian, explorer, and political attaché instrumental in shaping the modern Middle East. Herzog kicks off the narrative in 1914, highlighting the skepticism Bell faced from British officials about her knowledge of the Middle East, despite staunch support from contemporaries like T.E. Lawrence (Robert Pattinson). The film then backtracks to 1902, tracing Bell's academic success at Oxford, her unenthusiastic return to England, and her subsequent ventures into Tehran which propel her into love affairs and deep into the heart of Middle Eastern politics. Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Bell is imbued with grace and intelligence, capturing the essence of a woman defiant of societal expectations and passionate about the unknown.

However, Herzog’s screenplay has been critiqued for not adequately showcasing Bell's significant contributions and achievements outside of her romantic involvements. James Franco and Damian Lewis, as Bell’s lovers, offer contrasting performances that have received mixed reactions, while Robert Pattinson's role as Lawrence is considered under-utilized. Ample screen time dedicated to Bell's romances at the expense of her professional endeavors has drawn criticism for diluting the impact of her groundbreaking work. Cinematography by Peter Zeitlinger, capturing breathtaking desert vistas through CinemaScope lensing, stands out as a highlight. Despite its visual splendor, the film's pacing issues and overemphasis on romantic dalliances over substantial achievements have led to an overall perception of an uneven narrative structure and a missed opportunity to more deeply explore one of history's remarkable figures.

Queen of the Desert," directed by Werner Herzog, stands as a testament to his expansive filmography, albeit not rising to the pinnacle of his cinematic achievements. The film unfolds the visually striking journey through desert expanses, underscored by Herzog's ambition to capture both the grandeur and the isolation of its setting. The Blu Ray presentation accentuates this visual narrative with a stellar video quality that plumbs the depths of the desert's vastness and the intricacies of early 20th-century period costumes, bringing a palpable authenticity to the viewing experience. The audio quality complements this visual feast, ensuring that the sweeping landscapes are matched by an equally immersive soundstage.

Despite its aesthetic achievements, "Queen of the Desert" faces its share of critiques, particularly in terms of casting. While some roles may seem miscast, Nicole Kidman and Damian Lewis rise above these limitations, delivering performances imbued with depth and subtlety, portraying their characters as distanced yet compelling lovers against the backdrop of the tumultuous desert. This aspect of the film might be divisive among audiences but serves as a testament to Kidman and Lewis's acting prowess, offering a silver lining for viewers.

In conclusion, Shout Factory's release of "Queen of the Desert" on Blu Ray presents a technically proficient package that showcases the film's visual and auditory strengths, making it a worthwhile addition for Herzog enthusiasts and admirers of the leading cast. While the film itself may not represent Herzog at his zenith, its exploration of expansive landscapes and complex relationships, underscored by first-rate technical presentations, warrants a recommendation for those intrigued by the director's oeuvre or the historical narratives it seeks to unravel.