Cleopatra Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Cleopatra" by 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, presented in AVC encoded 1080p with a 2.22:1 aspect ratio, captures the opulence of this iconic film with stunning clarity. The transfer maintains a fine layer of grain that contributes to its authentic filmic texture, preserving the intricate details of the lavish sets and costumes. Color reproduction is exceptional, with a luscious palette that spans deep reds, azures, and the gilded richness of Cleopatra’s adornments, all presented without any noticeable banding or smearing. Contrasts are impeccably balanced, rendering both shadowy interiors and expansive exteriors with remarkable depth, while black levels prove incredibly deep without losing detail in darker scenes. Minor imperfections where grain fluctuates or appears scrubbed are evident but infrequent, and overall the transfer remains impressively clean and vibrant.

Technical fidelity extends to incredible depth of field and fine detail, allowing viewers to observe every embellishment on Roman armor and Cleopatra’s jewelry with striking precision. This clarity enhances not only the vast crowd scenes but also more intimate moments; Elizabeth Taylor’s tracheotomy scar, for instance, is plainly visible, underscoring the transfer’s sharpness. The handling of large format source elements is practically flawless, free from compression artifacts and over-aggressive digital tweaking.

Critically acclaimed for its visual splendor, this transfer honors the original Todd-AO cinematography by Leon Shamroy. Despite minor criticisms about color timing and occasional waxy faces due to subtle DNR application, these do not detract from an overall breathtaking presentation that showcases both the epic scope and intricate craftsmanship of "Cleopatra". It's a compelling restoration that does justice to the film's legendary status and ensures that every frame is as captivating as intended.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Cleopatra" stands out as a remarkably clean and richly detailed effort, fully leveraging the technical capabilities of modern sound systems to reproduce the film's ambitious original audio mix. Originally presented in 70mm Roadshows with six-channel surround sound, the Blu-ray transfer delivers an expansive width across the front channels, generating a broad and spatially dynamic soundscape. Alex North's Oscar-nominated score shines through with an orchestral warmth and full-bodied vigor that engages listeners right from the overture. The rich tonal depth and subtle nuances of instruments like double basses, cellos, and exotic percussion are rendered almost unbelievably vibrant in this lossless mix.

While the 5.1 track occasionally falls short of total immersion—rear speaker engagement is limited, and directional effects can feel somewhat constrained—the audio's clarity and fidelity remain impressive. Dialogue is mostly clean and crystal clear, though slight anomalies like a boxy timbre in some scenes suggest occasional post-looping. Despite these minor issues, the audible clarity during conversations, notably in more intimate scenes, is generally outstanding. Moreover, age-related imperfections such as hisses, pops, or crackles are blissfully absent, ensuring the soundtrack remains smooth and well-modulated throughout.

Though not as bombastic as modern epics, the audio presentation still masterfully captures the subtleties of the film's soundscape. Effects like chimes, footsteps on marble, and metallic sword clashes are distinct and crisply executed, adding depth without overwhelming the listener. Overall, while "Cleopatra" may not offer intense wraparound sonics or floor-rattling bass, its 5.1 audio mix demonstrates a high-quality restoration effort marked by superior fidelity and dynamic range, making it a laudable choice for both purists and casual viewers alike.

The Blu-ray extras for "Cleopatra" significantly enhance the viewing experience by providing rich, detailed insights into the film's production and historical context. The multi-part commentary track, featuring Chris and Tom Mankiewicz, actor Martin Landau, and publicist Jack Brodsky, offers an in-depth look at the film's tumultuous creation. "Cleopatra Through the Ages" debunks historical myths about the titular queen, while "Cleopatra's Missing Footage" details the arduous search for lost scenes. Fox's CEO Tom Rothman presents an overview in "Fox Legacy," detailing the film's chaotic production history. Additionally, "The Cleopatra Papers" reveals fascinating on-set correspondence. Disc two includes more commentary and "Cleopatra: The Film That Changed Hollywood," an exhaustive documentary filled with interviews and archival footage. Vintage featurettes like "The Fourth Star of Cleopatra," newsreel footage of the premieres, and theatrical trailers round out this exceptional package.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Chris Mankiewicz, Tom Mankiewicz, Martin Landau, and Jack Brodsky: Multi-participant commentary offering detailed production insights.
• Cleopatra Through the Ages: A Cultural History: Debunks historical myths about Cleopatra.
• Cleopatra's Missing Footage: Explores the search for lost film scenes.
• Fox Movie Channel Presents Fox Legacy with Tom Rothman: Overview of the film's production history.
• The Cleopatra Papers: A Private Correspondence: Reveals on-set correspondence.
• Cleopatra: The Film That Changed Hollywood: Documentary on the film's production.
• The Fourth Star of Cleopatra: Focuses on production elements.
• Fox Movietone News: Archival footage of premieres.
• Theatrical Trailers: Three trailers are included.

Joseph L. Mankiewicz's "Cleopatra" stands as an opulent embodiment of both cinematic grandeur and Hollywood excess, a testament to the ambitious scale and monumental missteps that characterized its production. Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Rex Harrison, it delineates the tempestuous lives of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Mark Antony against a backdrop of political upheaval and personal intrigue. The film's lavishness is evident in every frame - the sets are meticulously crafted, the costumes extravagant, and Alex North’s score majestic. However, despite its visual splendor, "Cleopatra" is not without its flaws: the narrative is unwieldy and the film’s length can feel laborious, hampered further by performances that range from theatrically arch to underwhelming.

Technically, the Blu-ray release does justice to this larger-than-life production, showcasing the film in all its visual glory. Every intricate detail—from Cleopatra's lavishly adorned attire to the sprawling architectural marvels—appears with stunning clarity. While "Cleopatra" was critiqued for its drawn-out pacing and pretentious dialogue, it remains a captivating spectacle. Envisioned initially as two separate three-hour epics then condensed into one film under studio edict, "Cleopatra" strives more towards intimate drama than grand battles, embodying director Mankiewicz's penchant for matters of heart and mind over physical action. Despite these creative choices that differentiate it from contemporaneous epics like "Ben-Hur," it retains an air of Shakespearean drama, albeit with a sometimes burdensome gravitas.

The cast delivers mixed performances: Taylor's Cleopatra oscillates between shrill harridan and sensual queen, while Harrison's Caesar and Burton’s Antony offer contrasting portrayals of regal intensity and fervent passion respectively. Supporting roles inhabited by talents such as Martin Landau and Roddy McDowall add depth to the ensemble. The Blu-ray also resurrects notable aspects of the film’s production history—a behind-the-scenes tale as dramatic as the on-screen narrative itself, featuring off-camera politics, scandalous affairs, and financial near-catastrophes that almost spelled doom for 20th Century Fox. Yet, through the restoration efforts, "Cleopatra" continues to dazzle, ensuring its legacy as a mesmerising historical drama.

The epic film, "Cleopatra," directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, has endured as a captivating piece of cinematic history. Initially criticized for its astronomical budget and off-screen controversies, it has since been appreciated for its intelligent script and lavish production. This Blu-ray release truly does justice to the film’s grandeur with exceptional video and audio quality. The visuals in 1080p are nothing short of spectacular, vividly presenting the rich tapestry of ancient Egypt with unparalleled clarity. The restoration efforts by Fox have ensured that the stunning set pieces and meticulous costume designs retain their original opulent glory.

Despite some narrative slowdowns and dialog that occasionally seems overwrought, "Cleopatra" manages to transport viewers to an era defined by extravagance and intricate political maneuvering. The chemistry between Taylor and Burton is a palpable highlight, and Taylor's magnetic performance continues to enchant. The sound quality on this Blu-ray is robust, providing an immersive experience that complements the visual splendor. The addition of comprehensive supplemental materials offers an insightful look at the production's complexity and historical context, making it not just a film viewing but a full-fledged educational experience.

In conclusion, "Cleopatra" on Blu-ray is an outstanding tribute to one of Hollywood’s most ambitious projects. The movie, enriched with multifaceted characters and grandiose settings, is enhanced significantly by this superior release, which balances excellent restoration with meaningful supplementary content. It captures both the intimate and epic elements of the film with finesse. For both longtime fans and new viewers, this Blu-ray is a highly recommended addition to your collection, validating the timeless allure of this historic cinematic achievement.