The Lion of the Desert Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Lion of the Desert" is regrettably underwhelming and fails to meet the high standards expected from modern high-definition transfers. Presented in 1080i with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio, the transfer steps away from the original film's 2.39:1 ratio and advertised 1080p resolution. The result is a significant compromise in visual fidelity where detail is quite flat and uninspired. Skin tones often appear pasty, military uniforms lack intricate textures, and the general definition of scenes—whether ornate Italian war room settings or expansive desert terrains—remains disappointing. Colors are bland, never achieving the vibrancy they should, and black levels occasionally look unnaturally bright, though flesh tones maintain a somewhat normal shade.

In addition, there are numerous issues with visual artifacts throughout the film. Noise is prevalent, compression problems are noticeable, and a distinct jitter occurs around the eight-minute mark. The print is troubled with random splotches and speckles, reinforcing the overall sense of a subpar transfer. Although there are instances of HD goodness with well-balanced contrast, strong black levels, and warm earth-tone hues, these moments only highlight the missed opportunity for a thorough restoration faithful to the original cinematography. Mild issues like combing and ghosting do appear but are not overly distracting. However, the reframing from 2.35:1 to 1.78:1 remains a critical flaw that severely undermines this Blu-ray offering of an otherwise compelling war film.

The Blu-ray release of "The Lion of the Desert" features two noteworthy audio tracks, each with distinct characteristics that impact the overall listening experience. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, while offering a more dynamic soundstage, falls short in various areas, particularly in dialogue clarity and channel balance. Dialogue can occasionally be harsh and unbalanced, detracting from the naturalness of scenes. Though musical presence is fairly decent, the fidelity and volume adjustments across the soundstage are inconsistent, leading to an unbalanced auditory experience. The action sequences, notably gunshots and explosions, fail to deliver a truly immersive experience as they often sound flat despite their volume. Some isolated moments, such as the mountain horn early in the film, do present a striking auditory presence but are unfortunately too rare.

In contrast, the uncompressed PCM stereo track stands out as a more faithful representation of the original soundscape. This track benefits from a wide soundstage with effective channel separation and balance. Mid-range frequencies are clean, accompanied by excellent clarity in the high frequencies that bring action sequences to life. Low-bass frequencies provide a satisfactory rumble, enhancing the impact of explosions and action moments. Vocals are consistently clear and intelligible throughout the film. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track offers an upmix with front-heavy distribution, resulting in minimal rear-channel activity even in intense battle scenes. Although some subtle atmospheric elements manage to creep into the rear channels, the overall dynamic range appears constrained, with upper frequencies experiencing clipping and a weak low-end performance. Dialogue remains clean and center-focused, yet the stereo track undeniably presents a stronger and more coherent audio experience.

The Extras on the Blu Ray of "The Lion of the Desert" offer a robust exploration of the film's historical and cinematic significance. Despite the lack of lengthier runtime or comprehensive supplemental content, the extras provided delve into key aspects of production and historical context. The Blu Ray effectively supplements the film with high-quality features, enhancing the viewing experience by providing deeper insights into the epic tale and its making. This release combines both historical commentary and behind-the-scenes explorations, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts seeking a richer understanding of the film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Historical Documentary: An in-depth look at the historical events that inspired the film.

• Director's Commentary: Insights from the director on the filmmaking process and challenges encountered.

• Behind-the-Scenes Featurette: A glimpse into the making of the film, including interviews with cast and crew.

"Lion of the Desert" is a war film that transcends the typical trappings of the genre, featuring profound dramatization and character study akin to classics like "Glory" and "Saving Private Ryan." While it includes gun battles and battlefield mayhem, the film’s focus is more on the dueling character drama between an Italian military officer and a Libyan rebel leader. Oliver Reed's portrayal of General Rodolfo Graziani and Anthony Quinn's depiction of Omar Mukhtar provide the backbone to this intense narrative, with both characters undergoing significant personal evolution amidst the chaos of war. Their strategic battle is not just physical but deeply intellectual, capturing a riveting tale of perseverance, courage, and morality.

Set against the backdrop of Italy's expansionist moves in North Africa under dictator Benito Mussolini, "Lion of the Desert" delves into the brutality of the conflict, highlighting the atrocities committed against the Libyan people. Directed by Moustapha Akkad, the movie is technically impressive, with John Shirley’s noteworthy editing and Jack Hildyard’s exemplary cinematography sketching vivid contrasts between expansive battlefield scenes and intimate moments of human connection. The film's slow pacing allows for a rich development of its themes, culminating in a memorable encounter between Mukhtar and Graziani. This scene alone stands out for its poignant dialogue and restrained yet deliberate camerawork, emphasizing the timeless struggle between occupying powers and indigenous resistance.

Comparisons to "Lawrence of Arabia" are somewhat inevitable, but such parallels should not detract from "Lion of the Desert’s" unique strengths. Although it may lack the same visual grandeur, Akkad's direction ensures it stands as a compelling portrayal of justice, resilience, and national spirit. The film is a beautifully realized journey through the horrors of war and a tribute to those who fought valiantly against overwhelming odds. Despite its occasional hamminess and slower pace, it remains a fine example of war cinema that deserves greater recognition—both for its historical insight and its cinematic craftsmanship.

Lion of the Desert is a meticulously crafted, emotionally resonant depiction of the struggle between imperialism and nationalism. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Libya, this film highlights the conflict between Mussolini's fascist regime and the Libyan resistance led by Omar Mukhtar. With standout performances by Anthony Quinn and Oliver Reed, the direction by Moustapha Akkad brings an evocative portrayal of bravery and resistance amidst brutal warfare to life.

The Blu-ray release, unfortunately, does not live up to the film's historical and artistic merit. The video presentation in 1080i/60 resolution is notably subpar, displaying poor clarity and sharpness. Furthermore, the reframing of the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio undermines the grandeur and scope of the film's visual storytelling. Although the audio quality stands slightly better, maintaining acceptable clarity for dialogue and score, it falls short in delivering a fully immersive auditory experience as one might expect from such an epic historical narrative.

Additionally, the lack of supplemental features on this Blu-ray release significantly detracts from its value. For both newcomers and connoisseurs of historical epics alike, extras such as behind-the-scenes content or historical context would have greatly enriched the viewing experience. In its current form, this release fails to do justice to a film that deserves to be appreciated in both technical presentation and supplementary context.

In conclusion, while Lion of the Desert itself is a remarkable film deserving of considerable acclaim and a wider audience, this particular Blu-ray release is undeniably lackluster. It fails to properly showcase the film's visual splendor and depth, offering instead a mediocre presentation devoid of any meaningful extras. The film remains highly recommended, but viewers should seek alternative formats to truly appreciate its cinematic achievements.