Alexander the Great Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Alexander the Great" utilizes a 1080p AVC encoded transfer with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, offering the best presentation of the film to date, despite noticeable signs of aging. The high-definition transfer benefits from improved detail over previous DVD releases and VHS recordings but is not without flaws. Legacy artifacts from its 1950s origins, such as dirt, debris, and occasional scratches, are present alongside moments of instability in specific scenes, especially during superimposed text crawls. Colors appear moderately muted, with flesh tones often skewing towards a pinkish hue, though they generally maintain a robust look in the film's latter half. Instances of pronounced anamorphic squeeze can affect the far edges of the frame, altering the shape of figures situated near these areas.

Grain consistency fluctuates throughout the film, becoming notably heavy during sequences comprised of optical dissolves, which introduces a chunkier texture at times. While there are no moments of standout sharpness or vividness, some well-lit close-ups display improved clarity. Elements such as black levels fall slightly short of the inky depth seen in newer films, and colors occasionally lack vibrancy, resulting in a somewhat pale and muted presentation. Despite these issues, the transfer's saturation and contrast are generally well-handled, providing believable skin tones and solid hues that can still impress. With 24 chapters dividing the content and a marked improvement over previous formats, this Blu-ray release stands as the definitive version for home viewing, albeit with visible signs of its age.

The Blu-ray version of "Alexander the Great" features a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, a shift from the original 4-track stereo presentation as noted in historical records. While it may not entirely capture the grandeur expected from an epic of this scale, it still delivers a commendable auditory experience. Directionality is effectively utilized, with clear and precise dialogue placement that ensures intelligibility. The audio intricately weaves battle sounds—such as galloping horses and clanking swords—into the mix, creating an immersive environment even if these elements don’t fully harness the potential of modern sound systems.

Mario Nascimbene's score, while occasionally boxy, provides a nuanced backdrop that complements the film's visual narrative. The music spans nicely across the front soundstage, contributing to an engaging atmosphere. While some might find the audio effects lack the depth and robustness fitting for a historical epic, the mix is balanced and reflective of the era's recording techniques. This balanced approach ensures that dialogues remain clear without being overshadowed by other sound elements, making for an overall satisfying listening experience.

The Blu-ray extras for "Alexander the Great" offer a well-rounded exploration of the film's legacy and production insights. Actress Claire Bloom provides a heartfelt reflection on her filming experiences and interactions with co-stars, enriching our understanding of the movie's behind-the-scenes dynamics. The inclusion of an isolated score track, available in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, allows fans to appreciate the music separate from the film's dialogue and effects. Additionally, several trailers and a six-page booklet with historical context further enhance the viewing experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Claire Bloom Talks About Alexander the Great: Insightful reminiscence by actress Claire Bloom.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: A glimpse into the film's initial promotion.
• MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer: Celebratory trailer for MGM's milestone.
• Isolated Score Track: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 isolated music score.
• Twilight Time Booklet: Julie Kirgo's essay with historical and production insights.

Robert Rossen’s "Alexander the Great" is a well-meaning, yet ultimately dry historical epic. It narrates the life of one of the most enigmatic and driven conquerors in history. Despite its efforts to provide an intelligent screenplay and historical accuracy, the film suffers from an uneven execution. Richard Burton leads as Alexander, with Danielle Darrieux portraying his manipulative mother Olympias, and Fredric March as his domineering father Philip II. Rossen, who also wrote and directed the film, made notable casting choices and emphasized familial discord, especially between Olympias and Philip which offers interesting dynamics. However, the movie’s narrative often feels disjointed, characterized by short scenes and abrupt transitions that hinder character development.

Production-wise, "Alexander the Great" lacks the visual grandiosity found in other epics like "The Ten Commandments," released the same year. Battle sequences are mostly depicted through montages rather than longer, choreographed scenes, limiting their impact. While on-location shooting lends some authenticity to the film, Rossen's budgetary constraints are evident in its relatively modest production values. The editing style—a series of quick fade-to-black transitions—further detracts from narrative immersion, making the film feel segmented and rushed.

Performances are solid but occluded by limited character exploration. Burton’s portrayal of Alexander balances bravado with vulnerability but falls short of delving deeply into the conqueror's psyche. Darrieux's Olympias is aptly duplicitous but remains peripheral for much of the film. The supporting cast, including Claire Bloom's Barsine and Gustavo Rojo's Cleitus, adds texture but remains underdeveloped. Consequently, while Rossen’s film aims to depict epic historical moments and elaborate family conflicts, it ultimately delivers a fitfully engaging experience that fails to fully capture the grandeur and complexity of Alexander’s life.

Early critics have noted that "Alexander the Great" attempts to encapsulate the magnitude of its titular character's life into a single film, an endeavor that proves exceptionally challenging. The narrative meanders, failing to maintain focus on central themes and characters. While some performances stand out, overall character development and plot cohesion often leave much to be desired. However, the film's visual spectacle holds its ground, presenting strong cinematographic elements that capture the grandeur of ancient historical settings.

Technically, the Blu Ray release of "Alexander the Great" offers an admirable presentation, though it doesn’t reach the pinnacle of high-definition quality seen in recent releases. The video and audio transfer are decent but unremarkable, matching the average standards of contemporary digital restorations. Enthusiasts will appreciate the single notable extra feature, although it is relatively sparse in comparison to more comprehensive editions. Limited to 3,000 copies, potential buyers can seek more details and availability through www.twilighttimemovies.com or www.screenarchives.com.

The pomp and circumstance of Alexander the Great may not attain the hyperbolic dimensions seen in contemporary historical epics, but the film still has a certain sweep that may appeal to armchair historians—at least, that is, if they're not that interested in actual history. This film falters for different reasons than Stone's biography of the world conqueror did, but it makes for a kind of instructive double (or triple or quadruple or quintuple, depending on how many Stone iterations are included) feature with Alexander. Technical merits are generally very good for those considering a purchase.