Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

A Man for All Seasons Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony has released 1966's multi-Oscar winning masterpiece 'A Man for All Seasons' as part of its MOD (Manufactured on Demand) line of Blu-ray releases. The film was previously released to Blu-ray in May 2015 by Twilight Time. I did not review, nor do I have access to, that disc; this review will include fresh video and audio reviews specific to this Sony release as well as a quick compare with Twilight Time's supplements (there are two inclusions and two omissions).

A Man for All Seasons Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

A bit of wobble greets Blu-ray viewers as the film begins. The white opening titles jitter a bit but the picture is otherwise quite handsome beyond. A Man for All Seasons won the Academy Award for Cinematography, and Ted Moore's work is beautifully reproduced in high definition. Every shot is visually adept and the Blu-ray reproduces each with effortless filmic efficiency. Well defined black levels compliment dark scenes. See a nighttime arrival by boat at the nine-minute mark. The night sky is deep and true while the foreground elements are illuminated well enough to carry the action. It's a harmoniously balanced presentation that suits the scene nicely. Following is a powerful presentation of red, a garment and a deeper shaded background, both of which are firm and refuse to bleed or appear in any way ungainly. Natural greens of a variety of shades appear accurate, whether under bleak or sunlit skies, whether darker tree leaves or more dazzling grasses. Gray exterior stone work and warmer wooden interiors both appear with splendid tonal command. Details are equally impressive. Facial features reveal complex wrinkles, pores, hairs, and various makeups with strong screen command. Period attire follows suit (winning Elizabeth Haffenden and Joan Bridge an Oscar for Best Costume Design), and various examples of natural and manmade environments and structures are consistently sharp and tactile.

Upon viewing the film and reading Jeffrey Kauffman's review, there's little doubt that this transfer is identical to that used for the Twilight Time disc. The halos Mr. Kauffman noted in his review are present here as well, and the other observations of the presentation's general qualities remain. By and large this is a first-class presentation. It's not quite to the level of perfection, but it's another fine example of Sony's Blu-ray prowess and a worthy presentation of one of cinema's longstanding gems.

A Man for All Seasons Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There's a bit less to say in regard to the audio presentation. A Man for All Seasons's Blu-ray disc contains a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack, again more than likely identical to that which Twilight Time included on its disc. The presentation is almost strictly front-heavy with only hints of support environmental seeping into the rears. Music remains the property of the fronts, favoring clarity and width over immersive saturation. Even the most aggressive orchestral beats, such as heard at the 31-minute mark, only engage the front with any command. Dialogue propels the feature and presents with firm front-center positioning. Prioritization is faultless and clarity is as lifelike as the source material allows.

A Man for All Seasons Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Sony's Blu-ray release of A Man for All Seasons contains two extras, both of which carry over from the Twilight Time release. Unfortunately, Sony has not included the audio commentary track and the isolated score, the latter a staple of Twilight Time discs and a regular omission from Sony re-releases. Below is a list of what's included. For full supplemental reviews, please click here. No DVD or digital copies are included. This release does not ship with a slipcover.

• The Life of St. Thomas More
• Theatrical Trailer

A Man for All Seasons Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A Man for All Seasons was and remains a bonafide cinema classic and essential viewing for any serious cinephile. It's a different experience compared to today's more hyperactive movie landscape and the film may not resonate with contemporary casual audiences, but those who appreciate the art of moviemaking, storytelling, acting, cinematography, and score will find here one of the most complete and engrossing films of its, or any, generation. Sony's MOD Blu-ray will make quite the addition to any serious home theater library. While the Twilight Time disc may be preferable for its inclusion of the isolated score track and audio commentary, the Sony disc does offer exceptional video and audio presentations (which appear identical to the Twilight Time disc, though I cannot confirm such) and a key retro supplement. Highly recommended for anyone who missed the Twilight Time disc, which is now out of print and selling at high prices on the secondary market.