6.3 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
In the 1940s, Manuel Rodríguez Sánchez, known to the world as Manolete, owned the Spanish bullring. This searing biopic follows his notorious affair with movie siren Lupe Sino at the height of his fame, and his death in the ring at age 30.
Starring: Adrien Brody, Penélope Cruz, Santiago Segura (I), Juan Echanove, Ann MitchellDrama | 100% |
Romance | 52% |
Biography | 24% |
Video codec: MPEG-2
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.34:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
Spanish: Dolby Digital 2.0
English SDH
25GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.0 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, Menno Meyjes' Manolete a.k.a A Matador's Mistress (2008) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Xenon Pictures. Unfortunately, there are no supplemental features to be found on this Blu-ray release. In English, with optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. Region-Free.
Islero
Presented in an aspect ratio of 2.34:1, encoded with MPEG-2 and granted a 1080p transfer, Menno Meyjes' A Matador's Mistress arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Xenon Pictures.
This is the second Blu-ray release I have seen from Xenon Pictures and I think that with a few minor adjustments they could be a distributor to monitor closely (they have a great catalog of Spanish-language films).
The high-definition transfer is rather strong. Fine object detail is quite pleasing and contrast levels consistent. In fact, even the faded memory flashbacks look surprisingly good. The most impressive scenes, however, are the ones where Meyjes' camera spends a great deal of time studying Manolete's face, and later on Islero's wild eyes. The final sequence, in particular, is quite remarkable. Color reproduction is good - the variety of lush yellows, blues, greens, and especially browns give the film a very unique look. Edge-enhancement is not a serious issue of concern, but there are traces of mild sharpening that are occasionally noticeable during some of the daylight scenes. Strong filtering is also not a serious issue of concern, though, again, a few minor corrections have been performed. The special effects are very well done and never distracting. Lastly, there are no serious stability issues to report in this review. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray disc. Therefore, you will be able to watch it on your PS3 or SA regardless of your geographical location).
There are three audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: English Dolby Digital 5.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0, and Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0. For the record, Xenon Pictures have provided optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature. When turned on, they appear inside the image frame.
It is quite unfortunate that Xenon Pictures could not offer a loseless audio track of some sort as A Matador's Mistress has one of the very best soundtracks that I have heard in recent years. There are entire sequences in the film where the music truly is as important as the visuals.
The English Dolby Digital 5.1 track serves the film relatively well - the dialog is crisp, clean, stable, and easy to follow. The bass and rear channels, however, feel quite weak. Also, the most dramatic parts of the film where Manolete is seen contemplating his life lack the type of depth they obviously deserve - the music that compliments these scenes feels a bit distant. The rest of the film is manageable, but I am convinced that once you get a taste of the beautiful soundtrack, you would also quickly conclude that a loseless track would have made an enormous difference.
Most unfortunately, there are absolutely no supplemental features on this Blu-ray disc whatsoever.
Menno Meyjes' A Matador's Mistress is an interesting, exceptionally beautiful film that lacks the historical accuracy some people apparently expected from it. But I am not convinced the film was meant to deliver a factually correct account of the legendary Manolete's life and legacy, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. The film looks great on Blu-ray, but I am somewhat disappointed that Xenon Pictures could not offer a loseless track of some sort. Dan Jones and Gabriel Yared's beautiful soundtrack demands one. RENT IT.
2012
Limited Edition to 3000 - SOLD OUT
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