Absolution Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		2.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Absolution Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 26, 2016

“Absolution” is a devious picture from 1978, continuing screenwriter Anthony Shaffer’s inspection of evil and psychological gamesmanship, adding to an impressive filmography that includes “The Wicker Man” and “Sleuth.” It’s slow-burn cinema from director Anthony Page, who takes his time with Shaffer’s subtle motivations and acts of defiance. Encompassing the pressures of religion, the cruelty of man, and the power of isolation, “Absolution” is an unexpected chiller with the most basic of ingredients, playing a convincing game of manipulation that leads to murder.

Richard Burton portrays a priest at Catholic school for boys, in charge of controlling young minds with hard discipline. “Absolution” details the unraveling of the man at the hands of his students, who plays dangerous games with a guardian they despise, with Shaffer exploring social circles and malicious intent, understanding tricky motivations as a simple prank expands into harm, disturbing order around campus. Burton is ideally cast here, tracking the gradual breakdown of a stern man dedicated to a higher power, but drawn to his own influence as he’s swept up in an unfortunate situation. He captures the delicate breakdown of trust, while Shaffer explores the ritual of confession, highlighting its boundaries as sin turns into threat.

Absolution Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation is the end result of a "brand new 2K HD restoration," and the viewing experience is mostly detailed, locating satisfactory textures on faces, with Burton's creased face a highlight. Costumes and locations are also open for inspection. Colors are generally low-key to keep up with the tone of the movie, but greenery is a stand-out, finding exteriors looking natural. Skintones are agreeable. Grain is fine and filmic. Delineation handles forest and evening encounters adequately. Print has a few rough patches due to age, and speckling is constant. The film's conclusion appears to be added from a different source, with a slight dip in resolution (the last screencap is taken from the sequence).

Absolution Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

Age is apparent with the 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix, which carries heavy hiss and crackling issues. Dialogue exchanges aren't wiped out in full, but they're challenged at times, especially during hushed conversations. Scoring isn't defined, but dramatic intent is understood, finding shrill highs when the music surges. Atmospherics are acceptable but never remarkable, sounding thick with school activity and forest encounters.

Absolution Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (3:06, SD) has been included.

Absolution Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Absolution" doesn't sustain its suspense, finding the last act lacking in satisfying payoffs and general alarm, but the set-up is riveting, picking apart religious traditions and attitude, finding a fresh way to explore a murder mystery, especially one where the participants are bound by silence. It's an inventive picture, with Shaffer restoring interest in the bondage of faith and the rejection of prolonged control.