Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.5
Overall		4.0

Death in Venice Blu-ray Movie Review

A LGBTQ classic by Luchino Visconti (The Leopard)

A compelling exploration of homosexuality and morality, Death in Venice is an acclaimed drama from acclaimed filmmaker Luchino Visconti (Senso, The Leopard). Based on the beloved novel by Thomas Mann, the film adapted the beloved storyline for the big screen. Executive produced by Mario Gallo (Ecce bombo, Anni struggenti), Death in Venice is now regarded as a classic of world cinema.

Gustav von Aschenbach (Dirk Bogarde) is a man approaching his twilight years. As a composer, Gustav has found success in his career. Yet Gustav is now struggling with a physical illness while visiting Venice, Italy. Things are not as bright and peachy as they once were for him. Upon spending time alongside the beautiful Venice Lido islands, Gustav becomes contemplative and transfixed with the sight of a young polish boy named Tadzio (Björn Andrésen) who is wandering the beach and who is staying at the same grand hotel as him. Though a teenager, Tadzio quickly becomes Gustav's obsession, with his gaze constantly on him from a distance. Is Gustav's watchful eye lustful for Tadzio or is there more behind the gaze?

The central performances by Dirk Bogarde and Björn Andrésen are at the core of the filmmaking. As there are so many quiet moments in the film (with an emphasis placed on music over dialogue), a strong performance from the lead actor was an essential requirement: Dirk Bogarde is excellent as Gustav von Aschenbach and Björn Andrésen is his match. The two performers manage to elevate their roles in subtle and effective ways. The performances are nuanced on a number of levels.

Visconti's explorations of homosexuality

The production of Death in Venice is well mounted with a number of effective layers to explore. The art direction by Ferdinando Scarfiotti (The Conformist, Avanti!) brings the beautiful environment of Venice to life by showcasing the country and its wealth of sunshine. The scenic and detailed art direction provides compelling detail in every crevice of the production. Aiding these elements is a impressive costume design effort by Piero Tosi (The Leopard, La traviata). The costumes are both fitting to the characters and to the world established in the art direction.

While Death in Venice lacks a traditional cinema score, Visconti utilized music in an important way throughout the entire film. The soundtrack features significant classical music highlights including selections of Gustav Mahler (such as the famous 3^rd and 5^th symphonies) and other classical music selections. The music plays an important role in the storytelling (especially in this adaptation as Visconti changed the lead character from a writer to a composer). A thematic element is clearly involved in the way music is utilized in the filmmaking. There is much for audiences to ponder. Conducted by Italian film composer Franco Mannino (Tomorrow Is Another Day, At the Edge of the City), classical selections are the perfect accompaniment to Visconti's lyrical direction.

The cinematography by Pasqualino De Santis (Romeo and Juliet, Three Brothers) adds a sense of beauty in every frame. The film was shot with was a nuanced style that evokes classic paintings: everything about the visuals is focused and important. Evocative cinematography like the work accomplished here by De Santis is what reminds us that cinema is an art form of the highest caliber.

Visconti directs and co-wrote the screenplay with the collaboration of Nicola Badalucco (Un uomo in ginocchio, Torino nera). The style of Visconti's eloquent direction is painterly and complex. Death in Venice is a film which consistently explores its characters with as little dialogue as possible and with an emphasis on the actors performances and the visual aesthetic. There is a unique quality to Visconti's style. Despite the title, Death in Venice is a film full of life. A compelling experience regarded as a classic in gay cinema.

Death in Venice Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Death in Venice is presented on Blu-ray from the Criterion Collection with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The release has received a brand new 4K digital restoration. Criterion has removed countless instances of dirt, debris, and scratches to the print. The scan has exceptional clarity. Color reproduction is strong and the film is consistently impressive from a visual perspective as a result. The scan is naturally filmic and preserves fine film grain (while avoiding egregious DNR). An impressive remaster by Criterion.

Death in Venice Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release includes a worthwhile uncompressed PCM 24 bit mono audio soundtrack in the original Italian language. The track is commendable with beautiful music reproduction. Dialogue on the release is consistently clear and easy to understand. There are no issues with egregious hiss, crackle, pops, or clicks to report. An impressive audio restoration. English subtitles are provided.

Death in Venice Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The release is packaged in a clear Criterion case. Inside the package, one will find a printed booklet containing writing on the film, production credits, and restoration information.

Luchino Visconti: Life As In a Novel (SD, 55:07) is an engaging 2008 documentary focused on the career of the director, featuring both new and archival interviews with the director as well as actors Silvana Mangano, Burt Lancaster, and Marcello Mastroianni. Directors Francesco Rosi and Franco Zeffirelli are also interviewed about Visconti and their admiration of his work. With plenty of insights, the documentary is an essential view for fans of the film.

Showing the Story (HD, 23:56) is an interview conducted by the Criterion Collection in 2018. The interview features cinema scholar Stefano Albertini as he discusses the context of Death in Venice within Italian culture at the time as well as the career and themes of director Luchino Visconti. Exploring these themes with great attention to detail, Albertini provides rewarding insights.

Making the Film:

Alla Ricerca di Tadzio (In Search of Tadzio) (SD, 30:26) is a documentary following Luchino Visconti as he searches for the perfect actor to fill the part of Tadzio in Death in Venice.

Talking about Italian Cinema (SD, 19:26) features costume designer Piero Tosi discussing his involvement working on Death in Venice. The interview, filmed in 2006, offers insight into the production of the film as well as the landscape of Italian cinema.

Musiques Au Cceur (SD, 8:14) is a segment from a documentary on the music in the films of Luchino Visconti. The segment explores the music used in Death in Venice and features interviews about the music backdrop by actors Dirk Bogarde and Marisa Berenson. Originally broadcast on French television in 1990, the piece emphasizes the importance of music as a key filmmaking tool. A worthwhile supplemental feature for film music enthusiasts.

Visconti a propos de mort a venise (SD, 3:00) is an interview segment excerpted from an episode of the news program Midi Magazine (produced in 1971). The piece features Death in Venice director Luchino Visconti discussing the reaction to the film, the film's themes, and the controversy surrounding it upon release. Though the piece is short there are some interesting insights into the director's views on the film's story.

Visconti's Venice (SD, 9:00) is a behind-the-scenes documentary produced during the original release of the film. The promotional piece features interviews with director Luchino Visconti and actor Dirk Bogarde as they discuss the filmmaking process involved in bringing Death in Venice to life.

Death in Venice Theatrical Trailer (SD, 3:50)

Death in Venice Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A contemplative exploration of homosexuality, Death in Venice is a compelling and thought-provoking experience. The film is carried by some impressive performances and the classical style of direction by Visconti. The Blu-ray features a stunning 4K restoration and essential documentaries that any fan of the film will consider important. An exceptional release from the Criterion Collection. Highly recommended.