6.8 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Macbeth is a Scottish general and the thane of Glamis who is led to dangerous thoughts by the prophecies of three witches. Macbeth is a brave soldier and a powerful man, but he is not a virtuous one. He is easily tempted, including by his devious wife, into murder to fulfill his ambitions to the throne.
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Paddy Considine, Sean Harris, Jack ReynorDrama | 100% |
Period | 42% |
War | 17% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH, Spanish
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
UV digital copy
Region A (locked)
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Director Justin Kurzel, whose previous works include the acclaimed Snowtown and whose upcoming projects include the cinematic adaptation of the Assassin's Creed video game series, revives anew one of the most heralded of all of William Shakespeare's works, Macbeth. Packed with brutal combat, sweeping Scottish vistas, elegantly refined photography, lyrically delivered prose sourced directly from Shakespeare's hand, and several remarkable performances in key roles, Kurzel's film is an instant classic in the Shakespearian cinematic canon, a gripping, powerful adaptation that's as authentic as it is creative, a film that's as deeply enveloping as the source material is dramatically engrossing.
Macbeth's 1080p transfer is gorgeous, even through the film's predominantly cold and bleak veneer. Indeed, skies are frequently dreary and dull, blown out and lacking much detail, but the harsh, chilled ground level elements are never anything but striking. Even as the transfer often lacks more than blood and flesh beyond its drab costumes and earthy backdrops, color values are always strong and efficient. Some sunnier moments scattered throughout offer a more refined and engaged color scheme, evident on rolling grasses and clothing accents. Details are superb. Rough, frayed, torn, and heavily textured fabrics are the unquestioned highlight, but leathery supports, skin details, and background grasses and stone offer tangible and oftentimes intimate definition. Black levels are satisfyingly rich in lower light interiors. Skin tones push a little pasty in the bleakest moments, but they're always reflective of the movie's stylistic flavors. The digital source's transition to Blu-ray has brought with it no discernible artifacts. This is a top-class presentation from Anchor Bay.
Macbeth arrives on Blu-ray with an engaging and technically sound DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless soundtrack. The presentation offers a fine mix of detailed ambience, chaotic battle, and well defined music. It's perhaps the ambience that's the most attractive element. The entire soundstage is frequently engaged in the presentation of the movie's sonic needs with a tangible, lifelike accuracy. Rainfall saturates the listening area with pronounced and balanced detail from every speaker. Formations of soldiers are defined by immersive and light chatter, the sounds of swords being drawn from and inserted back into sheaths, creaking leather, and light natural environmental elements. Perhaps the movie's finest ambient sonic moment comes in a dark dialogue exchange around the 23-minute mark. Dialogue is certainly properly prioritized, but support details are incredible. A blustery wind beats against the small structure in which the exchange takes place, and all of the little rattles and creaks inside are almost eerily lifelike and positioned, transforming the listening area into the chilled, dreary, wind-battered locale. It's a wonderful example of how even the smallest sonic footprint can make a big difference in helping to shape a scene's dynamics, never mind simply creating an authentic listening experience. Certainly, more pronounced elements impress. Music is wide and enjoys pinpoint detailing. Surrounds are active and the low end appropriately deep and supportive. Action is chaotic and detailed; listeners are pulled into the mayhem as every speaker engages in the raw, ruthless sounds of hand-to-hand battle between armies of men. Dialogue delivery holds firm in the center, save for when it naturally reverberates about the stage. Clarity is fine, with any faults the result of thick accents, not technical shortcomings.
Macbeth contains only two supplements, a brief featurette and a question-and-answer session with the star. A UV digital copy voucher is
included with purchase.
Macbeth is a masterful film. It's one of the finest Shakespearian adaptations in some time, a movie that's equal parts faithful to its source and creative in its visual support mechanisms and machinations, a truly complimentary marriage of cinema and written prose in every sense. Performances are stellar, production design is superb, music is great, and the photography is spellbinding. Anchor Bay's Blu-ray release of Macbeth is unfortunately short on meaty extra content, but video and audio qualities alike are outstanding. Highly recommended.
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