Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		0.0
Overall		4.5

Seven Years in Tibet Blu-ray Movie Review

An overlooked gem truly shines on Blu-ray.

Reviewed by Ben Williams September 6, 2007

Brad Pitt has certainly had his fair share of interesting roles over the past few decades. He’s played everything from a demented psycho ward patient in 12 Monkeys to the infamous Tyler Durden. Seven Years in Tibet arrived in theaters in 1997 as a guaranteed piece of Oscar bait for Mr. Pitt. Unfortunately, the film was a flop and went almost completely overlooked. Here, Mr. Pitt dives into the psyche of a very distant man who only seems at peace with himself when he’s at odds with the world.

As the Nazis rapidly engulf Europe in 1938, Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt), world renowned mountaineer and all-around athlete, is set to scale the Himalayan peak of Nanga Parbat. Seven Years in Tibet begins as Harrer abandons his pregnant wife to begin his expedition. His Nazi handlers believe this climb to be a propaganda expedition, while Harrer seems to be climbing for personal pride. Ultimately, after only a short bit of climbing, Harrer and his party are captured by British forces and held in an interment camp at the onset of World War II. Upon escaping from his captors, Harrer hides out in Lahsa, Tibet while hoping to ride out the war. Once in Tibet, Harrer finds himself tutoring the young Dalai Lama and coming to terms with his own troubled mentality.

Brad Pitt wonders longingly what happened to his Oscar.

I’ve seen Seven Years in Tibet on multiple occasions and have always found the film to be rather exceptional in many ways. The photography is definitely reminiscent of a David Lean epic with vast landscapes occupying the frame and the human element reduced to its most miniscule. Filmmaking like this really does an exemplary job of showing the grand beauty of nature. It is worth noting that the filmmakers snuck cameras into the actual city of Lhasa, against the orders of the Chinese government. So, this is, perhaps, one of the most recent views of the city that has been put to film. On an emotional level, the film plays out strangely. We are meant to dislike Harrer as the film begins. It is a credit to Brad Pitt (and his sometimes unfortunate “Hanz and Franz” accent) that we begin to warm to his character at all.

Seven Years in Tibet Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Sony has given Seven Years in Tibet the grand AVC encoded treatment and the results are nothing short of phenomenal. This is an absolutely outstanding presentation without any noticeable picture artifacts or other pesky distractions. Black levels are extremely solid with an emphasis on exceptional shadow detail. Colors are amazingly rendered and the natural hues of the Himalayan landscape are a true sight to behold. For those of you looking for three dimensional pop, it is here in spades. Fine detail is also amazingly represented with outstanding fine skin and fabric details. Many of the long shots of mountain vistas are simply breathtaking in their detail, smoothness and absolute film-like beauty. There is some light, intended grain in Seven Years in Tibet that adds to the theatrical aspect of this presentation. Once again, Sony has delivered an outstanding transfer that is a true sight to behold.

Seven Years in Tibet Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

While not a show-stopping or action-packed track, the 5.1 uncompressed PCM track on Seven Years in Tibet still amazes with its perfect balance and subtle dynamics. The early mountaineering shots feature plenty of loud, directional activity during avalanches and blizzards, but the track truly shines in its perfect representation of dialogue, music and atmospheric effects. I was once again blown away by just how natural PCM can sound. John Williams, once again, provides an outstanding score that is pure musical bliss from beginning to end. All in all, this is a fantastic PCM track that provides a stellar example of how important advanced audio is to the Blu-ray format.

Seven Years in Tibet Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Here's what's included:

NADA. ZIP. ZILCH.

Come on, Sony. Couldn't we at least have at least gotten a trailer or a documentary? Something?

Seven Years in Tibet Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Seven Years in Tibet tells a very unique story with a great amount of beautiful visual information. I found the background on the Dalai Lama to be extremely interesting and entertaining and Harrer, himself, is quite a character study. Audio and Video are, again, first rate and absolutely reference quality. Seven Years in Tibet earns my absolute HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!