Sirius Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		3.5

Sirius Blu-ray Movie Review

Sirius is based on the play by Imre Földes. Adapted from the novel by Ferenc Herczeg. Sirius is a surprising time-travel story set against the backdrop of the 18^th century.

A professor proclaims himself the inventor of time travel. The professor promises both the hand in marriage of his daughter and all of his wealth if someone will travel through time with him. Tibor Ákos gróf (László Szilassy) travels back through time 200 years and meets and falls for opera singer Rosina Beppo/Róza (Katalin Karády). The journey through time is full or surprises – including encounters involving aristocrats. Can Tibor return to his original timeline or will he be stuck in the past? Can everything work out between Tibor and Roza?

The performances are well done. The lead cast do a great job with their respective roles. László Szilassy and Katalin Karády both impress. The performances add a lot to the filmmaking.

Composed by Tibor Polgár (Rózsafabot, Dankó Pista), Sirius is a solid score. The music adds a lot to the production. The score certainly helps to add plenty of intrigue to the time travel scenario.

The cinematography by Rudolf Icsey (Vou Te Contá, Macumba Love) is compelling. The visuals are a huge part of the narrative charm. The black and white cinematography is well suited for the storytelling, too. The setting is all the more effective in black and white.

Edited by Mária Vály (Éjféli gyors, Valamit visz a víz), Sirius is well paced. The editing unfolds with a good editorial vision. The style allows the filmmaking to unfold in a compelling way.

The production designs by Klára B. Kokas (Gül Baba, Ragaszkodom a szerelemhez) are well done. The designs add plenty to the film. Kokas is a talent. The effort allows the time travel elements to be all the more compelling.

The costume designs by Károlyné Nagy are one of the highlights of the feature. The costumes work extremely well for the 18^th century element of the story. The costumes are well-done for the film – enhancing the storytelling.

Written by Péter Rákóczi (A láp virága), Sirius is a fun and quirky science-fiction film. The sci-fi elements are bizarre in some respects but it works well for the story. The time travel element was intriguing throughout.

Directed by Dezsõ Ákos Hamza (One Skirt, One Pants), Sirius is well done sci-fi. The film is worth seeing. Hamza made a worthwhile sci-fi exploration of love and density – er, destiny.

Sirius Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Released on Blu-ray by Deaf Crocodile, Sirius is presented in 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The high-definition transfer showcases the restoration from the 35mm nitrate negative preserved by the NFI. The transfer looks lush in black and white and the cinematography is well preserved. An excellent encode by Deaf Crocodile.

Sirius Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The release is presented in Hungarian DTS-HD Master Audio Mono (with English subtitles). The English subtitles are well done. The subtitles are free from egregious spelling or grammatical errors. The audio presentation is crisp and easy to understand. Dialogue is clear and well reproduced. The soundstage is worthwhile. Elements are in good shape overall.

Sirius Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

The limited edition version includes a deluxe chipboard art-box with collectors art. The standard edition is housed inside of the limited edition box-set. The release also includes a booklet exclusive to the limited edition version.

On disc supplements include:

Audio Commentary by Stephen R. Bissette

"Vissza a jovobe": Hungary at a Tipping Point (HD, 20:18) is a new visual essay.

Interview with Gyorgy Raduly (HD, 18:54) is a discussion with the director of the National Film Institute (NFI). A discussion on the new restoration of Sirius.

Sirius Werkfilm (HD, 2:27) features rare behind the scenes footage from the production of Sirius.

Trailer (HD, 2:48)

Sirius Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Sirius is a compelling science-fiction feature-film. The production is well-done. The storytelling is intriguing. The Blu-ray release provides an excellent high-definition transfer, lossless audio, and a selection of bonus features. Recommended.