8.5 | / 10 |
Users | 4.8 | |
Reviewer | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.8 |
A young farmer is tempted by the charms of a sophisticated city woman, who suggests to him that his dull wife might accidentally drown. He considers this plan, and imagines what his life might be like if he went to the big bad city.
Starring: George O'Brien, Janet Gaynor, Margaret Livingston, Bodil Rosing, J. Farrell MacDonaldDrama | 100% |
Romance | 36% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.2:1, 1.33:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.2:1, 1.33:1
English: Dolby TrueHD Mono
English: Dolby Digital 2.0
English
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 5.0 |
The first silent film to be released on Blu-ray, F.W. Murnau's "Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans" (1927) arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of British distributors Eureka Entertainment. The disc contains the film's Movietone version as well as the recently discovered Czech version. The special features include an audio commentary by ASC cinematographer John Bailey, a documentary about the history of F.W. Murnau's lost film "4-Devils" and more. With optional English subtitles for the Czech version. Region-Free.
Shine my shoes!
F. W. Murnau's Sunrise arrives on Blu-ray, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a
1080p transfer, courtesy of British distributors Eureka Entertainment. The disc contains the film's
Movietone version, in an aspect ratio of 1.20:1, and an alternate silent version recently
discovered in the Czech Republic, in an aspect ratio of 1.33:1.
The following text is supplied in the booklet complimenting the Blu-ray disc:
"The 2003 film restoration was used as the basis for the 2003 FOX DVD in the U.S. and our 2005
Masters of Cinema Series DVD in the U.K. The telecine used for these editions was standard
definition (SD). In 2008, Fox oversaw a new high definition (HD) telecine of both the 2003 film-
restored Movietone version and the Czech version. This was the first time the Czech version has
ever been telecined for commercial release, and its visual quality far surpasses the Movietone
version.
For the 2009 Masters of Cinema Series Blu-ray edition we encoded both HD masters in 1080p
AVC format on a BD50. Heartened by Fox's U.S. release of these masters without any heavy-
handed digital restoration, we decided against HD-DVNR, MTI, other forms of digital restoration, or
grain removal, after tests revealed noticeable disruption of the film's "sfumato" qualities in many
scenes. We used the same hands-off approach with our release of Carl Th. Dreyer's
Vampyr, and we feel it is more respectful to the filmmakers and the patina of the image.
The level of damage still present is exactly what you would see if you were to project this same
35mm film restoration theatrically."
I decided to include the text above in this review so that it is perfectly clear to everyone reading it
that Eureka Entertainment have done absolutely everything right for this historic Blu-ray release
of F.W. Murnau's Sunrise. I truly feel that what their Blu-ray disc contains is as close to
the restored HD elements as possible.
The image: in one word, stunning! I feel fairly confident stating that even if you have never
before seen a silent film, you would be enormously impressed with how Sunrise looks in
high definition. I know I am.
Indeed, clarity, depth and contrast are remarkable for a film that is over 80 years old. Last night,
after I finished watching the Blu-ray release of Sunrise, I decided to compare the U.S.
Fox DVD release - with the Movietone version of the film - to the Blu-ray release, and specifically
the Czech version, and was simply overwhelmed by the difference in quality. I then did a direct
comparison between the Movietone version from the DVD and the Movietone version from the
Blu-ray release, and, once again, I could not contain my excitement. It was very obvious that
every single aspect we typically look at when we compare different releases was superior on the
Blu-ray disc.
As noted in the quoted text above, there is still plenty of damage throughout the print, but given
the nature of the source, I think that Sunrise undoubtedly looks the best it ever has. In
fact, I would go on to state that if all future silent films that receive a Blu-ray treatment look this
good, film aficionados would be able to experience many timeless classics in a way they never
dared dream of - the degree of image improvement over anything we have seen before is
unparalleled!
(Note: Screencaptures 1-15 are from the Czech version of Sunrise, and 16-19
from the Movietone version. Additionally, the Blu-ray disc herein reviewed is Region-Free.
Therefore, you will be able to play it on your player regardless of your geographical location.
Also, the disc does not contain any PAL or 1080i/50-encoded data).
The Movietone version of Sunrise arrives with two different audio tracks: the film's
original score (Dolby TrueHD 2.0 Mono) and Timothy Brock's score (Dolby TrueHD 2.0). Both are
quite different in character - I share the opinion that the original score is actually slightly darker
than Brock's score. I personally prefer listening to the original score when viewing
Sunrise, though I certainly appreciate the completely different flavor Brock's score adds
to the film.
The quality of the original score is certainly quite good. Obviously, the Dolby TrueHD 2.0 retains
plenty of the audio noise that every release of Sunrise thus far has had. However, given
the source limitations, I feel comfortable stating that the audio treatment is as good as it could
possibly be.
To me, Brock's score, recorded in Stereo by the Olympic Chamber Orchestra, has a better variety
of dynamics. The strings in particular are a lot more vibrant. The occasional clarinet, flute, and
bassoon solos also have a lot more character. As far as the quality of the actual Dolby TrueHD 2.0
track is concerned, again, I think that considering the source limitations, the audio quality is as
strong as it could be .
The Czech version - due to the fact there was no surviving soundtrack for the Czech version, in
2008 Fox approximated the original Movietone score. The Dolby TrueHD
2.0 track on the Czech version reveals more depth and stronger dynamics - obviously, however, there
is still plenty of inherited noise.
For the record, the Czech version of Sunrise contains Czech intertitles, for which Eureka Entertainment have provided optional white English subtitles.
Commentary - the Movietone version of Sunrise could be seen with a
commentary by ASC cinematographer John Bailey. I listened to the entire commentary and found
it to be quite informative. At times, Mr. Bailey tends to spend a bit too much time commenting on
certain technical issues that some viewers may find rather dry, but I personally believe that his
analysis is very helpful in understanding the true nature of the film.
Sunrise outtakes - a selection of outtakes from the film. The images derive
from a 35mm nitrate workprint which was kept as a souvenir by its editor, Harold Shuster. With
optional commentary by John Bailey. (10 min).
Trailer - a silent trailer for the film. (2 min).
4-Devils - a documentary discussing the history of F.W. Murnau's lost film.
(41 min).
Booklet - a 20-page booklet containing the following: "The Film Restoration",
"The Movietone and Czech Versions" and "The Blu-ray".
What a remarkable release! I truly believe that we are entering a brand new era, one that would bring new life to timeless classics and forgotten films. The technology for it is finally here, and with true enthusiasts, such as those at Eureka Entertainment, taking advantage of it, I feel confident stating that there has never been a better time to be a film collector. Bravo Eureka Entertainment! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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