7 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
An adaptation of nine of the 100 stories from Giovanni Boccaccio.
Starring: Franco Citti, Ninetto Davoli, Jovan Jovanovic, Angela Luce, Pier Paolo PasoliniForeign | 100% |
Drama | 95% |
Romance | 22% |
Erotic | 15% |
History | 10% |
Comedy | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Italian: LPCM 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English: LPCM 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English, English SDH
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region B (locked)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 4.0 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
BFI (British Film Institute) introduce the first installment in Pier Paolo Pasolini's Trilogy of Life, "The Decameron" (1971). The film has been newly transferred in High-Definition using the original 35mm negative film elements. "Notes for an African Oresteia" (1970), the Italian director's semi documentary film, fully restored by Cineteca di Bologna, is included on the Blu-ray disc as well. Region-B "locked.
Pier Paolo Pasolini as Giotto
Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1, encoded with MPEG-AVC and granted a 1080p transfer, Pier Paolo Pasolini's The Decameron arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of UK-based distributors BFI (British Film Institute).
The Decameron has been newly transferred in High-Definition using the original 35mm negative film elements and, as expected, the results are quite good. Obviously, this 1080p transfer is a substantial upgrade over the previously available SDVD version of the film, which has been in circulation for quite some time (circa 2001). What immediately makes an impression here is the improved color-scheme: blacks are notably richer and more stable, browns and blues more natural looking, and greens and yellows not as inconsistent (and bleeding) as they were on the SDVD UK version of the film. Contrast, clarity and detail are also notably improved; close-ups in particular look surprisingly strong. Some of the panoramic scenes tend to be a bit unstable – I noticed a few contrast fluctuations as well as a bit of macro-blocking here and there – but, overall, a lot of these limitations are undoubtedly ingrained in the actual film negative, so without a complete restoration, this is certainly the best Pasolini's film could look. On a similar note, I detected a few minor specks and scratches but, again, the overall quality of the transfer is more than satisfying, and I don't have a problem recommending BFI's Blu-ray release. (Note: This is a Region-B "locked" release which you won't be able to play on your Region-A PS3 or SA. In order to access the content of this disc, you have to have a native Region-B or Region-Free player).
There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: the original Italian LPCM 2.0 track and an English LPCM 2.0 dub (available as an extra). Generally speaking, there are no serious issues that I could detect with either of the two tracks. The dialog is clear and easy to follow (of course, you have to keep in mind that The Decameron was overdubbed – a typical for Italian cinema at the time practice - after it was completed) and legendary composer Ennio Morricone's soundtrack adds to the viewing experience rather well. This being said, there are a few minor balance issues that I was able to detect – certainly not serious dropouts, hissings, or pops – but, again, I believe that these were simply replicated from the original source. This being said, optional white English subtitles are provided for the main feature. As far as the English dub is concerned, all that I could say is that I would not recommend that you watch the film with it – it is quite bland and ineffective (and, indeed, this is the old American track that was used by United Artists).
The Decameron arrives with a lovely 18-page booklet containing a number of informative essays - "The Trilogy of Life" by Sam Rohdie (a scholar and author of The Passion of Pier Paolo Pasolini), "The Decameron" by Roger Clarke (an author and critic), "The Decameron reviewed" by Nigel Andrews (originally published in Monthly Film Bulletin in March, 1972), and "Pier Paolo Pasolini (1922-1975)" by Geoffrey Nowell-Smith (originally published in the Oxford History of World Cinema).
As noted earlier, the English version of The Decameron is available as a supplemental feature. In addition to the original theatrical trailer (1080i), BFI have also supplied Pasolini's black and white semi documentary film Notes for an African Oresteia (1970). Narrated by Pasolini himself, the film offers a curious look at the director's obsession with Greek mythology where he promotes some of his more radical socialistic ideas. This is the newly restored by Cineteca di Bologna print of the film (according to filmarchives-online.eu). Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 with imposed English subtitles (1080i).
Those of you interested in the work of controversial Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini should definitely look into his fascinating Trilogy of Life. The Decameron, the first installment in it, has received a solid treatment by the British Film Institute. Unfortunately for those of you residing in Region-A territories, this is a Region-B "locked" release, which means that unless you have a native Region-B or Region-Free player, you won't be able to take advantage of it. Recommended.
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