The Pied Piper Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		2.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		0.0
Overall		2.5

The Pied Piper Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 6, 2017

It’s hard to fault “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” director Jacques Demy for attempting his own take on the legend of the Pied Piper. And there’s certainly a pronounced dark side to most fairy tales, providing a creative challenge. However, it’s difficult to grasp what audience Demy is hoping to reach with this 1972 effort. “The Pied Piper” isn’t truly for children, but the production has moments of broad behavior, and the casting of rock star Donovan in the titular role appears engineered to reach a young audience. But the rest of “The Pied Piper” is quite bleak, though fascinatingly staged by Demy who respects elements from the original tale, trying to remain as faithful as possible while arranging his own special black plague costume party.

“The Pied Piper” plays with distances, as Demy elects to pursue a theatrical atmosphere to the effort, which often lets scenes play out in single takes, permitting the actors (including Jack Wild, John Hurt, and Donald Pleasance) room to stretch their characterizations, leading to some comedic exaggeration just to be seen by the camera. Donovan is left to play to his strengths, singing multiple songs, giving the soundtrack a slightly contemporary feel. Demy supports as expected, but primary emphasis is placed on costuming, with priests, royalty, and staff wearing ornate outfits that expand width and height, delivering what little fairy tale feel there is in the picture.

The Pied Piper Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation isn't refreshed for the film's Blu-ray debut, retaining an aged appearance. While overt damage isn't an issue, speckling is consistent, and there's mild flicker throughout. Colors look fatigued, lacking primary snap, but hues are still communicative on costuming and the picture's drab setting. Skintones are bloodless and greenery lacks presence. It's soft viewing event, lacking any compelling detail, removing necessary texture to grasp tech achievements. Delineation is adequate.

The Pied Piper Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix varies in quality, with volume levels rising and falling as new reels begin. Overall clarity isn't tough to follow, preserving accents and eccentric performances, reaching a few sharp highs along the way. Music is more pronounced, and while precision is lacking, mood is achieved, especially during the Piper's performances. Crowd activity isn't defined in any special way, but panic swells register as intended.

The Pied Piper Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

There is no supplementary material on this disc.

The Pied Piper Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Pied Piper" isn't vicious, but it's dark, with the general rat threat a constant worry, and there's a climax where a man is burned alive. Demy isn't interested in graphic violence, and he's weirdly reluctant to follow through on the traditional interpretation of the ending, trying to close on a more mysterious note of ascendance than with a full-fledged massacre. Tonally, the endeavor is a tad rocky and its overall entertainment value is open for interpretation. It's not a rousing Demy effort, but the helmer's admirers are sure to find plenty to inspect here, and fans of big screen costuming are left with tremendous creative achievements.