The Silence Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.5
Extras		5.0
Overall		4.5

The Silence Blu-ray Movie Review

An exploration of female sexuality by Bergman (Summer with Monika, Summer Interlude)

A surrealist storyline, The Silence takes place in Europe and follows the events of two sisters who travel across land to stay in a “apartment” (once a hotel room) at a lavish location with dwarfs and other strangers staying under the same roof. The possibility of war looms and tensions are high. The film is the final of the “Ingmar Bergman Trilogy” and was produced by Allan Ekelund (To Joy, The Seventh Seal).

Ester (Ingrid Thulin) is the older of the two sisters. Ill and self-medicating with alcohol and frequent cigarettes, Ester spends her time laying in bed with concerns on her mind. The younger sister, Anna (Gunnel Lindblom), comes to the apartment with her son Johan (Jörgen Lindström) in tow. With an inquisitive mind, Johan explores the environment. As the experimental story unfolds, the idea of its exploration of sexuality comes into focus.

"Cowboys and Indians!"

Ulla Ryghe (Winter Light, Through a Glass Darkly) continues the editorial collaboration with Bergman on his trilogy of films centered on ideas of reduction. Bergman also employs some other collaborators once again by utilizing the expertise of his production designer P.A. Lundgren (The Night Visitor, The Passion of Anna) and the brilliance of cinematographer Sven Nykvist (Cries & Whispers, Persona). Costumes by Marik Vos-Lundh (The Virgin Spring) and Bertha Sånnell (Swedish Wedding Night) impress in spades. There is a visual wealth to the production on every level.

Ingmar Bergman concludes his unofficial trilogy with a stirring experience that delves into sexuality more so than one might have expected. The film is not as straightforward or story-driven as one is usually prone to expect. The surrealist elements of the film can sometimes feel like a mix of both Bergman and Fellini. The end result is a curious concoction that is stirring to watch unfold. Few filmmakers of the 1960's were willing to explore female sexuality with genuine frankness. While it ultimately isn't as brilliant a film as Through a Glass Darkly or Winter Light, it's nonetheless a experience that fans of the filmmaker must-see and consider. There's much going on beneath the surface.

The Silence Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Criterion has presented The Silence with a 1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high definition presentation in the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.37:1 full frame. The Silence has received an impressive new 2K digital restoration of the film. The lush cinematography (including the sensuality of the actresses) is well rendered with this near-immaculate presentation. Though there are a few (extremely minor) scratches on the print of The Silence when compared to Through a Glass Darkly or Winter Light, it's still a worthwhile presentation which preserves the black-and-white cinematography with ease.

The Silence Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The Silence features an uncompressed PCM 24 bit high resolution mono audio soundtrack. The crisp lossless fidelity makes a positive impression throughout the entire experience. The film has crisp dialogue reproduction and it is easy to understand from start to finish. There are no issues with hiss, warp, crackling, pops, and other sound-related anomalies to report. This is an exceptionally rendered audio track that makes the film viewing experience even more engaging.

An optional English dubbed alternate version is also provided.

The Silence Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Ingmar Bergman Introduction (SD, 3:35) is an introduction (filmed in 2003) to The Silence by Bergman himself and Swedish journalist Marie Nyreröd.

Exploring the Film (SD, 10:47) concludes the trilogy collection interviews with Bergman biographer Peter Cowie. For the final piece, Cowie explores the themes of The Silence and the way in which the film was met with censorship and controversy upon its original release. An informative and engaging extra that delves into the production and release of the film.

The Silence U.S. Theatrical Trailer (SD, 2:02)

Lastly, the release includes a click-through Poster Gallery promoting The Silence.

The Silence Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There is something fascinating about The Silence and the storytelling that unfolds in Bergman's ambitious and highly controversial film. Though the film was once regarded by some as being pornographic upon its original release, the reality is different: The Silence is a frank (sometimes graphic) exploration of sexuality told with the finesse only a masterful director like Bergman can provide audiences. While there is graphic nudity and female masturbation in The Silence, the sexuality is consistently handled in a thoughtful and open way. A compelling cinematic experience. Highly recommended.