Ludwig:
Limited Edition (1973/Visconti/MVD Visual/Arrow Blu-ray w/DVD
4-disc set)
Picture:
B+/B- Sound: B+/B- Extras: B Film (both cuts): C+
Director
Luchino Visconti's (Death in Venice, Senso) slow moving
Ludwig (1973) is the latest addition to Arrow's deluxe Blu-ray
library set, making it a must have for fans of the film, as well as
Visconti's elaborate career. While I wasn't the big fan of the film,
it looks amazing on Blu-ray disc and this edition is loaded with a
lot of great extras and cool facts on the making of the film.
The
film stars Helmut Berger, Romy Schneider, Trevor Howard, and Silvana
Mangano to name a few. Ludwig is the Historical evocation of the
King of Bavaria, from his crowning in 1864 until his tragic death in
1886, as a romantic hero. Fan of Richard Wagner, betrayed by him, in
love with his cousin Elisabeth of Austria, abandoned by her,
tormented by his homosexuality, Ludwig wrestles with his unraveling
madness while trying to tighten his reign.
The
film has two different viewing options - either the full-length
theatrical cut or as five individual pieces. The full duration is a
staggering 257 minutes (the originally intended full-length version)
so you'll have to watch this one on your day off more than likely if
you want the full uninterrupted experience.
The
presentation on Blu-ray disc is up to Arrow's high standards are is a
2K restoration from the original film negative, which has aged like a
fine wine. Presented in 1080p high definition and widescreen 2.35:1
scope format (real 35mm anamorphic Panavision; Technicolor made
prints, but MGM may not have issued 3-strip dye-transfer copies in
the U.S. market) with impressive color and paired with the original
PCM Mono 1.0 Italian soundtrack (w English subs) or the original
English soundtrack available on home video for the first time ever
with optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Also included is the standard definition DVD version of the film that
looks fine but lacks the detail and definition that the Blu-ray has
to offer with an anamorphic widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and a
mono Italian track with English dubs.
Special
Features...
A
brand-new interview with actor Helmut Berger
Luchino
Visconti, an hour-long documentary portrait of the director
by Carlo Lizzani (Wake Up and Kill, Requiescant)
containing interviews with Burt Lancaster, Vittorio Gassman,
Francesco
Rosi,
Claudia Cardinale and others.
Speaking
with Suso Cecchi d'Amico, an interview with the screenwriter
Silvana
Mangano: The Scent Of A Primrose,
a half-hour portrait of the actress
Theatrical
trailer
FIRST
PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet containing new writing
by the great film scholar Peter Cowie
Collectible
packaging
If
you're a fan of historical epics (or Visconti) and don't mind a slow
moving film, then you may want to check this disc set out.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
