Casanova (2005/Blu-ray)

 

Picture: B+     Sound: B+     Extras: B-     Film: C-

 

 

Towards the end of his “sign for any script he can get his hands on cycle” that almost ended his career, Heath Ledger played the title character in Lasse Hallstrom’s Casanova in 2005.  It was only a middling hit and we have previously covered the film in its original DVD release at the following link:

 

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/4081/Casanova+(2005)

 

 

This new Blu-ray version is a very nice upgrade of the film, but are previous critic only liked the film so much and I liked it even less.  There is the goofy performance by Ledger, the forgettable performance by Sienna Miller and the inquisitor-like performance by Jeremy Irons that arrives too late to save the film from itself.  Fans will be happy to hear that the Blu-ray is of demo quality just the same.

 

The 1080p 2.35 X 1 digital High Definition transfer here enhances the classical approach to its cinematography, which works just well enough without looking outright phony as some of these costume epics and stuffy literary-type tales can veer into appearing.  Some shots are even of demo quality.  The PCM 16-bit/48kHz 5.1 mix definitely outdoes even the DTS on the previous standard DVD, just by being that much smoother.  Extras not only repeat the three featurettes and audio commentary from the DVD, but add an HD short called Reflections Of Venice that looks good and is a nice bonus along with the better access to the film itself.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo