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Blu-Ray Review Round-Up: Films By Bob Fosse, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Karel Kachyňa & More!

Blu-Ray Review Round-Up delves into high-definition home entertainment’s latest releases and upgrades. 

It explores each edition’s technical and cinematic aspects, from visually stunning transfers to immersive soundtracks and valuable bonus features.

This article explains some review round-ups by Blu-Ray of Bob Fosse, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Karel Kachyňa, and more!

Blu-Ray Review Round-Up

Join us as we explore Blu-ray options and provide informed decisions for your next film or television purchase.

Whether you are a cinephile seeking in-depth analyses or a casual viewer looking for recommendations, we have got you covered.

Also, see Blu-Ray And DVD Review Round-up: Films By Hu Bo, Billy Woodberry, Josef Von Sternberg, and more!

For more details on upcoming Blu-ray releases, you can refer to the Blu-ray release calendar. Some round-up reviews from Blu-Ray are listed below:

The Ear (Ucho, 1970) Second Run

The movie “The Ear” (Ucho, 1970), directed by Karel Kachyňa, delves into intertwining personal and political elements within Czech Communism.

The story revolves around Ludvik and Anna, a couple embroiled in a night of suspicion and paranoia within the confines of their home, shedding light on the oppressive nature of a surveillance state.

Blu-Ray Review Round-Up
The Ear (Ucho, 1970) Second Run

Following their return from a party function, Ludvik and Anna encounter unsettling occurrences at home, leading to heightened tension and mistrust.

As they grapple with missing keys, a power outage, and a sense of being scrutinized, their marital fissures come to the fore, culminating in a night of escalating verbal conflict and frantic searches for surveillance devices.

The film employs tight framing and agile camerawork to capture the couple’s descent into paranoia, interspersed with Ludvik’s recollections of the earlier party, emphasizing his disorientation and anxiety about his social standing.

The narrative unfolds within a claustrophobic setting, intensifying the sense of domestic horror and the characters’ deteriorating relationship.

The Blu-ray edition by Second Run presents the film in a 1.37:1, 1080p transfer, showcasing solid grayscale separation and fine detail despite some noticeable wear and damage.

The accompanying 2.0 mono LPCM soundtrack exhibits minor imperfections such as hissing and clicking.

The release also includes supplementary content like an introduction by Peter Hames, a commentary track from the Projection Booth podcast, the short film “The Uninvited Guest,” and an expanded booklet with insightful essays.

“The Ear” provides a poignant portrayal of the impact of political oppression on personal lives, with its themes resonating long after its initial ban, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the human experience within a surveillance state.

The BRD Trilogy (1979-1982) Criterion Collection

The untimely death of Rainer Werner Fassbinder remains a tragic loss despite his extensive body of work.

His films, notably The BRD Trilogy, encapsulate his remarkable talent and offer a scathing critique of post-WWII West German society.

Blu-Ray Review Round-Up
The BRD Trilogy (1979-1982) Criterion Collection

The Marriage of Maria Braun portrays Maria’s unwavering loyalty amidst turmoil, while Veronika Voss delves into the bleakness of a fading star’s life.

On the other hand, Lola serves as a vibrant satire of capitalist greed. The Criterion Blu-ray release of the trilogy features high-quality transfers and a wealth of bonus content.

Rainer Werner Fassbinder’s early death is still deeply felt, even with his extensive filmography.

His works, especially The BRD Trilogy, testify to his unparalleled creativity and offer poignant criticisms of post-WWII West German society.

The film depicts Maria’s unwavering allegiance and cognitive dissonance as she clings to her loyalty to her missing Nazi husband, despite pursuing other relationships.

Fassbinder’s portrayal of Maria’s self-destruction is both sympathetic and poignant.

This film amplifies the aesthetics of Hollywood melodrama while exploring the bleakness of a former German film star’s life.

Fassbinder’s storytelling explores the dark aspects of the narrative, leaving a profound impact on the viewers.

In contrast to Veronika Voss, Lola offers a vibrant satire of capitalist greed, exuding garishness and neon colors.

The film explores the transactional nature of relationships during the reconstruction period of West Germany.

The long-awaited Blu-ray upgrade of the trilogy offers exceptional 1080p transfers, maintaining the integrity of the original films.

The release includes insightful bonus content, such as commentaries, interviews, a documentary on Fassbinder, and a comprehensive booklet.

Sweet Charity (1969) Kino Lorber Studio Classics

The film Sweet Charity is an intriguing combination of elements from the Broadway show, blending Neil Simon’s lighthearted self-mockery, impressive musical sequences featuring Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields’ songs, and a visual style between contemporary uniqueness and nostalgic hippie extravagance.

The film is a grand musical production that was outdated upon its release, clocking in at two-and-a-half hours.

Blu-Ray Review
Sweet Charity (1969) Kino Lorber Studio Classics

Despite its unconventional mix, the film stands out as a remarkable piece of work, mainly due to the dynamic input of Bob Fosse, who not only directed and choreographed the original Broadway show but also debuted as a film director with this project.

Additionally, Shirley MacLaine’s compelling on-screen presence, blending sunny optimism with profound melancholy, positions her as a fitting successor to Giulietta Masina, the iconic star of Nights of Cabiria and the inspiration behind Sweet Charity.

The film follows the story of Charity, a dance hall hostess portrayed by MacLaine, as she navigates through the highs and lows of pursuing love.

While some parts of the tale may seem unnecessary, Fosse ensures that most of the film’s segments resonate with the audience through meticulously choreographed musical numbers or MacLaine’s captivating charisma.

Fosse’s directorial flair is evident in the visually coherent musical sequences, the energetic individual scenes, and the authentic relationships between characters, particularly Charity’s friendships with fellow dancers Nickie and Helene.

The Blu-ray release by Kino offers an impressive presentation, featuring two high-definition versions of the film sourced from a 4K restoration.

The colors are vivid, the film grain is stable, and fine details are well-represented. The release includes audio tracks and supplementary content such as a commentary track and a booklet essay.

Sweet Charity presents a unique blend of elements from the Broadway show, brought to life by the directorial prowess of Bob Fosse and the captivating performance of Shirley MacLaine. Despite its flaws, the film remains a visually engaging and musically vibrant cinematic experience, further enhanced by the quality of its Blu-ray release.

Cluny Brown (1946) Criterion Collection

Ernst Lubitsch’s final completed film, Cluny Brown, is a charming comedy centered around class dynamics. Criterion has recently made the film available on home video after a long absence.

Known for his light touch, Lubitsch’s Cluny Brown may not reach the heights of his masterpieces, but the interplay between Jennifer Jones and Charles Boyer is delightful.

Blu-Ray Review Round-Up Films
Cluny Brown (1946) Criterion Collection

The story follows the unconventional Cluny and the charming Belinski, who have a meet-cute in pre-WWII London and later reunite in the English countryside.

The film humorously satirizes class-conscious individuals yet also contains poignant moments, such as a scene where Cluny faces humiliation.

Jones, known for her dramatic performances, shines in a comedic role.

Criterion’s Blu-ray offers a 1080p, 1.37:1 transfer from a new 4K restoration. While the image is not razor-sharp, it is clean and enjoyable.

The disc includes extras such as discussions by film critics, a video essay on Lubitsch’s visual comedy, and a radio adaptation of Cluny Brown.

An essay by Siri Hustvedt is also provided.

Crosscurrent (2016) Cheng Cheng Films

The description of Yang Chao’s Berlinale Silver Bear winner, Crosscurrent, as “mesmerizing” accurately portrays the film’s peculiar nature.

The movie immerses viewers in the imagery of the Yangtze River, skillfully captured by cinematographer Mark Lee Ping-bing, known for his work with Wong Kar-Wai and Hou Hsiao-Hsien.

Blu-Ray Review Round-Up
Crosscurrent (2016) Cheng Cheng Films

The constant drone of ship noise serves as a compelling backdrop, creating a trance-like experience for the audience.

The film follows Gao Chun as he navigates a cargo ship up the river and encounters An Lu at every port, leading to a belief that she is linked to a book of poetry he discovered.

While the film incorporates mysticism and poetry, the striking imagery captivates it. Lee’s cinematography captures the river’s grandeur, making each shot significant and vast.

The film’s narrative begins with a ritual involving a fish. It explores Gao Chun’s relationship with An Lu, set against the backdrop of the unchanging and enigmatic Yangtze River, influenced by modernity yet fundamentally timeless.

Cheng Cheng Films’ release of the film on BD-R features a 1080p, 2.35:1 transfer that effectively presents Lee’s 35mm photography.

The disc includes extras such as “Messenger’s Four Chapters,” a trailer, and an essay by Bart Testa.

The audio track offers a solid presentation of the film’s soundscape, and English subtitles are available.

People also viewed The Vision of Buster Keaton.

Ashish Maharjan
Ashish Maharjan
Ashish, a seasoned editor and author for World Cinema Paradise, intricately weaves creativity with precision in his writing, establishing himself as a prolific content creator. Renowned for clarity and captivating storytelling, Ashish has cultivated a devoted readership, driven by his unwavering passion for words and commitment to excellence.

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