The Seventh Seal Blu Ray Review
I’ve never had much interest in writing about ‘the classics’ because it seems as though everything that can be said about a film like The Seventh Seal has already been said a million times before by film scholars and critics that are much smarter then myself. I will say that although the film’s content and presentation may seem intimidating to the casual movie fan, the story is actually quite accessible. And now, thanks to the newly released Criterion Collection Blu-ray edition of the film, The Seventh Seal has never looked better.
Criterion’s Blu-ray release rate has slowly picked up, averaging about two discs a month. I’m not entirely sure how their selection process works, but The Seventh Seal seems like a bit a of a no-brainer in regards to getting their most crucial content on to the high definition format. This is the Criterion’s fourth black and white feature to hit Blu-ray, and I gotta say it is absolutely stunning! This is the perfect demo disc for anyone who might think there’s no reason to update the old b&w classics. Although there are moments where the film’s age shines through (you can never really completely resolve the issue of processed dissolves or titles, but why would you want to?) the film’s detail is quite impressive. Film grain enthusiasts will also be happy to hear that Criterion has continued to maintain the look and feel of watching an actual film, refusing to tone down any natural grain with any sort of digital processing. Absolutely brilliant!
There’s also something to be said for the 1.33:1 aspect ratio. Sure, with 16:9 televisions now the norm, it’s a bit of a bummer watching a pillar boxed full frame presentation, but when a film is designed to fit that close-to-square aspect ratio, it can really look great. It’s actually quite amazing, the number of times Bergman manages to squeeze three or more cast members into the frame without compromising the composition. Although I will admit I’m partial to the 2.35:1 ratio (Criterion’s recent Blu-ray release of The 400 Blows is great evidence of how wonderful a black and white film can look in scope). In this case, the framing really compliments the story. Maybe if the film actually got into the Crusades and attempted to bring the battles to the screen, a wider composition may have been more appropriate, but The Seventh Seal is a little more intimate that. It’s as though the choice of aspect ratio was built solely around the best possible way to frame two upright chess players. Perfect.
The audio is presented in its original monaural Swedish with English subtitles. I’m not a big audiophile, but I will say the sound was quite clean and crisp throughout the picture. There doesn’t really seem to be much need to update to a stereo track with this one. Although I must say Erik Nordgren’s amazing score never felt restricted and still managed to hold a lot of power for a mono presentation.
As expected from a Criterion release, the supplemental materials on this disc are pretty extensive. First off there’s an audio commentary track by Bergman expert Peter Cowie. I listened to the majority of this track and found it to be somewhat interesting, but usually bordered on dull. Every time I hear one of these British film historians do a commentary track, I’m immediately reminded of the commentary featured on The Coen Brothers Blood Simple disc. If you’ve heard it, you know what I mean. Next up is an introduction from Bergman, recorded in 2003. Probably the best feature on the disc is the feature length documentary Bergman Island. The film is culled together from a series of interviews with Bergman and is quite substantial. In fact, it has also been released as a stand alone disc through Criterion. Finally, there’s an audio interview with Max Von Sydow, a tribute to Bergman by Woody Allen, ‘Bergman 101’ (a video filmography of Bergman’s work), and the theatrical trailer.
The Criterion Blu-ray release of The Seventh Seal does not disappoint. The film looks better than ever and is yet another example of Criterion’s ongoing high-def quality assurance that makes some of the big studios look like total idiots. I’m looking at you MGM! — Jay C.
Comments (10)
Looks like I need to get this on on Blu-Ray.
Thanks for the review.
I would like a film junk Criterion Podcast Special for the all the Blu-ray titles.
Posted by BigHungry on June 17th, 2009Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! did i mention Please!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beyond the technical side, did you think the movie was amazing?
Posted by Henrik on June 17th, 2009Yes, it’s a great film.
Posted by Jay C. on June 17th, 2009I’m going to show my ignorance. I love the subject matter of “The Seventh Seal,” but I didn’t like the execution of it. For some reason, there are critically adored directors and films that I just don’t appreciate. I’ve never fully appreciated Bergman, Fellini, Truffault, Coppola or Scorsese. I think I need to read something that will convince me of the genius of these people. I guess I’m too dense to understand their greatness by viewing their works. On the other hand, I can appreciate Welles.
BTW, if you want to watch “The 7th Seal” the way it was meant to be seen, then get the VHS release by Pearl Entertainment. (Yes, I’m making fun of all the film purists out there.)
Posted by Reed Farrington on June 17th, 2009You don’t have to like the movie Reed. Obviously it’s not very entertaining on a Rob Schneider level.
You’re actually saying that anybody who doesn’t like Bergman, Fellini, Truffault, Coppola or Scorsese is ignorant. I don’t like Scorsese, so I take offense!
Posted by Henrik on June 17th, 2009Henrik, since you’re usually the one offending people, it’s about time that you’re on the receiving end! Ha ha. Seriously, ignorance is normally taken as an insult when it really shouldn’t be. It’s the type of problem that can be remedied. And I’m guessing you weren’t really offended since the comment came from an idiot like myself.
At the risk of drawing an irate comment from rus in chicago for sidetracking a post’s comment section, Henrik, I read your review of the last TMNT movie. Clearly, you let your fanboy admiration for the Turtles shine through your review. I’ve only gotten through the first half of the movie. It’s somewhat entertaining, but kind of formulaic. BTW, I haven’t been able to find what you thought about the latest Star Trek movie.
Posted by Reed Farrington on June 17th, 2009Oh, I’m still waiting for France to make Rob Schneider a commander in the Order of Arts and Letters, and award him the Legion of Honor.
Posted by Reed Farrington on June 17th, 2009Watching TMNT in the theatre was about as optimal an experience as I could have hoped for. I absolutely loved it that night. It is formulaic, but I wanted some cool ninja action and some teenage shellshock humor and I got it. It’s hard to defend my review, but I really like the movie. I think it’s a blast.
I think Star Trek works as a summer blockbuster, but I lament the fact that Star Trek had to become that. It’s a decent movie, but I fear the days of the Star Trek I love is over. If the movie had had a score on par with TMNTs, I definitely would have liked it more. It failed to portray majesty and awe, when it tried, which was a shame, it could have tapped into my childish parts, but never got there.
Posted by Henrik on June 17th, 2009Hard to imagine caring less about a film.
Posted by Shut-Up Ed on June 17th, 2009I just watched the movie for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is kind of daunting going into a movie that you know is regarded as one of the greatest films of all-time, but that didn’t seem to help or hinder my opinion of the movie. I thought the story was interesting and thought provoking, and I really loved how iconic the images in the film are. Even if you didn’t like the movie, you will still remember the game of chess with Death.
Posted by Nick D on June 18th, 2009Leave a Reply