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Zelig [Blu-ray]
(Woody Allen, 1983)
Review by Gary Tooze
Production: Theatrical: Orion Pictures Video: Ar row Academy
Disc: Region: 'B' (as verified by the Oppo Blu-ray player) Runtime: 1:19:08.994 Disc Size: 28,365,079,429 bytes Feature Size: 24,487,350,528 bytes Video Bitrate: 37.05 Mbps Chapters: 10 Case: Transparent Standard Blu-ray case Release date: December 12th, 2016
Video: Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 Resolution: 1080p / 23.976 fps Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC Video
Audio: LPCM Audio English 1152 kbps 1.0 / 48 kHz / 1152 kbps / 24-bit
Subtitles: English (SDH), none
Extras: • Trailer (0:47)
Bitrate:
Description: Mockumentaries are ten a penny these days, but
in 1983 Zelig offered something startlingly new, as
heavyweight talking heads such as Saul Bellow and Susan
Sontag discuss an entirely fictional character who is
nonetheless strangely convincing.
The Film:
In this land of unlimited opportunity, a place where, to paraphrase
Woody Allen, any man or woman can realize greatness as a patient or as a
doctor, we have only one commercial American filmmaker who consistently
speaks with his own voice. That is Woody Allen, gag writer, musician,
humorist, philosopher, playwright, stand-up comic, film star, film
writer and film director. Those who dismiss Woody Allen as a neurotic narcissist out of touch with reality need to confront 1983’s ‘Zelig’. Perhaps the most complex, unusual film in an already diverse CV, it remains his most culturally and politically aware work, its relevance increasing with each passing year. Allen stars as the titular ‘human chameleon’ who can alter his appearance to ‘become’ any man he encounters, and whose discovery prompts headlines, psychological studies and dance crazes. Flawlessly constructed by Allen and genius cinematographer Gordon Willis as a back-to-the-’30s mock-doc, the film misses no opportunity to pinpoint the resonances inherent in its idea: Zelig’s desire for conformity leads him first to the Catholic Church, then the Nazi Party. The comedy tends to the smirk-inducing rather than the laugh-out-loud, and the second half wanders somewhat, but ‘Zelig’ is a strong contender for Allen’s most fascinating film. Excerpt from Timeout located HEREImage : NOTE: The below Blu-ray captures were taken directly from the Blu-ray disc. Firstly, Twilight Time have Zelig available on Region FREE Blu-ray HERE - and we expect the transfer to be very similar to Arrow's.
Zelig gets an impressive transfer to Blu-ray from Arrow Films in the UK. It is dual-layered with a max'ed-out bitrate for the 1 hour 20-minute feature. The 1080P supports presentation that is interspersed with real vintage footage and 'mock' sequences with Allen (as Zelig) infused into the stills - or even live action! It is in the original 1.85:1 frame. All flaws are an intentional representation. The contrast is superb. This Blu-ray looks excellent in-motion continuing to fully support the facade of the film's aged intent.
CLICK EACH BLU-RAY CAPTURE TO SEE ALL IMAGES IN FULL 1920X1080 RESOLUTION
Audio :Arrow use an authentic linear PCM (24-bit). Dialogue is consistent and we can note a bit of depth in the music with a score credited to Dick Hyman (Mighty Aphrodite) with Leonard the Lizard, Doin' the Chameleon, Chameleon Days performed by Mae Questel, You May Be Six People, But I Love You and others plus real vintage stuff like I'm Sitting on Top of the World, Fats Waller's I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling, The Charleston City All Stars' I Love My Baby, My Baby Loves Me and others. It alls sounds very good in the uncompressed. Arrow also offers optional English (SDH) subtitles and their Blu-ray disc is region 'B'-locked.
Extras : The Arrow only has a trailer but their Woody Allen: Six Films - 1979-1985 Blu-ray package offers Manhattan (not available individually), on Blu-ray, and a hardback book featuring new and archive writing on all the films.
BOTTOM LINE: Gary Tooze November 24th, 2016
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About the Reviewer: Hello, fellow Beavers! I have been interested in film since I viewed a Chaplin festival on PBS when I was around 9 years old. I credit DVD with expanding my horizons to fill an almost ravenous desire to seek out new film experiences. I currently own approximately 9500 DVDs and have reviewed over 5000 myself. I appreciate my discussion Listserv for furthering my film education and inspiring me to continue running DVDBeaver. Plus a healthy thanks to those who donate and use our Amazon links.
Although I never wanted to become one of those guys who
focused 'too much' on image and sound quality - I
find HD is swiftly pushing me in that direction. 60-Inch Class (59.58” Diagonal) 1080p Pioneer KURO Plasma Flat Panel HDTV PDP6020-FD
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