Becket Blu-ray

Becket

 (1964)

Biography | Drama | History



For the first time in more than 40 years, experience two of the greatest actors of our time in one of the most honored motion pictures in history. Peter O'Toole delivers an electrifying performance as the mischievous Henry II, who surprises England by naming his fellow rogue and trusted valet Thomas Becket (Richard Burton in a career defining role) as Chancellor. But when Henry next appoints him Archbishop Of Canterbury, Becket shocks the world by openly defying the King with his newfound faith and compassion. Will a desperate ruler now destroy a beloved friend to save his splintering kingdom? John Gielgud co-stars in this stunning epic based on the Broadway sensation and brought to the screen by Hal Wallis, the legendary producer of 'True Grit' and 'Casablanca'.

Once thought lost forever, Becket has now been restored to its original majesty in breathtaking HD with the support of the Film Foundation and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

For more details about Becket on Blu-ray, see the Becket Blu-ray Review

Starring: Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, John Gielgud, Donald Wolfit, Martita Hunt
Director: Peter Glenville

Becket Blu-ray, Video Quality

 


Becket arrives on Blu-ray with an exceptionally good 1080p, 2.40:1-framed transfer. Once again Blu-ray does what it arguably does best, presenting classic films with incredible lifelike vitality. Colors jump off the screen, detail is rendered very well, and while the image sports the occasional speckle, it is surprisingly robust, with nice dark blacks and a quality film-like image. A scene in chapter seven depicting Henry riding victoriously into the French town is one of the finest in the film. The depth of the image is stunning and the detail on the stone facades is impeccable with every inch of the image sharp and painstakingly rendered. It's a beautiful moment in the film from a visual standpoint, and is one that best represents the quality of the transfer. While there are a few minor issues that keep the transfer from receiving a perfect score, like sudden jumps in contrast in several scenes, Becket nevertheless looks marvelous, a film that will undoubtedly play better -- and hold up visually thanks to 1080p resolution -- on even the largest of displays.

Becket Blu-ray, Audio Quality

 


MPI brings Becket to Blu-ray with several audio options, notably a PCM 2.0 lossless mix and a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack. The lossless 2.0 mix plays better against the lossy 5.1 offering. Neither offer much in the way of aggressive directionality, both reproducing Becket's front-heavy mix well, though the lossless track earns the advantage thanks to increased clarity. The PCM lossless track is surprisingly robust and satisfying, coming off as far more engaging than even some older tracks remixed to a lossless 5.1 encode. It offers a nice sense of fulfillment, almost sounding at times as if it were utilizing more channels than it is. The film's theme that plays over the title credits is particularly engaging, easily filling the room with a most pleasing sonic experience. Several times throughout the movie a bell tolls with powerful presence, focused in the center channel but providing a deep, powerful experience. A scene in chapter eight featuring Becket's ascension to the position of Archbishop presents listeners with a nice effect as the ceremonial chants reverberate to fine effect through the soundstage, the result of the voices carrying through the cavernous chamber. Dialogue is undeniably strong throughout, both O'Toole and Burton particularly sounding fine. While Becket pales next to the latest multi-channel tracks, the PCM 2.0 mix nevertheless offers a satisfying sonic experience, the perfect compliment to an impeccably-crafted film.

Becket Blu-ray, Forum Discussions

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