Chimes at Midnight (Criterion) Blu-ray - Welles Falstaff Masterpiece

Our review of Chimes at Midnight (The Criterion Collection) Blu-ray finds this release essential for lovers of bold Shakespeare adaptations and classic filmmaking. Given Orson Welles's towering, lumbering performance as Sir John Falstaff and the film's singular, kinetic battle sequence, this edition is most valuable to cinephiles who prize cinematography and evocative, character-driven drama. The Criterion presentation emphasizes the film's visual power and restoration work, making the set a strong purchase for those who want a thoughtfully preserved, film-centric home viewing experience.

Key Features

• Restored image quality: The Blu-ray presents very fine images that bring out the film's grain and shadow detail, preserving Welles's textured black-and-white photography for modern displays.
• Definitive director performance: Welles's portrayal of Falstaff is captured with clarity and scale, letting viewers appreciate his looming, lumbering grace and comic tragic timing.
• Evocative cinematography: The release highlights the film's striking visual composition and gritty approach to Shakespeare that many customers praise as magnificent.
• Group of great actors: The supporting ensemble is presented clearly, allowing the strength of the performances to come through in close-ups and wide battlefield staging.
• Criterion bonus care: The collection treatment signals careful remastering and contextualization, valuable for viewers interested in film history and interpretation.
• Powerful battle sequence: A kinetic centerpiece that rivals anything in period cinema is rendered with scope and immediacy on Blu-ray.

Who It's For

This Blu-ray is aimed at film students, serious cinephiles, and fans of Shakespeare who want an interpretive, director-driven adaptation rather than a literal stage transfer; those who value cinematography, acting quality, and a thoughtful restoration will find the most to appreciate. Collectors of Criterion editions will also value the disc for its preservation and presentation.

Casual viewers seeking straightforward, modernized versions of Shakespeare or those who prioritize pristine, uniform audio may want to sample the film first elsewhere, since customer reports mention mixed sound quality and occasional sync concerns that could matter for listeners sensitive to audio fidelity.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Exceptional cinematography and evocative imagery that showcases Welles's unique visual approach.
• Strong acting performances, led by Welles, presented clearly on the Blu-ray transfer.
• Careful remastering that produces very fine images and preserves the film's historic texture.
• The battle sequence and dramatic staging retain visceral impact on modern screens.

Cons

• Sound quality is mixed in reports, with some viewers noting issues that could affect the audio experience.
• Not a casual-friendly edit of Shakespeare; the film's unorthodox structure may feel challenging to some viewers.

Specifications

Title	Chimes at Midnight (The Criterion Collection)
Format	Blu-ray
Director / Lead	Orson Welles (lead), Jeanne Moreau
Source material	Adaptation combining Henry IV parts, Richard II, Henry V, The Merry Wives of Windsor
Picture	Restored black-and-white transfer
Special focus	Remastering and preservation by Criterion

Our Verdict

Chimes at Midnight on Blu-ray is a worthy acquisition for anyone who values bold directorial vision, outstanding cinematography, and landmark acting; despite mixed reports on sound, the Criterion presentation offers strong visual restoration and contextual care, making it good value for collectors and serious viewers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a restored edition?
Yes, the Criterion Collection release emphasizes remastering and preservation to present improved image quality.

How is the acting in this film?
Critics and customers praise Orson Welles and the ensemble for powerful, evocative performances that carry the film's dramatic weight.

Are there audio issues?
Some viewers report mixed sound quality and occasional sync concerns, so listeners sensitive to audio fidelity should be aware.