{"product_id":"chimes-at-midnight-criterion-blu-ray-welles-falstaff-masterpiece","title":"Chimes at Midnight (Criterion) Blu-ray - Welles Falstaff Masterpiece","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRestored image quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDefinitive director performance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Welles's portrayal of Falstaff is captured with clarity and scale, letting viewers appreciate his looming, lumbering grace and comic tragic timing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvocative cinematography:\u003c\/strong\u003e The release highlights the film's striking visual composition and gritty approach to Shakespeare that many customers praise as magnificent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGroup of great actors:\u003c\/strong\u003e The supporting ensemble is presented clearly, allowing the strength of the performances to come through in close-ups and wide battlefield staging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCriterion bonus care:\u003c\/strong\u003e The collection treatment signals careful remastering and contextualization, valuable for viewers interested in film history and interpretation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePowerful battle sequence:\u003c\/strong\u003e A kinetic centerpiece that rivals anything in period cinema is rendered with scope and immediacy on Blu-ray.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCasual 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExceptional cinematography and evocative imagery that showcases Welles's unique visual approach.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong acting performances, led by Welles, presented clearly on the Blu-ray transfer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCareful remastering that produces very fine images and preserves the film's historic texture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe battle sequence and dramatic staging retain visceral impact on modern screens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSound quality is mixed in reports, with some viewers noting issues that could affect the audio experience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot a casual-friendly edit of Shakespeare; the film's unorthodox structure may feel challenging to some viewers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChimes at Midnight (The Criterion Collection)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlu-ray\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirector \/ Lead\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrson Welles (lead), Jeanne Moreau\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSource material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdaptation combining Henry IV parts, Richard II, Henry V, The Merry Wives of Windsor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePicture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRestored black-and-white transfer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpecial focus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRemastering and preservation by Criterion\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChimes 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a restored edition?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the Criterion Collection release emphasizes remastering and preservation to present improved image quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow is the acting in this film?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCritics and customers praise Orson Welles and the ensemble for powerful, evocative performances that carry the film's dramatic weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre there audio issues?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome viewers report mixed sound quality and occasional sync concerns, so listeners sensitive to audio fidelity should be aware.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Orson Welles, Jeanne Moreau","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48233151529179,"sku":"B01FRMOXJO","price":39.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/91qsXWzpoRL._SL1500.jpg?v=1770712974","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/chimes-at-midnight-criterion-blu-ray-welles-falstaff-masterpiece","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}