Fellini’s Casanova, while not something I liked a whole lot, and on the lengthy side at 2.5 hours, at least did have enough bizarre moments and characters that kept my attention just wondering what the hell I was watching.
Fellini’s Casanova
(1976)
Genre(s): Drama
Kino Lorber | NR – 155 min. – $29.95 | December 8, 2020
Date Published: 12/06/2020 | Author: The Movieman
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Kino Lorber provided me with a free copy of the Blu-ray I reviewed in this Blog Post.
The opinions I share are my own.
THE MOVIE — 2¼/5 |
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Plot Synopsis: The incomparable Federico Fellini directs the portrait of Casanova, the infamous Italian womanizer, adventurer, author, and libertine. Donald Sutherland portrays the great seducer not as an amorous anomaly, but as an everyday man living in extraordinary times. Quick Hit Review: While I know of Federico Fellini and saw probably his most well known movie, 8½, decades ago, I wasn’t terribly fond of that film from the little I remember. But being somewhat a fan of historical dramas, even ones that aren’t very accurate, so I did have some mild interest in Casanova released in 1976 and starring Donald Sutherland with an interesting look to him, but I suppose close to Casanova based on paintings I’ve seen. In any case, Sutherland does deliver a memorable performance, sadly I can’t say I had much emotion towards the character perhaps partly due to the disjointed story and utterly bizarre scenes, course the latter aspect is why I managed to pay attention as the film stretched out, clocking in at two and a half hours, a bit lengthy for what was a character drama. On the plus side, stylistically, there’s plenty to admire so I will give credit to Fellini, along with his set designer and cinematographer. Although only seen two of Fellini’s movies now, it’s pretty obvious they’re just aren’t my thing. I can appreciate the details and some truly weird scenes that at least kept me engaged for the duration. Doubtful I’ll revisit Fellini’s Casanova anytime soon but I suspect if you liked his classics, you might enjoy this one. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 1½/5 |
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Along with a booklet with essay by film scholar Alberto Zambenedetti, there is also an Audio Commentary by film critic Nick Pinkerton. |
VIDEO – 4¾/5 |
| Kino Lorber releases Casanova onto Blu-ray with a new 4K restoration taken from the original 35mm camera negative. The film is presented in its original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio and a 1080p high-definition transfer. The picture quality is fantastic, detail is incredibly sharp and well defined with the natural film grain and noise has been nicely retained. I didn’t notice any major or significant instances of aliasing, artifacts, dust marks or other damage to the film. A very well done restoration work done here. |
AUDIO – 4½/5 |
| The disc comes with a serviceable DTS-HD Master Audio Stereo track along with an Italian alternate track, though the English-language version is the default option. In any case, dialogue comes across quite well however there is some ever so slight hissing in some scenes but nothing too distracting and doesn’t take away from any of the on-screen action. |
OVERALL – 2¾/5 |
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Fellini’s Casanova, while not something I liked a whole lot, and on the lengthy side at 2.5 hours for what is a character drama, at least did have enough bizarre moments and characters that kept my attention just wondering what the hell I was watching. In addition, will give credit to Donald Sutherland for his performance. If you’re a Fellini fan, this might hit the right spot. As for the Blu-ray, features are limited to only a commentary track but the transfers are extraordinary. |