The Movie
An iconic Orwellian journey through a dystopian near-future, Brazil was one of the most controversial films of the mid-1980s, at one point considered too radical to be widely distributed by its studio. Eventually it was released of course, garnering rave reviews and earning multiple awards and nominations.
Bleak yet funny in a way that only former Monty Python trouper Terry Gilliam could manage, Brazil shows us a government growing out of control, particularly the chaotic, heavily armed Ministry of Information. Their oppressive bureaucracy has inspired terrorist activity, but nothing seems to be changing in this fractured society.
A genial cog in the machine named Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce) remains content in his insignificant existence by escaping into his own fantasy world, with him as the hero naturally, until he thinks he has seen in real life the fair maiden from his dreams. She's not what he was expecting, but soon he makes waves trying to locate her, then protect her, but these actions too bring unexpected results.
The Picture
I remember marveling at the special effects, a triumph of the artful application of old-school techniques, and they look remarkably good in 1.85:1 high-definition, newly remastered for Blu-ray. Supported by strong camerawork and editing, well-designed and -built miniatures can do almost everything, although a few flaws begin to appear at 1080p, with more dirt and grain evident in composite shots for example. The quality of the image is striking however, with clear details on into the distance of deep shots, and in reliable indicators such as the crisp, stable weave of Sam's suit.
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track begins with a bang, which in this case does not bode well for what lies ahead, as there is neither memorable crack nor boom, and this is typical for the explosions throughout. Raised voices can go a little thin, while rear-channel activity is somewhat limited, at times helping to fill out the soundstage in moments of action. There are also enjoyable little bits as when the camera moves past a television and we can hear it phasing off to the side, then behind us. The music remix is strong and utilized in clever ways, and overall Brazil has never sounded better than it does here, but the final presentation might underwhelm some.
The Extras
Considering how much supplementary material has been generated for this title over the years, I was surprised to see that the only extras were BD-Live connectivity and pocket BLU. Some pocket BLU-enabled titles bring exclusive, unlockable bonus features for portable devices, but not here, just the ability to control playback of a networked Blu-ray player from a supported handheld. Which leads me to my...
Final Thoughts
All right: Universal released a relatively lean Blu-ray of Terry Gilliam's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and then about 15 months later Criterion released an extras-loaded high-def update of their own special edition. Criterion also released a legendary laserdisc-then-DVD boxed set of Brazil, so I'd be surprised if this is the last we see of Gilliam's black comedy on high-def disc.
Product Details
Where to Buy:
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Video | |
| Audio | |
| Movie | |
| Extras |
