120 / BD 10 Silence and Cry

[MichaelB]

I bought mine from lira.hu, but something like six years ago.

[charal]

I’m very pleased to see subtitles under used here for a change. Only essential dialogue is subtitled on this release instead of the usual texting of every burp and fart. I miss this style of translation that was the norm here in Australia in the 1980s and early 90s on SBS TV. Even the credits are left ‘naked’ as they should be since the booklet gives you that info and if there is no booklet there is always imdb. Subtitling of credits is not always a problem; it is however when the artistic integrity of the sequence is compromised by the overlaying of text: it spoils the view. Two examples: FRUITS OF PARADISE & CAMOFLAGUE. (I know, I know, I can turn the subs off but that is beside the point.)

As to the transfer, it is the best version of this film I’ve seen to date. It’s not brilliant but it’s better visually than WITCHHAMMER.

When is ADOPTION coming out on blu? We want more Hungarian classics as promised last year.

[Bikey]

"Another superlative release from Second Run of a Miklos Jancsó film, with each one seemingly better than the last, Silence and Cry remains a bold and fresh experience. It breathes life into musty preconceptions. The images alone, even eliminating any dialogue, would be reason enough to seek this one out. Aided by a recent restoration, it's probably the best any of us has ever seen it and possibly ever will. "

Clydefro reviews at CineOutsider

[colinr0380]

Mondo Digital's review

[Bikey]

"The monchrome images are nonetheless gorgeous... The image exhibits a sensuous depth in the exterior scenes while roughhewn textures make themselves known in the locations, wardrobe, and facial features."

DVD Compare

[Bikey]

"The first Blu-ray release of one of Jancso's black-and-white 'Scope films, this cinematographer-approved restoration is a huge advance on previous English-friendly DVDs... The fine detail is especially valuable in a film that often requires us to read people's facial expressions from a distance. Tony Rayn's booklet essay provides essential background detail."

Michael Brooke reviews SILENCE AND CRY in the latest Sight & Sound magazine

[Bikey]

J Hoberman reviews SILENCE AND CRY at the New York Times

[Bikey]

"Second Run’s 1080p, 2.35:1 transfer, sourced from a new HD remaster, is excellent, offering healthy levels of fine detail, beautiful grayscale separation... There’s a clarity to the long shots here that’s essential to enjoying the film."

Dusty Somers reviews SILENCE AND CRY at World Cinema Paradise

[GoodOldNeon]

Could someone who has the Blu-ray release confirm whether or not the subtitles are correctly synced up with the audio? I was just about to watch this, only to find that the subtitles come in a solid half-second too early.

[charal]

You are right. They are a little off but mostly in the opening scenes. It bothered me at first but after a second viewing I didn’t notice/care as much. I ususally watch Jansco films without subs (after a few viewings) since dialogue is implied visually and it is sparsely used by the master at this point in his career anyway.