The Blu-ray Disc
The Seventh Seal is presented in 1080p high definition with an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. The clarity and cleanness of the picture is immediately striking, as Bergman’s black-and-white color palette suffers from none of the softness that can often plague films of this age. Dirt, debris, and scratches are practically nonexistent, save for a few instances where there appears to be slight permanent damage done to the print. The blacks are rich and deep, and the high contrast levels Bergman intended look spectacular here.
The audio is presented in an uncompressed monaural format, meaning this is strictly a front channel affair, but one that sounds superbly clear. Pops and hisses are nowhere to be found, and dialogue comes through true and crisp.
Special Features
Another typically outstanding release from Criterion, this one comes packed with interesting extras that delve beyond typical studio featurettes. The highlight of this new release is certainly Bergman Island, an hour-and-a-half long documentary made in 2006 about the legendary director. Criterion has also released the documentary separately.
Film historian Peter Cowie provides the audio commentary, and has recorded a new video afterword to accompany this new release. He also guides viewers through Bergman 101, which traces many of the director’s films.
A short introduction to The Seventh Seal by Bergman was recorded in 2003 and is intended to be shown before the film airs on Swedish television. In it, he reveals it’s one of the few films he still feels proud of.
Also included are an audio interview with von Sydow, a Turner Classic Movies featurette from 1989 that explores Bergman’s career, and is narrated by Woody Allen, who was certainly influenced by The Seventh Seal, and the theatrical trailer. A thoughtful essay from critic Gary Giddins is also included per Criterion’s standard.
The Bottom Line
There’s no better way to experience The Seventh Seal than Criterion’s Blu-ray release.
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