Studio: Criterion Collection
Release Date: April 11, 2023
Rating: R
Film: 4.5/5
PlotA fairy tale grounded in poignant reality, Terry Gilliam’s magnificent, Manhattan-set
The Fisher King features Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams in two of their most brilliant roles. Bridges plays a former radio shock jock reconstructing his life after a scandal, and Williams a homeless man on a quest for the Holy Grail—which he believes to be hidden somewhere on the Upper East Side. Unknowingly linked by their pasts, the two men aid each other on a fanciful journey toward their own humanity.
My ThoughtsI had only seen parts of this film over the years but had never sat down to watch it from beginning to end. The script by Richard LaGravenese is extremely witty—the interchanges between Bridges and Oscar-winner Mercedes Ruehl are great—and I loved the cinematography by Roger Pratt. Williams shows off his dramatic chops in this role and the direction from Terry Gilliam is flawless. My wife was ambivalent on watching the film and by about the 20-minute mark, it had grabbed her and she couldn’t look away.
The film falls into the dramedy category with some very heavy and emotional scenes followed by periods of laugh-out-loud moments. This may be unsettling to some, but my wife and I really enjoyed it. We particularly like the scene between Bridges and Ruehl when they talk about God and the Devil—seriously funny and poignant. We also enjoyed Williams Oscar-nominated performance (he lost to Anthony Hopkins in
Silence of the Lambs—can’t argue with the Academy on this one)—his mental state is in a fragile place due to a heartbreaking tragedy in his life, but there’s also some hope of future happiness that is inspiring as well.
As expected, the Criterion presentation is damn-near perfect. The studio did a brand new 4K restoration of the film that was supervised by Gilliam himself with both Dolby Vision and HDR grading. One would swear this was a modern-day release because it looks so good. Zero film damage to be found and the depth of the visuals are awe-inspiring. Shadows are to die-for and the natural film grain is kept in-tact. I have zero complaints with the DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack other than the fact that I would have loved to have seen a DTS:X or Atmos mix, but maybe I’m just being greedy. There are a few moments in the film that liven up the soundstage, but for the most part, this is a dialog-intensive affair.
Video 10/10 (AVC)
Audio 9/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Special Features: Blu-ray Disc Supplements- Commentary
- Trailers
- Deleted Scenes
- The Tale of The Fisher King
- The Tale of the Red Knight
- Jeff’s Tale
- Jeff and Jack
- Robin’s Tale
- Leaflet
- 4K + Blu-ray
ConclusionIf you’re like me and have never taken the time to watch this film, please do. It’s excellent filmmaking and the new restoration from Criterion deserves to be in every film collector’s library. You can tell the studio loves movies and wants to provide the best presentation possible and they’ve knocked it out of the park on this one. Highly recommended.
Reference Review System:JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
SVS SB3000
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
7 Replies
732 Views