Amadeus (4K UHD Blu-ray) review

[David Vaughn]

Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Rating: PG
Film: 4.5/5
 
Plot
In 1781, court composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) is maddened with envy after discovering that the divine musical gifts he desires for himself have been bestowed on the lewd, mischievous Mozart (Tom Hulce), whom he plots to destroy by any means necessary. Salieri appreciates Mozart's miraculous compositions more than anyone while blaming God for his own musical shortcomings.
 
My Thoughts
Amadeus is a cinematic triumph that blends historical fiction with breathtaking drama, delivering a mesmerizing exploration of genius, envy, and the human condition. Adapted from Peter Shaffer’s play, this theatrical cut—which clocks in at just under three hours—tells the story of Antonio Salieri (Abraham), a devoutly religious and moderately talented composer, and his obsessive rivalry with the prodigious, irreverent Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Hulce). The film frames itself as Salieri’s confession, a tale spun from the depths of his resentment as he grapples with the unfairness of Mozart’s divine gifts.
 
From the opening notes of Mozart’s own compositions, which saturate the soundtrack, the film immerses you in a world of opulence and passion. Forman’s direction is masterful, capturing the grandeur of 18th-century Vienna with lavish costumes, ornate sets, and a palpable sense of atmosphere. The theatrical cut trims some of the extended character moments found in the later Director’s Cut, focusing instead on a tighter narrative that emphasizes the psychological duel between Salieri and Mozart. This pacing keeps the tension taut, making Salieri’s descent into bitterness all the more gripping.
 
F. Murray Abraham’s Oscar-winning performance is one of the best in my lifetime. He portrays the mediocre composer with a simmering intensity with his pious exterior cracking under the weight of envy and self-loathing. He’s both a villain and a tragic figure—a man who loves music so deeply that he curses God for denying him greatness. Hulce’s portrayal of Mozart is nearly as impressive bringing a manic energy to the role. The contrast between the two actors is electric, driving the film’s emotional core.
 
The script is a marvel of wit as it weaves a fictionalized account of Mozart’s life that feels wholly believable, although historically inaccurate. Salieri was not Mozart’s murderer, nor his bitter rival—but the film takes these liberties in order to contrast the torment caused when mediocrity faces genius, how fate can be cruel, and explores the true meaning in art.
 
In 2019, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and it underwent a new restoration and mastering completed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with the participation of Paul Zaentz. The result is simply magnificent and blows away my old DVD copy of the film.
While not a razor-sharp as modern digitally shot films, the film has a softer appearance which adds to the texture of the classic films. The color palette comes alive—especially reds—and burst off the screen. Low-light scenes definitely benefit from the HDR with no crush to speak of and it had me mesmerized throughout its 160 minute runtime. Sadly, the restoration effort didn’t include a new audio track but instead we get a DTS-HD MA 5.1 mix that definitely is a crowd pleaser. I would have loved to have seen a new Atmos (or DTS:X) track that would have opened up the soundstage, but overall, the front-loaded presentation is nothing to scoff at.
 
 
Video 9.5/10
 
Audio 9.5/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
 
 
Special Features:

• Amadeus: The Making of a Masterpiece (NEW)
• The Making of Amadeus
• 4K + Digital Code

 

 
 
 
Conclusion
I was never a fan of the Director’s Cut previously available on Blu-ray and am thrilled that the theatrical release received the 4K restoration. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll and I love how it celebrates the music and genius of Mozart while at the same time entertaining the audience with a compelling, albeit fictional, screenplay. If you’ve never seen this film, you’re doing yourself a disservice since it’s arguably one of the best films of the 1980s and is on my personal Top 10 list. 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
Zidoo UHD8000 Media Player
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
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling

[SRW1000]

Nice review, David.  This is one of my wife's favorite films, so it will be added to our library.  

I'm happy to see that more and more of these older films are coming to 4K.

[David Vaughn]

Nice review, David.  This is one of my wife's favorite films, so it will be added to our library. 

I'm happy to see that more and more of these older films are coming to 4K.

Thanks Scott. It was fun to see it in its 4K glory!

[Paul Heroy]

I was a young man when this was released but had an interest in classical music (as well as a lot of other genres), so I liked this a lot more than a 20 year old guy in 1984 would probably have been expected to. In fact, I really loved it. I did pick up the director's cut later on DVD but never got it on BD, so this just went on my wishlist as I'd love to watch it again with my wife. We're actually in the midst of S2 of The White Lotus which features Abraham, so I think it'd be cool for her to see the role that made him a "name".

[bmoney]

Never seen this. Might have to to give it a spin 

[Barry]

David: THANKS FOR THE REVIEW!!!

I bought the three hour Blu Ray Director's Cut 15 years ago.  I am never going to compare the two. I enjoyed ot, but I remember it  was a bit tedious at time.   I look flrward to geting this, I jsut ordered it.

[David Vaughn]

David: THANKS FOR THE REVIEW!!!

I bought the three hour Blu Ray Director's Cut 15 years ago.  I am never going to compare the two. I enjoyed ot, but I remember it  was a bit tedious at time.  I look flrward to geting this, I jsut ordered it.

No problem Barry. Let me know what you think of it. 

[Barry]

Just got it today.

[Barry]

Well,  what was the movie tonight.

First, it looks and sounds great as David mentioned. Really, when I see this movie, I am so glad I have a nice Home Theater. The picture was wonderful and so was the sound. It truly is a movie made for the theater and Home Theater.

All of these movies take liberties with the truth and reality. I don’t really care that people may think that Mozart colored his hair. It always bothered me a little bit that after they see this film they think that Solieri lead a quiet, solitary life. In reality, he was married with eight children and had a mistress.

I do however, feel that the movie is just a bit too long and perhaps could’ve been cut by 20 minutes. Something’s just went on a little bit too long and that’s what I remembered about it.

But the performances and music are outstanding is David mentioned. The Academy Awards should give some attention to the people who preserve and restore these movies.

[Craig Peer]

Well,  what was the movie tonight.

First, it looks and sounds great as David mentioned. Really, when I see this movie, I am so glad I have a nice Home Theater. The picture was wonderful and so was the sound. It truly is a movie made for the theater and Home Theater.

All of these movies take liberties with the truth and reality. I don’t really care that people may think that Mozart colored his hair. It always bothered me a little bit that after they see this film they think that Solieri lead a quiet, solitary life. In reality, he was married with eight children and had a mistress.

I do however, feel that the movie is just a bit too long and perhaps could’ve been cut by 20 minutes. Something’s just went on a little bit too long and that’s what I remembered about it.

But the performances and music are outstanding is David mentioned. The Academy Awards should give some attention to the people who preserve and restore these movies.

Such a great movie. My 4K copy arrives today. As far as being 20 minutes too long, that describes the Director's Cut. The Theatrical Version is the better one anyway.