Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Austria in and died at just 35 years old in . During his short life, he composed over 800 works and is regarded as one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music. His compositions are known for their elegance, harmony, and rich melodies.
In , a stage play by Peter Shaffer (Equus) premiered at the Broadhurst Theater. Titled Amadeus, it told the fictional story of a rivalry between Mozart and Habsburg court composer Antonio Salieri. Five years later, the play was adapted into a feature film, winning eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Now, 41 years after its initial release, Amadeus arrives in stunning 4K UHD for the first time.
In , Salieri (F. Murray Abraham; Last Action Hero) was the court composer for Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II in Vienna, where he meets an immature yet brilliant Mozart (Tom Hulce; National Lampoon's Animal House). Jealous of Mozart's talent, Salieri plots to destroy him. Disguised in a mask, he commissions Mozart to compose a Requiem while he is already working on The Magic Flute. Pushed to his limits, Mozart's health declines, and he dies before completing the Requiem. Years later, Salieri confesses his actions, claiming responsibility for Mozart's demise.
The strength of the script and the performances of both lead actors, who earned Academy Award nominations, make Amadeus a must-watch. Despite its historical inaccuracies, the film delivers a compelling story, stunning music, and award-winning makeup and costume design. It's no wonder Warner Bros. selected this masterpiece for a 4K transfer.
The Native 4K UHD presentation features a 2160p resolution with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio, offering breathtaking clarity. Filmed primarily in Prague, the intricate set designs and detailed costumes shine in high definition. While the film maintains a muted, candlelit aesthetic, colors remain vibrant.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 delivers an immersive soundscape, with dialogue primarily focused on the front speakers. The film's orchestration resonates beautifully across all channels, highlighting the brilliance of Mozart's music. Every instrument is crystal clear, making one wonder why a Dolby Atmos mix wasn't included.
Extras on this release are limited but valuable, including Amadeus: The Making of a Masterpiece and the legacy feature The Making of Amadeus. Both offer insightful behind-the-scenes content.
Amadeus seamlessly transitioned from a successful stage play to an award-winning film. With outstanding performances by Abraham and Hulce, the movie remains captivating even for those unfamiliar with classical music. This 4K transfer is a must-own for cinephiles and collectors.
Grade: B+
