Based on the influential Franz Kafka novel of the same name, is a paranoid masterpiece directed by Orson Welles. Josef (played by the great Anthony Perkins) is arrested, but has no idea what crime he is accused of.In order to find out what offence he is meant to have committed, and to protested his innocence, Josef must go through the mechanics of the judicial system but soon finds himself trapped in a dehumanized nightmare.
Studio Canal treat us to a 1080p 1.66:1 presentation of this fine film. The icy black and white photography comes through the screen superbly. For the main part, the picture is very clear, crisp and sharp with details have never looked so good. The picture does sometimes look a little too clean, with the characters looking a little ‘pasty’. There’s very little grain present or scratching on the film itself, which is surprising considering the film is 50 years old. Whilst not perfect, this has certainly never looked better.
We have a DTS-HD Master 2.0 English track, that was created from the original mono soundtrack. Just like the picture, the sound is very good and very impressive for the age of the film, certainly the best one I’ve heard from Studio Canal’s reviews I’ve had so far. Dialogue is very clear, and it’s nice to see all the speech synced up with the lip movements. The soundtrack is piercing to the ears, which gives off the desired effect that matches the film perfectly. Also included are DTS-HD 2.0 tracks in French and German with English subtitles.
Supplements start with a couple of documentaries. The first one ‘Welles, Kafka & The Trial’ which totals in at just over 30 minutes presented in French language with English subtitles. The second documentary being ‘Welles, Architect of Light’ which is an interview with Edmond Richard who was the director of photography of ‘The Trial’, running in at just over 23 minutes and again in French with English subtitles. There is then ‘Orson Welles, Tempo Interview’, ‘Interview with Steven Berkoff: adaptions of Kafka’s The Trial and Metamorphosis’, one single deleted scene and the original theatrical trailer.
Welles’ claimed that ‘The Trial’ was the best film he ever made. Rich with his trademark style, this is a visual feast that stands up well today. Studio Canal have again done a fantastic job on the restoration on the movie and needless to say this has never looked or sounded better. With a great picture, good sound and a decent wealth of extras this is a must have for any Welles fan out there. A very very good film that I will enjoy watching again
