Viva Zapata! [Blu-ray] [1952]

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• Rated 5 out of 5 stars

  Viva Zapata! Triumphs!

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  Director Elia Kazan uses all his masterful skills to bring Emiliano Zapata to life. Kazan carefully lights faces in the dark, shows faces in mirror images, juxtaposes religiosity and violence, and adapts John Steinbeck's profound script with a thoughtful contemplation in cinema. Moreover, Marlon Brando realistically depicts Zapata's struggle to free his Mexican people. He adds an air of sincerity and caution in his deep gazes and wise words. Brando is excellent. You will be drawn to his magnetism and delivery. Similarly, Alex North composed a glorious score for Viva Zapata! His music soars over the battlefield and stings you in the dramatic scenes. North is at his best here amazingly still brilliant right after his musical selections from A Streetcar Named Desire. Overall, Viva Zapata is up there with Ben Hur, Spartacus, and Gladiator. This is one film to remember. Viva Zapata!

  Posted 7 years ago by SleepFan

• Rated 5 out of 5 stars

  Excellent Blu-Ray of one of a forgotten gem.

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  Marlon Brando absolutely owned the 50's as an actor, and Viva Zapata! (which he was nominated for best actor on), is sort of a lost gem from this period. Most people know his work with Elia Kazan on On the Waterfront and Streetcar Named Desire, but this is another great from their cinematic pairings. The blu-ray comes highly recommended, especially at the great in-store BB price I found it at. The B&W 4:3 image is stunning with a filmic presentation that really does a good job of honoring it's 35mm roots. The mono audio track is presented in lossless via DTS-HD MA, and while it's mono, it's a great presentation of that mono track and while it's thin sounding compared to more modern tracks, it's an admirable track with strong clarity. Definitely comes recommended!

  Posted 10 years ago by HudsonHawk

• Rated 4 out of 5 stars

  Kazan/Steinbeck/Brando

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  Those three names connected to a piece of historical recreation that has value as drama and history, but seems disappointing when one considers each of their filmographies. And that term is not exactly correct, It is for Kazan (although he did many things on Bway which have proved to be classic) and Steinbeck's novels as well as their film adaptations are all superior to this. It is very early Brando, though. His third--after THE MEN and STREETCAR, and his performance is very interesting, but uncharacteristic of his other work. . It has strengths but doesn't end up having the emotional punch of most of the better films these people have created. It's good, but no bullseye. This film has not been available on dvd, until rather recently, so the blu ray had real appeal, but it doesn't really look much different than a normal release.

  Posted 10 years ago by sirchharles