Amadeus 4K Ultra HD Review

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Miloš Forman’s (One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest) Amadeus is a cinematic masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of traditional biopics, offering a richly layered exploration of genius, envy, and the divine paradox of human creativity. Winner of eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture (Saul Zaentz), Best Director (Miloš Forman), and Best Actor (F. Murray Abraham), the film is a triumph of storytelling, performance, and visual artistry. Based on Peter Shaffer’s stage play of the same name, Amadeus reimagines the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart through the lens of his rival, Antonio Salieri, creating a narrative that is as much about the torment of mediocrity as it is about the brilliance of genius.

Plot and Themes

The film is set as a confession by an aging Salieri (F. Murray Abraham), who recounts his relationship with Mozart (Tom Hulce) from his perspective. Salieri, a devout and disciplined composer, is consumed by jealousy when he encounters the irreverent and lewd yet prodigiously talented Mozart. Mozart’s effortless genius stands in stark contrast to Salieri’s laborious efforts, leading the latter to question the fairness of God, whom he believes has blessed Mozart with divine talent while leaving him in obscurity. This central conflict drives the narrative, exploring themes of obsession, faith, and the often cruel nature of artistic recognition.

The film’s portrayal of Mozart as a boisterous, vulgar, and childlike figure is both refreshing and provocative, even if it often tips over into camp. Hulce’s performance captures the duality of Mozart’s character—his unparalleled musical genius coexisting with his immaturity and lack of social grace. This depiction humanizes Mozart, making his eventual downfall even more poignant. Meanwhile, Abraham’s Salieri is a tour de force, embodying the tragic figure of a man whose reverence for art is overshadowed by his bitterness and self-loathing. The dynamic between the two characters is electrifying, with Salieri’s envy and Mozart’s obliviousness creating a tension that propels the story forward with a riveting, kinetic energy.

Direction and Cinematography

Forman’s direction is nothing short of visionary. He seamlessly blends grandeur with intimacy, capturing the opulence of 18th-century Vienna while never losing sight of the personal struggles at the heart of the story. The film’s lavish production design and costumes immerse the viewer in the period, while the use of Mozart’s music as a narrative device elevates the emotional resonance of the film. Forman’s decision to shoot on location in Prague adds an authentic texture to the visuals, with the city’s Baroque architecture providing a stunning backdrop for the drama.

The cinematography by Miroslav Ondříček (A League of Their Own, Hair) is equally impressive, employing a mix of sweeping wide shots and tight close-ups to reflect the grandeur of Mozart’s world and the intensity of Salieri’s inner turmoil. The use of light and shadow is particularly striking, often symbolizing the moral and spiritual conflicts at play. For instance, the scenes in which Salieri plots against Mozart are often bathed in chiaroscuro, emphasizing the darkness of his intentions.

Performances

The performances in Amadeus are uniformly exceptional. F. Murray Abraham delivers a career-defining performance as Salieri, capturing the character’s descent from pious devotion to vengeful obsession with remarkable nuance. His portrayal earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, and it’s easy to see why—his Salieri is both sympathetic and horrifying, a man torn between his love for music and his hatred for the man who embodies its perfection.

Tom Hulce’s Mozart is equally memorable, bringing a manic energy and vulnerability to the role. His infamous laugh, which borders on the grotesque, serves as a reminder of Mozart’s humanity and his outsider status in the rigidly formal world of Viennese society. The supporting cast, including Elizabeth Berridge as Mozart’s wife Constanze and Jeffrey Jones as Emperor Joseph II, also deliver strong performances, adding depth and humor to the narrative.

Music and Sound

The music, of course, is the soul of Amadeus. Mozart’s compositions are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the film, serving as both a narrative device and a character in their own right. From the haunting Requiem to the exuberant The Marriage of Figaro, the music underscores the emotional beats of the story, enhancing its impact. The film’s sound design is equally meticulous, with every note and whisper contributing to the immersive experience. Although the film focuses largely on Mozart’s operas with passing reference to his numerous symphonies and other compositions, the music of the composer is alive in every moment of the film, courtesy of Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Mariner.

Legacy and Impact

Amadeus remains a landmark in cinematic history, not only for its technical achievements but also for its profound exploration of the human condition. It challenges the viewer to consider the nature of talent, the cost of ambition, and the often-arbitrary nature of recognition. The film’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes and timeless appeal.

Conclusion

Miloš Forman’s Amadeus is a rare gem that combines historical drama with psychological depth, offering a compelling portrait of two men bound together by their love for music and their tragic flaws. With its stunning visuals, masterful performances, and unforgettable score, the film is a celebration of art and a meditation on the price of genius. It is a work of art that continues to resonate, reminding us of the beauty and cruelty inherent in the pursuit of greatness. Whether you are a fan of classical music or simply a lover of great storytelling, Amadeus is a film that demands to be seen—and heard.

The Video

According to the press release from Warner Bros.: The restoration and mastering of the Amadeus original theatrical cut was completed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with the participation of Paul Zaentz.

The film is presented on 4K Ultra HD in a 2.39:1 HEVC 2160p (4K UHD) HDR10 encodement, displaying HDR10 Metadata with a MaxLL of 690 nits and a MaxFALL of 74 nits. The HDR10 grading provides slightly enhanced highlights in sources like candlelight and increased color vibrancy. The grain structure appears crisp and natural, showcasing the details of the sets and costumes effectively.

The Audio

The English soundtrack offers a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, with various dubs in Dolby Digital. Although an Atmos remix would have been ideal, the 5.1 track is solid. It delivers classical orchestral and opera music with accurate room acoustics and microphone distance, along with clear dialogue and sound effects.

The Supplements

There are only two featurettes included and Warner has removed the original audio commentary from this release. One featurette is new and one is archival, so this release is rather barebones.

Bonus Features:

• Movies Anywhere Digital Code
• Amadeus: The Making of a Masterpiece
• The Making of Amadeus (NEW)

The Final Assessment

Amadeus remains relevant even four decades after its initial release. A riveting, eye-catching journey into the artistic process, filled with longing, jealousy, and duplicity. Warner Bros. presents this 4K restoration from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in a gorgeous 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc transfer that becomes the reference home video release for fans of film and classical music alike. Highly recommended.

Amadeus is out on 4K Ultra HD + Digital February 25, 2025 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

• Rating Certificate: R
• Studios & Distributors: Orion Pictures | AMLF | Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
• Director: Miloš Forman
• Written By: Peter Shaffer | Zdenek Mahler
• Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1
• Video Format: HEVC 2160p (4K UHD)
• HDR10 Metadata:
  • MaxLL: 690 nits
  • MaxFALL: 74 nits
  • Max. Luminance: 1000 nits
  • Min. Luminance: 0.0001 nits
• Primary Audio: English DTS-HD MA 5.1
• Secondary Audio: French DD 5.1 | German DD 5.1 | Italian DD 5.1 | Spanish (Castilian) DD 1.0 | Spanish (Latino) DD 2.0
• Subtitles: English SDH | German SDH | Italian SDH | French | Spanish (Castilian) | Spanish (Latino) | Chinese | Korean | Danish | Finnish | Swedish