DVD Corner

Amadeus 4K UHD Review

“Amadeus” is a classic.

Based on the stage play by Peter Shaffer and written for the screen by Shaffer, 1984’s “Amadeus” explores the fictional rivalry between the young musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and composer Antonio Salieri in Vienna. Told through Salieri’s POV, the story begins with an aging Salieri in a psychiatric hospital. He is visited by a priest (Father Vogel) whom he confesses to about how he killed Mozart. The story then flashes back to how Mozart (a composer and opera writer) and Salieri (a composer, opera writer and the Emperor’s court composer) met and how Salieri became consumed by jealousy in knowing that he is not on the same artistic level as Mozart. Driven mad by rage, Salieri sets out to destroy the career and life of Mozart.

Much like 2019’s “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood,” the Oscar winning “Amadeus” is a creative bit of revisionist history that never strives for historical accuracy. The late great director Miloš Forman (best known for “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest”) crafted a deeply compelling character piece about art, jealousy, God and rivalries while also dipping into other genres (costume drama, period piece, musical, and biographical drama). Instead of focusing on Mozart’s brilliant works or even Mozart himself (although we do learn a great deal about the often playful, immature and crude man), this is more of a psychological tale about Salieri as he grapples with his own inferiority and jealousy to the point of losing himself and ruining Mozart’s life. Those seeking a more traditional historical tale about Mozart may be disappointed by this tale, but for those with an open mind, you’ll find a grand timeless story that has stood the test of time.

As noteworthy as everything is in this movie from the direction to the lavish production values, it is the performances by Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham that elevates every second. Hulce gives the performance of a lifetime here as Mozart. When you think about an actor making the character their own, Hulce playing Mozart definitely comes to mind. F. Murray Abraham has had a long varied career, but it can also be said that his performance as Salieri is also his career best. He gives the character so many layers and his scenes with Hulce are so engaging. Elizabeth Berridge should have had a much bigger career. She really holds her own against Abraham and Hulce as Constanze Mozart. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 2160p. How does it look? The theatrical cut has been digitally restored in 4K. The picture quality maintains the look of the original print with also providing sharper image quality. Fans will be pleased by the results.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Mozart’s music shines in this layered 5.1 track.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* “Amadeus: The Making Of A Masterpiece”- An enjoyable brand new 23 minute extra that features cast and crew interviews, discussions about Peter Shaffer’s stageplay and film script, still photos, and conversations about Milos Forman and the film’s production.
* “The Making Of Amadeus”- A deep dive 2002 60 minute archival making of featurette that covers a lot of ground.

February 22, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Amadeus, Amadeus 4K UHD Review, Antonio Salieri, F. Murray Abraham, Milos Forman, Mozart, Tom Hulce, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart