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The Movie:
The name of director Peter Medak sounded familar as I read the back of the box for "The Ruling Class". I then remembered the director's other work that I'd seen: "Species II". While that horror picture certainly wouldn't be considered a fine moment in anyone's career, the director had previously helmed episodes of many famed television series and this 1972 cult favorite. While I found it to be a decent and occasionally entertaining picture, I really don't see quite what the fuss is all about.
The film stars Peter O'Toole as Jack Gurney, a young English earl who happens to believe that he's Jesus. Of course, his family is none too pleased with the fact that Jack seems to be out of his mind and set out to find some sort of cure for his insanity. Once they actually think they've found a way to cure the young lad, things become considerably worse - now he's insane and quite angry, instead of insane and peaceful.
Meant as a satire of the British upper class, I found lines and some occasional situations amusing, but spread out across the film's overly lengthy running time, the only thing that holds the film together is Peter O'Toole's spirited performance. While I applaud Criterion for presenting the film in its original 154 minute length (never before released in the US, according to the box - the film even has the "X" rating card before it) started, in my opinion, to become considerably overlong. Some elements, like the occasional break into song, feel too much like a play (which the film was adapted from), as well. I suppose I just feel that Monty Python efforts remain faster and funnier.
The DVD
VIDEO: Criterion presents "The Ruling Class" in a new 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen edition. This transfer was created from the original 35mm interpositive and supervised by director Peter Medak. According to the booklet, there are folks credited with quality control/image restoration, so further wear removal may have been done. The transfer itself is quite good, but becomes problematic in spots. Sharpness and detail are generally fine, as the picture seemed crisp, if not quite sharp and well-defined.
There was only one concern throughout the presentation and that was print flaws. While long periods of the film could look quite clean and free of such problems, there were some brief stretches here and there that showed some marks, specks and the occasional scratch. No pixelation was spotted, nor was any edge enhancement. Colors looked fine throughout, appearing natural, although very slightly faded now and then. Overall, this is a fine presentation from Criterion, but it does have a few problems here and there.
SOUND: The restored mono soundtrack, on the other hand, isn't as pleasant as the picture quality. Dialogue at normal levels sounded acceptable, but any time that characters spoke loudly, dialogue became somewhat harsh and uncomfortable to listen to. Music also came through with a rather thin, edgy quality. Listenable, but not entirely enjoyable.
MENUS: The main menu offers music in the background and some slight animation if you look closely.
EXTRAS: The DVD offers commentary from director Peter Medak, writer Peter Barnes, and actor Peter O'Toole, who were recorded separately and their comments were then edited together into a final track. The track itself is mildly interesting, as the director discusses his feelings on the final product 30 years later and some of the production issues of the time. The other two participants discuss their thoughts about the inspiration for the story and for O'Toole, his thoughts on playing the role. Also included is a 39 minute, 8 second minute clip of Peter Medak's home movies from the set - unfortunately, these are silent. Rounding out the package is a stills gallery.
Final Thoughts: I'd recommend Criterion's fine new DVD edition of "The Ruling Class" to those who are already fans of the film. It offers particularly good video quality and decent audio quality considering the film's age, as well as some mildly informative supplements.
Film Grade
The Film ** 1/2
DVD Grades
Video 84/B = (336/400 possible points)
Audio: 79/C+ = (316/400 possible points)
Extras: 82/B = (246/300 possible points)
Menus: 80/B- = (160/200 possible points)
Value: 81/B = (243/300 possible points)
TOTAL POINTS:1301/1600
DVD GRADE:B/81%
FILM GRADE: ** 1/2
DVD GRADE: B
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