The Film (3/5)

THE MAGIC FLUTE (1975) retells the Mozart opera of the same name with plenty of visual wonder. Those expecting an emotionally taxing experience by the legendary Swedish director Ingmar Bergman are in for a bizarre treat.

Bergman became one of the star directors of European arthouse cinema thanks to his highly emotional and visually stunning movies like THE SEVENTH SEAL, VIRGIN SPRING, and WILD STRAWBERRIES. The impact was so wide that Bergman became shorthand for Art film, with other directors like Woody Allen making tributes to him and even Monty Python gang riffing on Swedish subtitles in MONY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL. So, coming to MAGIC FLUTE late is a welcomed surprise and an uneven experience. The film is filmed opera with all the high energy.

The issue is staged productions have the build in limitations. But for what the finished film is this is an entertaining experiment. Bergman clearly knows the Opera inside and out, so the staging feels right. Almost perfectly timed with a few mistakes left in to mirror what a live production would be like. It’s all filled with childlike wonder and shine.

I’m almost not the right man to write about this type of film since I’m not an opera fan. But Bergman keeps the film well-paced and exciting with some cute monster suits and stylish set design. Another novel addition is the editing in of the audience’s reactions as they sink into wonder. It shows how universal emotions and performance are. Mozart’s score is likewise a haunting and playful mix. But to my untrained ears felt over long in the movie’s 2 plus hour runtime.

THE MAGIC FLUTE is a gleeful treat but not a solid introduction into Bergman’s long career.

Audio/ Video (5/5)

The 5.1 Swedish DTS-HD MA audio track is bold with no errors or hiss. The musical score sounds like it was recorded yesterday. English subtitles are included.

The 1080p HD Transfer is another wonderful Criterion remaster. The colors pop and the focus are sharp. The black levels are smooth with the right amount of contrast.

Extras (3/5)

There is a newly recorded interview with film scholar Peter Cowie who looks at Bergman’s use of music throughout his career. He also discusses Bergman’s passion for theater and how the film came into being. Next up is a 1974 interview with Bergman on Swedish Television. Finally, there is an hour long making of documentary Tystnad! Tagning! Trollflöjten!, that looks at Bergman’s obsession with detail. In the Blu-ray case itself is a handsome booklet of liner notes with an essay by author Alexander Chee.

Overall (3/5)

Criterion’s Blu-ray is handsome essential purchase for any Bergman fans. For newcomers it makes a fun addition to how diverse Bergman could be as a director. While it’s a lesser film it's still worth a look.