TL;DR
Armando Iannucci's biting satire, *The Death of Stalin*, is a must-watch, masterfully blending absurd humor with chilling historical reality. While the Blu-ray boasts solid picture and sound that captures the era's mood, its real letdown is the complete absence of bonus features. This makes it a tough sell for purchase, especially at full price, when digital versions are readily available. Discover if this release earns a spot on your shelf or is better suited for a rental by diving into the full review.
Henric previously reviewed Armando Iannucci’s political satire The Death of Stalin when it premiered in cinemas . Please refer to that review for comprehensive information about the film itself; this review will focus specifically on the Blu-ray release.
NonStop Entertainment, a Swedish company, secured the rights to this politically charged dark comedy. The film’s ban in Russia, just prior to its scheduled premiere, amplified global interest, suggesting its sharp wit and relevant commentary. Iannucci, known for his incisive perspective and writing through successes like the HBO series VEEP and In the Loop, directs his satirical lens toward communist leadership. As he notes in the interview referenced below, his focus is on humor derived from the leadership, not the suffering of the people under their oppressive regime. Death of Stalin elicits laughter through its absurd scenarios, while simultaneously prompting reflection on the brutality of the era, all delivered with an astute British sensibility. The film depicts the turbulent period surrounding and following the death of Josef Stalin, one of history’s most notorious figures, and the ensuing power struggles among his central committee comrades.
The Blu-ray release presents a visually commendable experience. Color accuracy, contrast, and sharpness are well-managed, effectively capturing the somber aesthetic of the communist era. The red hues present in flags and the bombastic funeral procession are vibrant without exhibiting any noticeable color bleeding.
The audio track offers both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS HD-Master Audio options, a welcome inclusion. While perhaps not essential for a drama-comedy that is not inherently sound-heavy, the music is presented with excellent clarity. The dialogue, central to the film’s narrative, is appropriately prioritized in the front channels with a subtly enhanced bass presence.
A significant drawback is the complete absence of supplemental material. This is particularly disappointing given the potential for enriching content, such as blooper reels, interviews with the exceptional cast, storyboards, or a comparison between the source comic book and the final film. (See the videos below for further information).
Summary: NonStop’s Blu-ray release of this sharp satire provides good picture and sound quality, although its improvements over readily available digital rental versions (e.g., iTunes) are not dramatic. The lack of bonus content is a significant detractor, potentially positioning this release as a rental rather than a definitive purchase, especially at full price. However, The Death of Stalin is undoubtedly worth watching, offering a blend of amusement, disquiet, and historical insight that resonates beyond its setting. As is often the case with high-quality British productions.
