It’s 1797, and the English frigate Avenger sails wartime seas, ready to engage the French navy in a broadside-for-broadside combat. But there’s another warfare going on, a conflict aboard the king’s ship. It’s the battle of good versus evil, the powerful theme of Herman Melville’s seafaring Billy Budd.

Film-debuting (and 1962 Best Supporting Actor Oscar® nominee) Terence Stamp plays the title role, an archetype of goodness on the man-of-war. Robert Ryan portrays the master-at-arms, efficient and cruel – especially so to young Billy. And director Peter Ustinov plays the captain caught between the inevitable clash of polar opposites. Will good triumph? Perhaps not in Melville’s world. Perhaps never in a merciless time of war.

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Video Quality

Warner Archive brought Billy Budd to Blu-Ray with a 1080p transfer back in 2018 sourced from a 2K scan of the Fine Grain Master Positive. The team at the Warner Archive always puts their full heart into every restoration project, and this disc is a fine example of their high level of quality. The striking black-and-white photography courtesy of Robert Krasker maintains a strong contrast while retaining its natural film grain. Even with the challenges of shooting on a ship, there is never a sense that the image is compromised in any way. Thanks to this transfer you are treated to a world of detail in the image including the production design of the vessel and ornate outfits. Print damage is never an issue thanks to the care put into the preservation and restoration. The transfer has a pleasing amount of depth to it including in the shadows of the ship where there is no evidence of any black crush. Warner Archive has impressed once again.

Audio Quality

This Blu-Ray release comes with a sturdy DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio split mono track that holds up famously. Dialogue comes through clearly in all situations even when there is a commotion on deck from some of the crew members. None of the sound effects or the lively Antony Hopkins score ever cover up exchanges on this release. All of the elements work together with the utmost fidelity. There does not appear to be any major damage or age-related wear and tear to the track. This is a welcome audio presentation that delivers for fans. Optional English (SDH) subtitles are available on the disc.

Special Features

Audio Commentary: Actor Terence Stamp is joined by his The Limey director Steven Soderbergh for a great discussion of his time on Billy Budd.

Trailer (3:01)

Final Thoughts

Billy Budd is a seafaring tale that is much more interested in the drama unfolding on the ship than combat with any other vessel. Terence Stamp is excellent in this early role alongside some mighty veterans who provide an acting masterclass of their own. Robert Ryan is especially evil as a character you are ready to throw overboard. This dramatic look at morality and duty hits hard within this entertaining framework that never feels stuffy. It is a fine tale worthy of rediscovery. Warner Archive has released a Blu-Ray featuring a great A/V presentation and a couple of cool special features. Recommended

Billy Budd can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers.

Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray.

Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.