Ludwig. Luchino Visconti, 1972.
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Edition screened: Arrow Blu-ray, released 2017. Original English or Italian language with English subtitles. Runtime approximately 257 minutes
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Summary: No depictions of violence or harm to animals.
Ludwig is an exceptionally fine film; well acted, tasteful, and sumptuous. The costumes and interior decoration are very good, every courtly uniform and item of jewelry appearing to be the real thing. Sets in palaces and castles are fabulously lush and indulgent.
Like some other films by Visconti and other Italian directors of the era, the “original” soundtrack is an Italian language dub despite the fact that the actors are speaking English. For Ludwig, as in many cases, an alternate soundtrack was released which is the actual English dialogue recorded at the time of filming. Arrow offers the opportunity to watch Ludwig with the “original” Italian dub and English subtitles, or the much more satisfying option to see and hear Helmut Berger, Trevor Howard, and Romy Schneider speaking English in synchronization with their lips and actions.