As noted in the latest Byrne-ing News, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the premiere of Gabriel’s film The Man in the Iron Mask, with a beautiful new Blu-ray release brought to us by Shout Factory.

For many Byrneholics, Gabriel Byrne’s D’Artagnan is a touchstone: romantic, heroic, and tragic on a grand scale. Gabriel brought this historical character to dramatic life by doing what he does best: taking the role seriously. There is not one self-conscious smile or smirking glance at the camera during his entire performance. He stayed true to Dumas’ vision.

And that was the magic.

It’s a joy to celebrate the anniversary of this fun and popular film and I know everyone thanks Shout Factory for bringing us this lovely Blu-ray memento!

Film Synopsis (in case you’ve forgotten):

Oscar-nominated Randall Wallace (Braveheart) made his directorial debut with this adaptation of the 1848 classic by Alexandre Dumas (1802-70), featuring Leonardo DiCaprio in a dual role.

Years have passed since the Three Musketeers, Aramis (Jeremy Irons), Athos (John Malkovich), and Porthos (Gerard Depardieu) fought together with their friend D’Artagnan (Gabriel Byrne). The arrogant, tyrannical King Louis XIV (Leonardo DiCaprio) desires the beautiful Christine (Judith Godreche), so he orders her suitor Raoul (Peter Sarsgaard), the son of Athos, off to face death at the front. He also sends Aramis to kill the leader of a Jesuit rebellion.

Louis is unaware that his loyal protector and informant, D’Artagnan, is the secret lover of his mother, Queen Anne (Anne Parillaud). Louis’ younger twin brother, Philippe (also DiCaprio) is the man in the iron mask, imprisoned for the past six years. Athos and Porthos plan to free Philippe, abduct Louis and replace him by putting Philippe on the throne.

French location scenes include the Chateau de Fontainbleau.

Originally released March 13, 1998.

The new Blu-ray release is a great way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film’s premiere. Some of the extras that were made available in the original Blu-ray release a few years ago are included in this one. The biggest news about this anniversary edition is the transfer:

  • NEW 4K Scan Of The Original Camera Negative

According to Stephen Larson at Blu-ray.com:

“Shout conducted a new 4K scan of the original camera negative and the results are mostly stunning. In his critique of the Fox/MGM BD-50, Casey Broadwater noted that the reds were “much too hot” during the pig chase sequence, for instance. I don’t think that the primary colors are too over-saturated on this transfer. The landscapes and shrubbery surrounding the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte are sun-dappled, giving the greens a bright and rich hue…The new transfer is often ravishing to behold.”

Other reviewers have noted that the new 4K scan is the best thing about this new release and they are uniformly enthusiastic, calling it “a beautiful transfer” and noting “the new 4K scan really opens things up and makes the film a beauty to just gaze at.”

Also new to this edition:

  • NEW Interviews with Producer Paul Hitchcock and  Production Designer Anthony Pratt
  • Director’s Take – an extension of his audio commentary, Wallace guides the viewer through the phases of writing, directing, casting, and the production of Iron Mask.
  • Alternate Mask Prototypes – Wallace distinguishes between the different masks that were considered for the titular character.

Here is a clip to entice you. Be sure to select FULL SCREEN in the player options because this clip is super sharp and beautifully rendered!

A screencap to show off the new transfer:

Click to view the original LARGE size

More Blu-ray screencaps are in the Gallery.

You can read more about the film at The Man in the Iron Mask Mega Movie Page.

All for one and one for all. And here’s one for Fall. wink

Download this wallpaper and make your desktop romantic and autumnal

heart heart heart Happy 20th Anniversary, D’Artagnan! heart heart heart

5 Comments

  1. With this movie, I have discovered GB – the actor.
    With this site, I have discovered GB – the man.
    And with that I am richer and more fulfilled. So, thank you Gabriel And thank you Stella.❤️

  2. Always loved this film.

    • Yes. It’s part of my Annual Valentine’s Day Double Feature: The Man in the Iron Mask (historical romance) and Just A Sigh (modern romance). One IS sexier than the other, of course, but they are both ESSENTIAL for appropriate celebration of the day. <3

  3. christinel canfield

    That’s best picture of the man in. The iron mask! Very good actors dartangan is gorgeous! Very handsome woo woo hubbhubb!!but in all I want I even in 2020!so thanks I hope you can make more like this movie!!

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