Camille Blu-ray Review

The Warner Archive's Blu-ray presentation of "Camille" delivers a visually engaging experience that stands as a testament to their meticulous restoration efforts. Derived from a recent 4K scan of a dupe negative dating back to 1936, this 1080p transfer effectively reconstructs the film’s visual beauty despite the absence of the original negative. The upgraded footage also utilizes select sequences from a fine grain master positive, affording certain scenes a subtle superiority. This technical finesse is evident as detail and contrast levels hover at commendable heights, occasionally wavering but always providing a film-like texture with notable depth. Instances of grain and occasional noise patterns enrich the overall authenticity, while impressive black levels elevate the cinematic depth, despite minor posterization in select dark patches.

In comparison to the much older 2005 DVD version, this high-definition transfer is remarkably cleaner and pays homage to its celluloid roots by maintaining a noticeable yet pleasurable grain structure. The transfer showcases excellent clarity and contrast, producing vibrant imagery characterized by deep blacks and bright, stable whites. Notably, close-ups of characters, notably Garbo, radiate with Hollywood glamour, capturing fine details that accentuate the lavish period aesthetics and real jewels adorning the characters. While instances of softness occasionally appear, they are fleeting and do not detract from the overall presentation quality. Ultimately, this release offers a significant visual enhancement that makes it an enticing upgrade for aficionados, ensuring "Camille" receives the recognition it deserves in modern home collections.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray edition of "Camille" is formidable, presented in a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that admirably respects its mono origins. This meticulously restored audio is derived from a 1960s-era safety track, crafted from the original nitrate track negative, and Warner Archive's restoration efforts are evident. The result is a track that significantly outperforms previous home video editions, offering remarkable clarity and smoothness, with the erasure of nearly all signs of age-related deterioration. While films from this period often exhibit limited dynamic range, "Camille" competes admirably with other vintage titles in terms of fidelity and cleanliness.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track provides a well-balanced soundscape, capturing the highs and lows of Herbert Stothart's romantic score without distortion. Despite the challenges posed by Greta Garbo's Swedish accent, which occasionally affects the clarity of her lines, most dialogue remains comprehensible. The inclusion of sonic highlights, such as impactful sound effects, further enriches the auditory experience. The meticulous removal of age-related artifacts like hiss and pops contributes to a robust audio experience that marks an improvement over its previous lossy Dolby Digital counterpart on the 2005 DVD.

A noteworthy point of contention is the absence of optional English (SDH) subtitles for the extras, a feature previously available on the DVD. This omission represents a missed opportunity to enhance accessibility in this otherwise exemplary audio presentation.

This Blu-ray release of "Camille" showcases a commendable set of extras, albeit recycled from the 2005 DVD edition. The standout feature is the 1921 Silent Version, a silent adaptation directed by Ray C. Smallwood, featuring Alla Nazimova and Rudolph Valentino. Although visually rough with notable compression artifacts, it remains an insightful watch for silent film aficionados. Another notable inclusion is Leo Is on the Air Radio Promo, an audio feature that immerses listeners in a promotional glimpse of MGM's cinematic offerings from 1936, heavily spotlighting "Camille" with sound clips. Finally, the Theatrical Trailer showcases the timeless allure of Greta Garbo. These supplements successfully elevate the historical perspective and enrich the appreciation for both the 1936 adaptation and its cinematic lineage.

Extras included in this disc:

• 1921 Silent Version: A silent adaptation directed by Ray C. Smallwood with early film stars Nazimova and Valentino.
• Leo Is on the Air Radio Promo: Audio series featuring scenes from "Camille."
• Theatrical Trailer: Preview emphasizing Greta Garbo's star power.

George Cukor's 1936 adaptation of "Camille" stands as a significant cinematic accomplishment, primarily due to Greta Garbo's compelling portrayal of the doomed courtesan Marguerite Gautier. This film revisits the enchanting narrative first popularized by Alexandre Dumas, set in mid-19th century Paris. Garbo masterfully combines strength with vulnerability, capturing the complex essence of her character—a woman caught in the throes of romantic entanglement and financial desolation. Despite the constraints of the Production Code, Garbo's understated yet potent delivery communicates the depths of her character's emotional struggle. The supporting cast, including Robert Taylor and Lionel Barrymore, offer commendable performances, though some critiques note Taylor’s somewhat subdued portrayal against Garbo's luminous presence. The production is an MGM masterpiece, with contributions from esteemed figures such as playwright Zoë Akin and cinematographers William Daniels and Karl Freund, ensuring the film is visually and narratively opulent.

"Camille" is a richly layered melodrama, balancing themes of love, class, and mortality. Marguerite Gautier's extravagant lifestyle, underpinned by strategic liaisons with affluent men, is inescapably marred by her advancing illness—consumption, now known as tuberculosis. Her relationship with Armand Duval (Taylor) unfolds against this backdrop, offering a compelling courtship that defies societal norms but ultimately confronts insurmountable personal and familial obstacles. The tension culminates in a poignant finale where Garbo's ethereal presence and frail embodiment of Marguerite are both heartbreaking and mesmerizing.

Technically, the Blu-ray release from Warner Archive showcases a meticulous restoration of "Camille," enhancing visual clarity through 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encoding and delivering superior sound with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. Despite mixed sentiments about its emotional impact over time, the film’s luxurious aesthetic and Garbo's standout performance remain vital cultural touchstones, offering genre aficionados ample reasons to indulge in this classic cinematic experience.

George Cukor's "Camille" is a cinematic masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences due to its exquisite production values and Greta Garbo’s compelling performance. This Blu-ray release by Warner Archive meticulously preserves the film's visual splendor through a beautifully remastered transfer. The film’s expert direction, alongside its sumptuous period design, allows "Camille" to transcend its era, offering both drama enthusiasts and new viewers an engaging escape into the elegant world of Golden Age Hollywood.

The release is further enriched by excellent supporting performances and a slow-burning narrative that captivates, even for those who may typically shy away from upper-class melodramas. Technically, the audio has been upgraded to a solid lossless format, ensuring that the film's distinctive atmosphere is retained for optimal enjoyment. A valuable addition to this package is the inclusion of the 1921 silent version of "Camille," though it does not boast the same restoration quality as the main feature. This bonus serves as an intriguing contrast, enriching the historical context for dedicated cinephiles.

In conclusion, Warner Archive's rendition of "Camille" on Blu-ray is a recommendation well-worth considering, especially for aficionados of classic cinema and Greta Garbo enthusiasts. While the film might not appeal universally due to its melodramatic roots, the combination of a stellar cast, refined direction, and enhanced technical execution makes this release a noteworthy addition to any collection. For newcomers, exploring this tragic romance can be an enlightening experience—an exemplar of timeless storytelling meticulously preserved for future generations.