A Taste of Honey Blu-ray Review

The Criterion Collection release of Tony Richardson's "A Taste of Honey" presents a meticulously restored 1080p transfer, rendered in the original 1.67:1 aspect ratio. Utilizing a 4K resolution scan processed with MPEG-4 AVC, this transfer was developed from the original 35mm camera negative, ensuring a high-quality image presentation. The restoration effort included manual removal of dirt, debris, and scratches along with jitter and flicker reduction, managed through advanced tools like MTI Film's DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix. The remastering of the original monaural soundtrack involved the use of Sondor's Resonances optical soundtrack scanner system, ensuring that both audio and visual elements meet the highest standards.

The resulting image quality is exceptional, marked by its vibrancy and healthiness. Daylight scenes showcase excellent depth and detail while nighttime footage offers well-balanced shadow definition. Although there are minor density fluctuations attributable to the original photography, they do not detract from the overall viewing experience. The film's grain structure is well-preserved and resolved, enhancing the authentic feel of the footage. Importantly, contrast levels are stable and not artificially augmented, contributing to the natural appearance of blacks, grays, and whites. Image stability is high with minimal reel transition shakiness, and large debris, scratches, and age-related imperfections have been effectively removed.

Visual details are notable across various sequences; hair and facial features in close-ups are sharply rendered, while wider shots maintain clarity. Despite some inherent fluctuations due to different film stocks used during production, these are source-related issues that do not impact the fidelity of this new transfer. The black-and-white palette is beautifully balanced with a rich grayscale that offers clean black levels and crisp whites. This new digital transfer breathes new life into this classic film, highlighting Criterion's impeccable restoration efforts. Note: This Blu-ray release is Region-A locked, requiring a compatible Blu-ray player to access its content.

The Blu-ray release of "A Taste of Honey" features a sole audio track: English LPCM 1.0. According to the Criterion booklet, this monaural soundtrack was meticulously remastered from the original 35mm sound negative. The intent clearly focuses on achieving a fluid and organic sound design, resulting in an audio experience that, while modest in dynamic intensity, is notable for its clarity and depth. The film's dialogue is consistently clear and intelligible, with no occurrences of audio dropouts, pops, or digital distortions throughout its duration.

Despite the inherent limitations of a mono track, the audio mix achieves a realistic and natural soundscape. Individual sound effects and ambient noises are well balanced and layered, enhancing overall auditory immersion. Although the early portions of the soundtrack can feel somewhat anemic and post-synching gives dialogue a slightly hollow quality, it is effectively counterbalanced by John Addison’s lively score and the occasional atmospheric effects. Engineers have expertly removed any telltale traces of hiss, crackle, hum, or flutter, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted listening experience.

It's important to note that due to its original recording period and the 1.0 mono format, the mix doesn't deliver the powerful or immersive quality contemporary audiences might expect. Nevertheless, its technical execution is commendable. Each auditory element is meticulously balanced, offering a coherent and engaging sound profile free from any disruptive noises. Optional English SDH subtitles are provided for those who might require them, making the film accessible without compromising audio quality.

The Extras on the Blu Ray of "A Taste of Honey" offer a fascinating and comprehensive backdrop to the film's critical acclaim, with noteworthy archival and contemporary interviews providing deep insights into the production and its impact on both cinema and theater. The inclusion of interviews with director Tony Richardson and playwright Shelagh Delaney enriches our understanding of the creative processes behind the film. Furthermore, the discussions with actors Rita Tushingham and Murray Melvin shed light on the working methods of the director and the groundbreaking themes explored in the film. Notably, the cinematographic choices detailed by Walter Lassally, and the exploration of British theater context by Kate Dorney, peek into the technical and thematic intricacies involved.

Extras included in this disc:

• Tony Richardson: Archival interview at Cannes Film Festival discussing British New Wave films and "A Taste of Honey."
• Momma Don't Allow: A 1955 documentary by Richardson and Reisz depicting everyday life.
• Rita Tushingham: 2016 interview on her career, film shooting, and women's roles.
• Murray Melvin: 2016 interview on his career, barriers broken by "A Taste of Honey," and homosexuality in British cinema.
• Walter Lassally: Archival essay on cinematography choices in "A Taste of Honey."
• Remaking British Theater: Kate Dorney’s interview on the play's significance and 1950s British theater.
• Close-Up: 1960 interview with Shelagh Delaney about her childhood and "A Taste of Honey."
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet with an essay by Colin MacCabe and technical credits.

Tony Richardson’s A Taste of Honey (1961), based on Shelagh Delaney’s play, is a pioneering work in British cinema, notable for its raw portrayal of working-class life and the inclusion of then-taboo subjects like homosexuality and interracial relationships. The film captures the turbulent relationship between Jo (Rita Tushingham) and her neglectful, alcoholic mother Helen (Dora Bryan), with each character seeking love and comfort in their own flawed ways. Jo's fleeting romantic encounter with a black sailor, Jimmy (Paul Danquah), and subsequent pregnancy, coupled with her bond with Geoff (Murray Melvin), a gay drifter, helps her navigate through her loneliness and societal judgment. This narrative, set against the backdrop of Salford, effectively blends harsh reality with cautious optimism, making it a landmark in social realist cinema.

The film’s visual style plays a significant role in its impact. Cinematographer Walter Lassally’s use of an Arriflex hand-held camera and various film stocks contributes to the film’s documentary-like texture, enhancing its gritty realism. The location shooting in Manchester further grounds the story in its socio-economic context. Richardson expanded Delaney’s play into a dynamic cinematic experience, using real locations to open up the narrative beyond the confines of a stage. This visual authenticity is coupled with the film's unflinching look at societal issues, making it both a product of its time and a commentary on ongoing social dynamics.

Notably, A Taste of Honey won critical acclaim at Cannes, securing awards for Best Actress (Rita Tushingham) and Best Actor (Murray Melvin). Their performances are strikingly naturalistic, with Tushingham's portrayal of Jo capturing both vulnerability and resilient defiance, and Melvin bringing depth to Geoff's nurturing yet marginalized character. Dora Bryan’s performance as Helen is equally compelling, balancing brashness with moments of poignant self-awareness. This Blu-ray release by Criterion preserves the film's historical significance while enhancing its technical presentation for modern audiences.

Tony Richardson's A Taste of Honey stands as a seminal piece in British cinema, addressing a range of social issues and taboo subjects with unparalleled candor. The film's on-location shooting and utilization of handheld cameras significantly bolster its realism, lending it an authentic 'kitchen sink' atmosphere. The individual performances are exceptional, offering a poignant and somber portrayal of ordinary lives navigating complex societal dynamics. Despite minor gaps in the narrative flow and occasional reliance on cliches, the film leaves an enduring impact on its audience.

Criterion's recent Blu-ray release of A Taste of Honey is exemplary, featuring a remarkable 4K restoration that enhances both video and audio quality to top-tier standards. The transfer respects the original aesthetics while sharpening the visual clarity and balancing the audio track superbly. Furthermore, the bonus material included is both extensive and invaluable, providing an insightful exploration of the film's production and its cultural significance. These supplements enrich the viewing experience, making it a compelling addition for any film enthusiast.

In conclusion, A Taste of Honey communicates important social messages through a narrative marked by strong individual performances and a solid directorial vision, albeit with some discernible flaws. The Criterion Blu-ray release of this classic amplifies its merits with stellar technical presentation and a host of engaging extras. Highly Recommended!