Mr. & Mrs. Smith Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive applies their considerable expertise to the Blu-ray release of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," offering a robust 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer derived from a new 4K scan of the finest available presentation elements. This meticulous restoration yields impressive results, with the majority of the film exhibiting remarkable clarity, enhanced by supportive grain and smooth, consistent contrast levels. Notable in particular are scenes utilizing the original nitrate negative or safety negative, which shine with exceptional detail and depth. While a few shots, showing reduced grain and less refined mid-range grays, stand out as slightly inferior, they remain minor distractions in an otherwise uniformly strong visual presentation.

Cinematographer Harry Stradling's work on this 35 mm black & white film is faithfully respected in this rendering. Presented in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the Blu-ray showcases excellent grayscale with vibrant whites and deep, stable blacks. Fine details are well captured, from Lombard's dress patterns to the textures of the ski lodge's log walls and cluttered bedroom settings. The film maintains a distinguished cinematic quality with faint grain preserving a film-like appearance while razor-sharp close-ups reveal fine facial features and shadow delineation remains commendable. Background projections for outdoor scenes are seamlessly integrated, maintaining immersion without drawing attention to their artifice.

The Warner Archive's manual cleanup process has eradicated many of the imperfections seen in previous DVD releases, ensuring an artifact-free viewing experience. The disc's encoding aligns with the label’s high standards, devoid of macro blocking or other anomalies, supported by a substantial bit rate within the format's limitations. This presentation marks "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" as an essential upgrade for Hitchcock aficionados and classic film enthusiasts alike.

The audio presentation of the "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" Blu-ray is anchored by a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track that offers a crisp and lively listening experience. This mix adheres to the high standards typical of its era, ensuring dialogue is clear and distinct throughout. The dynamic range is impressive, capturing the highs and lows of Edward Ward’s excellent music score without any distortions. Notably, the track manages to retain its integrity by minimizing age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, or crackles, providing a smooth and pleasant auditory experience.

Sound effects are rendered meticulously, adding depth to various scenes. Elements like smashing dishes, ambient nightclub noise, and car engines are delivered with precision, creating an engaging soundscape. Despite some occasional soft hiss in quieter scenes, these minor imperfections are well within acceptable bounds and do not detract from the overall quality. The intelligent mix ensures that every element is balanced, making for a highly enjoyable listening experience.

Optional English (SDH) subtitles are provided for the main feature but are not available for the extras. This minor limitation aside, the overall audio quality of this DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track significantly outpaces its older DVD counterparts, offering a revitalized and immersive sound experience that stands out even more impressively today than it did back in 2004.

The Blu-ray release of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" provides a comprehensive and engaging set of extras that significantly enhance the viewing experience. A standout is the featurette "Mr. Hitchcock Meets the Smiths," where luminaries such as Peter Bogdanovich, Richard Franklin, and Hitchcock family members reflect on the film's unique place in Hitchcock's oeuvre and Carole Lombard's iconic performance. Viewers can enjoy a series of well-remastered classic cartoons and a noteworthy Technicolor short, “Cinderella’s Feller.” For audio enthusiasts, the inclusion of two vintage radio adaptations offers a nostalgic and immersive experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Mr. Hitchcock Meets the Smiths: Interviews and commentary about the film's production and its stars.
• Holiday Highlights: Tex Avery-directed Technicolor Looney Tunes cartoon.
• Stage Fright: Looney Tunes cartoon featuring two mischievous puppies.
• Cinderella’s Feller: Child-starred Technicolor adaptation of the classic tale.
• Lux Radio Theater Broadcast: Carole Lombard and Bob Hope in a 60-minute adaptation.
• Screen Director's Playhouse Radio Broadcast: Abridged version with intro by Alfred Hitchcock.
• Theatrical Trailer: A brief, text-and-stills trailer for the film.

Alfred Hitchcock's 1941 film "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" stands as a unique entry in the director’s storied career, diverging notably into the screwball comedy genre. Despite its deviation from Hitchcock's hallmark suspense, the film is not without merit. Carole Lombard and Robert Montgomery star as the titular couple, whose marriage is rendered null due to a legal loophole discovered after three years. Their turbulent relationship provides ample fodder for comedy, although the screenplay by Norman Krasna lacks the sophistication typical of Hitchcock’s work, leaning instead on more straightforward, sometimes predictable humor.

While “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” aims for lighthearted romantic antics, its success is largely buoyed by the charm and skill of its cast. Lombard’s effervescent performance and Montgomery’s adeptness at both verbal and physical comedy elevate what could have been a mundane marital farce. However, the narrative often feels disjointed and thin, particularly as it diverts into overly convoluted comedic set-ups and subplots that lack genuine momentum. Despite this, certain scenes — such as the Florida Club sequence and various slapstick moments — are handled with Hitchcock’s characteristic precision, offering glimpses of his brilliant directorial capabilities.

The film's production values are commendable, featuring scenic locales and Edward Ward’s playful score that complements the film’s tone. Although some humor strains credulity, there are enough amusing moments to maintain a light, pleasant atmosphere. However, Hitchcock’s direction occasionally betrays a sense of impatience with the genre, leading to an uneven pacing and missed opportunities for deeper character engagement. Overall, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" emerges as an intriguing detour in Hitchcock’s oeuvre — an imperfect yet charming experiment in romantic comedy buoyed by its talented cast.

"Mr. & Mrs. Smith," Alfred Hitchcock's singular foray into American screwball comedy, offers an intriguing departure from his celebrated suspense oeuvre. While the film doesn't rank among Hitchcock's most revered works, it showcases his versatility and features captivating performances from Carole Lombard and Robert Montgomery. The narrative unfolds through a series of break-ups and make-ups, displaying Hitchcock's deft handling of witty repartee and situational humor, even if the overall story occasionally falls flat by modern standards.

The Blu-ray presentation from Warner Archive marks a significant improvement in audio-visual quality over previous releases, benefiting from a 4K scan of the best available nitrate preservation elements. The transfer is top-notch, presenting a crisp and vibrant image that brings out the film's period charm. Additionally, the sound quality is solid, ensuring that dialogue and music are cleanly rendered. Supplementary materials add substantial value, offering a treasure trove of insights for Hitchcock enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.

While "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" may not captivate all contemporary viewers with its sometimes tedious narrative, it remains a noteworthy footnote in Hitchcock's distinguished career. The improved AV presentation and invaluable bonus features make this Blu-ray release a compelling acquisition for die-hard fans and curious newcomers alike. In conclusion, Warner Archive's Blu-ray release of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" is an essential rediscovery, providing the film its best home video incarnation yet. Recommended to the right crowd.