Days of Wine and Roses Blu-ray Review

Warner Archive Collection delivers a stellar video presentation for the 1080p Blu-ray release of "Days of Wine and Roses," enhanced by a 4K scan from the original camera negative. Philip Lathrop's black-and-white cinematography is meticulously preserved, featuring deep blacks, bright whites, and excellent contrast. The finely delineated shades of gray enhance the natural grain structure, providing a film-like texture that honors Lathrop's artistic vision. The AVC-encoded transfer maintains a consistent average bitrate of 35 Mbps and adheres to the original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, capturing every nuance in Blake Edwards' carefully composed frames.

The visual experience is augmented by fantastic detail and clarity, with deep blacks and clean whites reflecting the film's documentary sensibility. Razor-sharp close-ups showcase remarkable facial detail and preserve the glamour of Remick's appearances. Even shadow delineation is well-executed, rendering scenes with an impressive sense of depth. While some early location scenes exhibit slight washout and a few transitions appear rough, these minor issues do not detract from the otherwise pristine presentation. Warner Archive's customary thorough clean-up ensures a presentation free from any nicks, marks, or scratches, culminating in an exemplary and engaging viewing experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track provided for "Days of Wine and Roses" is meticulously crafted to deliver an immersive audio experience, free from any age-related damage. The soundtrack, sourced from the magnetic master, features clear, well-modulated sound that captures both the bustling energy of large scenes and the subtleties of quieter moments. This effective mix underscores the scenes with discreetly placed effects like the clink of glasses, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the film.

Henry Mancini's lush, string-laden score stands out with remarkable fidelity and tonal depth, filling the listening space effortlessly without a hint of distortion. The wide dynamic range effectively conveys all the highs and lows, ensuring the music remains a powerful presence throughout. Dialogue is rendered crisply and is easy to comprehend, essential for this engrossing drama. The sound is devoid of any age-related artifacts such as hiss, pops, or crackles. This pristine restoration allows Mancini's award-winning work and Johnny Mercer's lyrics to resonate beautifully, significantly elevating the film's emotional impact.

The Blu-ray extras for "Days of Wine and Roses" have been carried over from Warner's 2004 DVD release, offering several noteworthy supplements that enhance the viewer's understanding of the film. The commentary by Director Blake Edwards, recorded in his early 80s, is sporadic but insightful, as he rediscovers the film and its cast, reflecting on his own experiences with alcoholism and praising the performances of Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick. The vintage Jack Lemmon interview, though brief and oddly formatted, provides a behind-the-scenes look at Lemmon's thoughts during production. The theatrical trailer, remastered in 1080p, features an extended plea by Lemmon to potential viewers, effectively addressing the marketing challenges posed by the film’s serious subject matter.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary with Director Blake Edwards: Reflections on casting, production, and personal experiences with alcoholism.
• Jack Lemmon Interview: A staged phone interview discussing his role and working with Lee Remick.
• Trailer: Remastered in 1080p, featuring Jack Lemmon urging viewers to watch the film.

"Days of Wine and Roses," directed by Blake Edwards and adapted from J.P. Miller’s renowned Playhouse 90 teleplay, is a harrowing exploration of alcoholism's devastating impact on a young couple. Departing from his usual comedic fare such as the Pink Panther series, Edwards crafts a stark realist drama that showcases his versatility. The film stars Jack Lemmon as Joe Clay, a high-energy PR executive, and Lee Remick as Kirsten Arnesen, a secretary who becomes Joe's enabler and accomplice in a downward spiral of addiction. Their mutual descent into alcohol dependency is portrayed with gut-wrenching authenticity, highlighted by unforgettable scenes such as Joe's delirious wreck of his father-in-law’s greenhouse and Kirsten's tragic transformation from a teetotaler to a desperate dipsomaniac.

Blake Edwards injects some lightness into the early stages of the narrative to alleviate the grim tone while never compromising the core message. Noteworthy scenes include Joe's comical, tipsy return home with tulips decapitated by an elevator door, illustrating their initial carefree indulgence. However, Edwards does not shy away from depicting the severe consequences of alcoholism, such as Joe's harrowing experiences with withdrawal in a psych ward and the couple’s brutal, co-dependent relapses. Lemmon and Remick deliver mesmerizing performances, navigating the emotional gamut from charming to debased with seamless expertise. The supporting cast, including Charles Bickford as Kirsten’s determined father and Jack Klugman as Joe’s compassionate AA sponsor, intensify the film’s emotional depth.

Released on Blu-ray by the Warner Archive Collection, "Days of Wine and Roses" benefits from a splendid 4K scan derived from the original camera negative. The restoration maintains the film’s stark, monochrome aesthetic while enhancing the visual and auditory clarity crucial for preserving its dramatic impact. In conclusion, this film remains a powerful and essential portrayal of alcoholism and its far-reaching consequences, heightened by impeccable direction and standout performances that resonate long after the credits roll.

"Days of Wine and Roses" is a quintessential exploration of addiction, directed by Blake Edwards with unforgettable performances by Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick. The film masterfully portrays a loving couple's harrowing descent into alcoholism, presenting a raw and realistic depiction of the human condition. The narrative remains deeply affecting, demonstrating the destructive power of addiction—a theme that is disturbingly relevant today.

The Warner Archive's new 4K restoration of this classic elevates the cinematic experience, offering a vibrant transfer that enhances the film’s dramatic impact. The sharpness and clarity of the high definition visuals, combined with lossless audio, create an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the Blu-ray release includes a couple of intriguing supplementary materials, further enriching the overall package.

In conclusion, "Days of Wine and Roses" is not the kind of film that one watches for a casual evening's diversion. It demands your full attention and rewards it with a powerful and relevant statement on addiction. In an era where opioid abuse has magnified the toll taken by alcoholism, this film remains an essential watch. Highly recommended.