Garbo Talks Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio, "Garbo Talks" arrives on Blu-ray featuring a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. Sourced from a robust master, the visual quality is commendable, with pleasing delineation, clarity, and depth. Density levels maintain integrity across varying screen sizes, while grain exposure is mostly well-managed, though slightly loose in darker scenes. Despite this, the overall image stability is high, and the Blu-ray lacks age-related imperfections, displaying no visible dirt or marks.

The photographic style of Andrzej Bartkowiak from the 1980s lends a distinct softness and dreamy quality to the cinematography. However, the colors still appear creamy and inviting, providing a consistent and aesthetically pleasing visual experience. Even though saturation levels could be incrementally enhanced, a full upgrade to native 4K would be necessary for any significant improvement in color palette richness and appeal.

Overall, this Region-A locked Blu-ray leverages its strong master to produce an engaging viewing experience. Image quality benefits significantly from the careful preservation process, offering modern audiences a glimpse into the original cinematic ambiance with stable and inviting visuals unmarred by digital corrections or imperfection artifacts.

The Blu-ray release of "Garbo Talks" features a standard English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, which is thoroughly effective for the film's dialog-centric nature. Despite its inherent mono format, the audio track ensures that dialogues remain clear, stable, and easy to follow throughout the feature, preserving the artistic intent behind its modest dynamic contrasts. The soundtrack includes a well-integrated score by Cy Coleman, elevating the overall auditory experience without any noticeable upper register issues, common in older films.

Kino Lorber has successfully delivered an unimpaired auditory presentation that effortlessly supports the narrative flow of "Garbo Talks." The sound mix offers robust fidelity, skillfully marrying dialogue with musical elements and sound effects to create an immersive audio environment. Importantly, common audio imperfections like hiss, flutter, pops, or crackle are entirely absent. Complementary English SDH subtitles further enhance accessibility for the main feature, presenting an exhaustive auditory package on this Region “A” disc.

The Blu-Ray extras for "Garbo Talks" offer valuable insights and historical context, enhancing the viewing experience for fans and cinephiles alike. The audio commentary, featuring film historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell, provides a detailed discussion about director Sidney Lumet, sharing personal anecdotes and deep analysis of his work. This insightful commentary is worth listening to, despite instances where overly favorable examples may be forgettable. Additionally, the disc includes a remastered vintage trailer for "Garbo Talks," though it's presented without subtitles. These supplemental materials enrich the film's appreciation and are crafted for serious enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: A comprehensive discussion by film historians Howard S. Berger and Steve Mitchell about director Sidney Lumet, featuring anecdotes and analysis.
• Theatrical Trailer: Remastered vintage trailer for "Garbo Talks."
• Kino Trailers: Includes trailers for "The Four Seasons," "The Last Married Couple in America," and "Murder on the Orient Express."

Sidney Lumet's "Garbo Talks" on Blu-ray, released by Kino Lorber, captures both the allure and challenges of bringing a unique narrative to life. Adapted from Larry Grusin’s screenplay, the film displays a quintessentially New York story infused with Lumet's signature directorial style. The premise centers around Gilbert Rolfe (Ron Silver), a mild-mannered accountant, whose life takes an unexpected turn when tasked with fulfilling his ailing mother's (Anne Bancroft) final wish to meet the reclusive Greta Garbo. The film showcases Lumet's adeptness in using New York City as a backdrop, from the bustling flea markets to the iconic MoMA. Yet, despite its atmospheric authenticity and rich cultural references, "Garbo Talks" struggles to maintain its initial momentum.

The film's cast, featuring Ron Silver and Anne Bancroft, delivers commendable performances, driving the film’s emotional core. Silver’s portrayal provides a poignant glimpse into personal transformation through adversity, although some elements of his journey remain underdeveloped. Bancroft's character is characterized by a resilient spirit that resonates deeply, though the script offers few standout dialogues to match her formidable presence. Supporting roles by Carrie Fisher as Silver's exasperated wife and Catherine Hicks as a compassionate coworker introduce subplots that provide additional layers but sometimes detract from the central storyline.

While "Garbo Talks" ambitiously sets out to interweave comedy and drama, it occasionally falls into predictable melodrama, diluting its promise. Despite engaging insights into the life of an elusive icon and a vibrant depiction of New York's multifaceted character, the film does not quite fulfill its potential. Lumet’s attempt to charm with nostalgia and humor is evident, but "Garbo Talks" remains one of his less significant works. With its mixture of satisfying performances and uneven storytelling, the Blu-ray release invites curiosity and warrants further exploration for those intrigued by Lumet’s cinematic journey.

"Garbo Talks," directed by the adept Sidney Lumet, remains an intriguing yet modest entry in his expansive filmography. The film attempts a balance between drama and comedy through a screenplay that occasionally wavers but benefits greatly from Lumet’s skilled direction. The standout appeal of the film is its cast, led by the esteemed Anne Bancroft, whose presence elevates the material with nuanced performances. Although the narrative might seem familiar, the inclusion of delightful vignettes and memorable portrayals ensures an engaging viewing experience for audiences, despite some predictability.

Visually, "Garbo Talks" captures an authentic 1980s New York through its cinematography, lending it a nostalgic charm that serves as both setting and character. Despite its seemingly ordinary visuals, Kino Lorber's release shines with a transfer from an organic master, ensuring that the quality is consistent and suitable for home viewing. The Blu-ray presentation is devoid of flamboyant enhancements but maintains clarity, allowing the actors’ performances to be rightfully spotlighted amid the cityscape.

In conclusion, while "Garbo Talks" does not reach the pinnacle of Sidney Lumet’s much-lauded works, it offers an intimate glimpse into a rarely explored niche of his style—balancing touches of comedy within a dramatic structure. While it may not be groundbreaking, the film delivers a satisfying experience through its cast and setting, functioning as both a tribute to Lumet's diverse directorial range and a reminder of the storytelling depths available in understated cinema.