The Earrings of Madame De... Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original 1.33:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Max Ophuls' "The Earrings of Madame de..." arrives on Blu-ray, courtesy of Criterion, featuring a digital master sourced from Gaumont's 2012 restoration. The restoration was conducted using a 2K transfer created on an ARRISCAN film scanner from the original 35mm nitrate negative. While the film boasts an immaculately clean image, free from debris and damage, the technical execution leaves much to be desired.

The most notable issues stem from excessive digital noise reduction (DNR) and other overzealous digital manipulations that severely compromise detail and image depth. These artifacts are particularly prominent in daylight sequences and indoor close-ups where the denoising effects lead to a collapse in definition. Facial features and objects often take on an unnaturally smooth, almost paint-like appearance, with grain appearing digitized or clumpy. Furthermore, motion stability suffers during sequences involving camera zooms, exhibiting various trailing effects.

Despite maintaining stable contrast levels and a solid grayscale, the presentation is hampered by faded black levels that detract from the overall visual experience. While background details and ornate costumes occasionally shine through, revealing intricate patterns, these moments only highlight the missed potential of what could have been a spectacular high-definition transfer. Ultimately, while watchable and at times pleasing, this Blu-ray transfer falls short of providing the authentic, filmic presentation that such a classic film deserves.

The Blu-ray audio presentation of "The Earrings of Madame De..." features a French LPCM 1.0 track accompanied by optional English subtitles. This mono track has been optimized to provide excellent depth and clarity, ensuring that the lovely music throughout the film remains lush and well-rounded. Dialogue is mostly clean, easy to follow, and free from clicks, pops, and distortions, preserving a high standard of audio fidelity.

Despite its overall quality, the track does exhibit some minor issues. There are isolated sequences where the dialogue possesses a thin, electronic resonance that may sound odd to discerning ears. Additionally, while the music maintains solid fidelity, the score and sound effects reflect the limitations of the mono format, sometimes straining at high frequencies and coming across as understandably flat.

In summary, the LPCM mono track is a clean and pleasant audio experience, with most anomalies being minor and not detracting significantly from the overall presentation. This respectful treatment of the film’s audio ensures that viewers can appreciate both the dialogue and the musical elements without distraction.

Criterion has meticulously curated a collection of supplements for the Blu-ray release of "The Earrings of Madame de...," ensuring an enriching experience for Ophuls enthusiasts. These extras, previously included in the Criterion DVD edition, are all presented in upscaled 1080i with Digital 1.0 audio and optional English subtitles for French content. The materials offer invaluable insight into the making and significance of the film through various perspectives. Paul Thomas Anderson's introduction provides a contemporary filmmaker's admiration, while Ophuls' collaborators share firsthand accounts of working with the director. Tag Gallagher's visual essay offers an analytical perspective on Ophuls' style and structure, and Louise de Vilmorin’s interview reveals her complex relationship with the film adaptation of her novel. Additionally, an audio commentary by scholars Susan White and Gaylyn Studlar delves deep into thematic and stylistic elements, providing a comprehensive understanding of the film's nuances.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction - Paul Thomas Anderson: Discusses key sequences and influence of the film.
• Ophuls' Collaborators: Interviews with assistant director Alain Jessua, cowriter Annette Wademant, and assistant decorator Marc Frederix.
• Visual Essay by Tag Gallagher: Analysis of Ophuls' style and structure.
• Novelist Louise de Vilmorin: Interview discussing her novel and its film adaptation.
• Audio Commentary: Film scholars Susan White and Gaylyn Studlar explore various aspects of the film.
• Booklet: Detailed essay by critic Molly Haskell, Georges Annenkov's book excerpt, and Louise de Vilmorin's source novel.

Max Ophüls' 1953 classic, The Earrings of Madame de…, now available on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, is a masterclass in cinematic storytelling and visual innovation. Based on Louise de Vilmorin's novel, the film follows the tumultuous fate of a pair of diamond earrings, which become emblematic of love, betrayal, and societal roles. The narrative begins with the privileged Louise (Danielle Darrieux) secretly selling these earrings, a wedding gift from her stern but oblivious husband, General André (Charles Boyer), to cover her debts. This simple act sets off a chain reaction of unforeseen circumstances, leading to an affair with the charming Baron Donati (Vittorio De Sica). The film meticulously examines the shifting dynamics between the trio, driven by potent themes of class, pride, and unspoken desire.

A standout element of Ophüls' direction is the fluidity and elegance of the cinematography by Christian Matras. Abandoning traditional coverage techniques, Ophüls employs extended takes and tracking shots that imbue scenes with an organic rhythm. This visual style transforms the camera into a silent yet active observer, enhancing the narrative's emotional depth. The meticulous camera movements not only serve aesthetic purposes but also play a critical role in advancing the plot and character dynamics. For instance, sequences where characters move between rooms are seamlessly captured through expansive, choreographed shots that mirror their internal states and relationships. This dynamic approach eschews unnecessary cuts and instead allows the viewer to remain fully immersed in the unfolding drama.

The performances of Darrieux, De Sica, and Boyer are exceptional, each encapsulating the layered complexities of their characters. Darrieux skillfully portrays Louise's dual nature—frivolous yet manipulative—while Boyer exudes both command and hidden vulnerability as the General. De Sica's portrayal of Baron Donati strikes a balance between romantic idealism and pragmatic charm. Under Ophüls’ deft direction, these characters evolve through subtle gestures and expressions, avoiding melodramatic excess. The film's visual prowess and narrative intricacy make The Earrings of Madame de… not only a poignant romantic tragedy but also an enduring cinematic treasure that continues to inspire modern filmmakers.

The Criterion Blu-ray release of Max Ophuls' "The Earrings of Madame de…" presents a mixed technical experience. The film, a masterpiece of cinematic storytelling known for its high drama and innovative camera movement, has undergone a restoration that, while visually striking in parts, suffers from inconsistent digital corrections. These corrections manifest primarily through unnecessary digital filtering, which detracts from the authentic filmic texture and detail that fans of classic cinema appreciate. Such visual inconsistencies may not be noticeable to some viewers, but they significantly impact the overall viewing experience for discerning cinephiles.

On the audio front, the release holds up well. The mix is solid and respectful, capturing the nuances of the original score and dialogue without significant issues. Criterion has supplemented the release with an admirable selection of extras, including insightful commentaries and interviews with the film's collaborators, which add substantial value for enthusiasts interested in deeper understanding and context.

Conclusion: Despite its prestigious status as a piece of motion picture art and a substantial set of supplementary features, the problematic video transfer of "The Earrings of Madame de…" makes this Blu-ray release less than ideal. For those interested, it might be prudent to rent first to see if the visual imperfections hinder enjoyment before committing to a purchase.