Cries & Whispers Blu-ray Review

The Criterion presentation of Ingmar Bergman's "Cries and Whispers" on Blu-ray is a notable upgrade, boasting a 1080p transfer encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The release uses an aspect ratio of 1.66:1 and was created in 2K resolution from the original 35 mm camera negative. The result is a remarkable improvement over previous DVD releases, bringing new life to the film. Close-up shots now reveal exceptional detail and depth, highlighting intricate textures in period costumes and facial features. Shadow definition, particularly challenging in the original DVD release, is convincingly rendered here, enhancing the viewing experience during darker sequences.

Color reproduction stands out as a particularly improved aspect of this transfer. The film’s nuanced reds are better saturated and healthier, presenting each shade of red distinctively. Fade-to-red transitions, a unique stylistic choice in the film, are balanced and more effective, adding to the visual impact. Black levels remain deep and inky, while skin tones are naturally rendered appropriate to the film's period setting. The new transfer is also free of significant debris, scratches, and compression issues, ensuring a clean and seamless viewing experience.

Overall, this Blu-ray presentation by Criterion allows viewers to experience "Cries and Whispers" with a level of clarity and color fidelity that was previously unattainable. The meticulous restoration work has resulted in a visually stunning rendition of Bergman's classic, making it a must-have for enthusiasts of the director's oeuvre.

The Blu-ray release of "Cries & Whispers" features two primary audio tracks: an original Swedish LPCM 1.0 and an English Dolby Digital 1.0 (official English dub track). Criterion has thoughtfully included optional English subtitles to accompany the main feature, enhancing accessibility for non-Swedish speakers. The Swedish LPCM 1.0 track, having been remastered, exhibits well-balanced midrange and high frequencies along with noteworthy improvements in depth and clarity.

Remastered at a pristine 24-bit from the original 17.5mm magnetic track, the Swedish audio mix benefits from meticulous manual removal of pops, cracks, shrills, and hiss. Given that "Cries & Whispers" is a dialogue-driven film with minimal use of musical score, one should not expect a wide dynamic range typical of action-oriented productions. Nonetheless, the remastering effort results in a soundstage where each spoken word, sound effect, and ambient noise is impeccably balanced and clear. Dialogue remains consistently stable and easy to follow, making this release an auditory triumph for a film of its nature.

The Blu-ray extras of "Cries & Whispers" offer a comprehensive delve into the film’s creation and the philosophies of Ingmar Bergman. The archival introduction by Bergman from 2003 sets the stage with insights directly from the director. Harriet Andersson's interview provides an in-depth analysis of her role, guided by film historian Peter Cowie. Additionally, on-set footage reveals an unfiltered look at the production process, supplemented by Cowie's informative commentary. Filmmaker ::kogonada presents a thought-provoking video essay, "On Solace," which deconstructs the film's themes. An archival interview featuring Bergman and Erland Josephson is an essential inclusion, offering reflective discussions on life, art, and their professional collaborations. Rounding out the package are an original trailer and a booklet with an essay by Emma Wilson, enhancing the contextual understanding of this classic.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: Archival video introduction by Ingmar Bergman and Marie Nyrerod from 2003.
• Harriet Anderson: Video conversation between actress Harriet Andersson and film historian Peter Cowie.
• On-set Footage: Archival behind-the-scenes footage with optional commentary by Peter Cowie.
• On Solace: Video essay by filmmaker ::kogonada.
• Trailer: Original English-language trailer.
• Ingmar Bergman: Reflections on Life, Death, and Love with Erland Josephson: Archival interview with Bergman and Josephson.
• Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by Emma Wilson.

Ingmar Bergman’s "Cries and Whispers," released in 1972, stands as one of the Swedish filmmaker’s most raw and poignant works. The narrative centers on four women: Maria (Liv Ullmann), Karin (Ingrid Thulin), Agnes (Harriet Andersson), and Anna (Kari Sylman). The backdrop is a luxurious, but claustrophobic estate in rural Sweden, where the terminally ill Agnes languishes in excruciating pain from cancer. The remaining women, including a visiting doctor (Erland Josephson), are powerless to alleviate her suffering, leading to moments of profound distress and introspection. Flashbacks reveal critical events in their lives, demonstrating a tapestry of pleasure, pain, and bitter disappointments, framed by societal expectations and personal regrets.

Bergman’s storytelling in "Cries and Whispers" is both intimate and deeply unsettling. The film frequently poses challenging questions to the viewer, engaging them to ponder responses to immense personal suffering and the impact of witnessing a loved one's agony. Such an intense emotional connection blurs the lines between reality and the imagined, often making the viewing experience profoundly harrowing. The film leaves an indelible mark by not only showcasing a personal tragedy but by doing so in an almost unbearably realistic manner.

The visual style in "Cries and Whispers" is strikingly unique. Cinematographer Sven Nykvist's masterful use of lush red hues fills the screen, adding an almost surreal intensity to the film’s atmosphere. His work, which won him an Oscar for Best Cinematography in 1974, captures emotions through meticulous interplay of light and shadow. These visual elements intensify the emotional weight carried by the characters’ performances. Most notably, Harriet Andersson delivers an unforgettable portrayal of Agnes, her cries of pain and nuanced expressions rendering her character’s suffering with devastating authenticity. In essence, "Cries and Whispers" achieves a gut-wrenching resonance via its brilliant confluence of acting, direction, and stunning visual composition.

Ingmar Bergman's "Cries and Whispers" stands as a formidable cinematic achievement, combining visceral emotional depth with stunning visual composition. This Blu-ray release, restored in 2K, enhances the film's celebrated use of color and shadow, ensuring that its haunting beauty is captured with the precision it deserves. The restoration's clarity brings Bergman's meticulous attention to detail into sharp focus, enriching the viewer's experience. The narrative, which delves into the raw pain and suffering of its characters, is both mesmerizing and heart-wrenching, creating a dichotomy that's enthralling yet challenging to watch.

Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "Cries and Whispers" boasts impeccable video and audio quality. The visuals are rendered with remarkable fidelity, showcasing the lush reds and stark contrasts integral to the cinematic mood. The audio presentation complements this with clear, immersive sound that enhances the film's tense atmosphere. Additionally, the supplemental material included in this release is noteworthy, featuring insightful extras that deepen the understanding of Bergman’s artistic vision and thematic concerns.

In conclusion, reactions to Ingmar Bergman's "Cries and Whispers" can vary widely due to its intense emotional nature, but its capacity to provoke thought and touch the heart is undeniable. The film's restoration on Blu-ray does justice to its original magnificence, making it essential for both Bergman enthusiasts and general cinephiles. This edition is not just highly recommended—it is an indispensable addition to any serious film collection.