The Merchant of Four Seasons Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of Rainer Werner Fassbinder's "The Merchant of Four Seasons" on Blu-ray, released by Criterion, is commendable for its meticulous restoration and visual fidelity. Mastered in 4K from the original camera negative and encoded in MPEG-4 AVC, the film is presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 with a 1080p resolution. The new digital transfer, produced by the Fassbinder Foundation and executed at ARRI Film & TV Services in Munich, showcases exceptional image stability, with no visible debris or damage marks. The restoration efforts are evident in the vividly saturated colors and stable contrast levels, both of which enhance the overall viewing experience.

The transfer exhibits richly detailed textures and vibrant colors without oversaturation, maintaining a natural, slightly pastel palette with rich blues, browns, yellows, greens, and reds. The film grain is beautifully preserved, adding to the authenticity and depth of the image. Close-ups are notably sharp and detailed, offering excellent clarity and depth even under low light conditions. Outdoor scenes are fluid, and black levels are deep and consistent compared to other scenes. While the overall picture is nearly pristine, a faint checkerboard pattern is sporadically visible, mainly during flashback scenes. This minor anomaly does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the presentation.

The restoration highlights Fassbinder's impeccable style, giving the film a pleasing dimensionality that draws viewers into its visual narrative. The work done by colorist Andreas Lautil ensures that each frame is balanced and true to the director's vision. Despite the rare visual anomaly, this Blu-ray presentation stands as a testament to the potential of meticulous film restoration to bring out the intrinsic beauty and technical merits of classic cinema. Criterion's release is a visual triumph, finely balancing technical precision with artistic integrity.

The Blu-ray release of "The Merchant of Four Seasons" features a single standard audio track: German LPCM 1.0, accompanied by optional English subtitles for the feature. This dialog-driven film, which lacks a prominent music score, delivers audio with remarkable clarity and depth despite its limited dynamic range. Outdoor sequences, such as when Hans and Irmgard sell produce, highlight the track's excellent separation of different sounds and noises, contributing to an immersive experience. Dialogue is always stable, exceptionally clean, and easy to follow, with no instances of pops, cracks, audio dropouts, or distortions.

The minimalist mono mix is effective and gets the job done without major issues. While some may notice a slight disconnect between speech and image—indicating possible post-dubbing—the dialogue remains clear and clean throughout. Ambiance is subtly but effectively conveyed, with standard sound effects like birds chirping and footsteps coming through cleanly and without distortion. The sparse use of music is notable, with "Buona Notte Bambino" standing out as a brilliant inclusion. Crucially, there are no age-related anomalies or issues affecting the track, making the audio presentation technically proficient despite its restrained nature.

Overall, while "The Merchant of Four Seasons" does not boast an elaborate audio mix, it remains a clear and clean presentation that effectively supports the film's narrative needs.

Criterion has assembled an impressive suite of extras for the Blu-ray release of "The Merchant of Four Seasons," each presented in crisp 1080p resolution with English subtitles for non-English content. These supplements delve deeply into the film’s production and context, providing invaluable insights for film enthusiasts. The collection includes brand-new interviews with key cast members such as Irm Hermann and Hans Hirschmüller, who provide personal anecdotes and discuss their relationships with director Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Eric Rentschler's scholarly perspective adds depth by situating the film within Fassbinder’s oeuvre and analyzing its stylistic and thematic elements. Additionally, Wim Wenders' archival audio commentary offers a unique, intimate look into Fassbinder’s career and creative process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Irm Hermann: Actress discusses her entry into acting and experiences working with Fassbinder.
• Hans Hirschmüller: Actor elaborates on his character, the film’s dialogue, and his interactions with Fassbinder.
• Eric Rentschler: Film historian explores the film’s significance within Fassbinder’s work and its stylistic choices.
• Audio Commentary: Wim Wenders provides insights into Fassbinder’s career and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Leaflet: Thomas Elsaesser’s essay "Downward Mobility in Munich."

Rainer Werner Fassbinder's "The Merchant of Four Seasons" serves as a vivid and tragic exploration of societal indifference and personal despair. The narrative follows Hans, a down-and-out fruit peddler portrayed by Hans Hirschmüller, whose life is marred by a series of disheartening setbacks. Hans retreats into depression after being ostracized by his bourgeois family, betrayed by his closest friends, and undermined by an unforgiving society. Fassbinder masterfully uses episodic storytelling to highlight Hans' multi-faceted failures, painting him initially as a classic German "loser" but slowly revealing the deeper afflictions caused by societal expectations and hypocrisies.

Fassbinder’s direction, in collaboration with cinematographer Dietrich Lohmann, imbues the film with a deceptively calm yet deeply critical aesthetic, reminiscent of Douglas Sirk’s stylistic elements. The controlled compositions and deliberate framing accentuate the pervasive sense of surveillance and judgment affecting the characters' interactions. Through strategic use of static and fluid camera movements, complicated blocking, and compositions framed within doors or windows, Fassbinder constrains his characters within metaphorical cages of societal norms. Particularly notable scenes, such as a dinner table sequence with extended tracking shots and carefully measured cuts, emphasize emotional isolation and familial tension.

As the film progresses, Hans' journey from an earnest street vendor to a man engulfed in existential disillusionment underscores a biting critique of post-war German values. Despite short detours into domestic abuse, the film maintains a deep sympathy for Hans, exploring profound themes of class dynamics and familial alienation without casting judgment. This delicate melodrama fosters an empathetic understanding of Hans' plight while simultaneously challenging viewers to reflect on the broader social constructs that instigate his downfall. Ultimately, "The Merchant of Four Seasons" stands as a poignant eulogy for unfulfilled longing, a satirical examination of apathy, and its tragic effects on human resilience.

Rainer Werner Fassbinder's "The Merchant of Four Seasons" emerges as a cornerstone of the New German Cinema movement, offering a compelling blend of dark comedy and poignant tragedy. This 1971 film details the slow but relentless demise of a former policeman, reflecting Fassbinder's adept skill at blending biting social critique with intricate character studies. Criterion's Blu-ray release ensures that this significant work reaches audiences in its best possible form. The video transfer is notably exceptional, presenting the film's visually measured style with clarity and precision. Minor visual anomalies scarcely detract from the overall experience. The audio fidelity matches the visual quality, providing a solid auditory experience that immerses viewers in the melancholic narrative.

The Criterion Blu-ray also includes insightful supplementary materials, notably two newly conducted interviews with stars Irm Hermann and Hans Hirschmüller, offering valuable perspectives into the film's production and its enduring impact. While not densely packed with extras, the quality compensates for quantity; Wim Wenders' commentary track stands out for its informative and mesmerizing delivery. These additions augment the main attraction, giving fans and new viewers alike substantial contextual understanding and appreciation for Fassbinder's craft.

In conclusion, Criterion's release of "The Merchant of Four Seasons" is a triumph, both in terms of technical execution and supplementary content. The exceptional video and audio quality, combined with insightful interviews, make this Blu-ray a highly recommended addition for any serious cinephile or student of New German Cinema.