Breezy Blu-ray Review

"Breezy" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Kino Lorber, presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC. The 1080p transfer showcases an authentic presentation with admirable fidelity to the source material. The film's grain structure remains intact, offering an organic feel without signs of digital manipulation. However, the age of the master used for this release introduces limitations. Notably, indoor and darker scenes experience shadow definition issues, resulting in minimized nuances and occasional flatness in backgrounds. Nonetheless, image stability is commendable, maintaining a consistent viewing experience across the board.

Color grading is well-handled, though light black crushing in darker areas does lead to some imbalances, somewhat impacting the depth and richness of the visuals. While this transfer is much improved over previous DVD releases in terms of scratches, tears, and dirt artifacts, there is still room for improvement. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall visual presentation on Blu-ray stands as a noteworthy upgrade and a faithful representation of the film's original aesthetic. All elements considered, this edition provides a solid viewing experience for fans, though perfectionists might find areas where the video quality could benefit from further refinement.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Breezy" is anchored by a single English DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 track, complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. This release delivers an impressive auditory experience, preserving the integrity of the film's period soundtrack composed by Michel Legrand. The clarity and dynamism of the audio are significant, with the dialogue being exceptionally clear, stable, and easily intelligible—a crucial aspect that enhances the overall viewing experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio track faithfully represents the film’s original mono soundtrack, ensuring that dialogue remains robust and discernible throughout. The sound mix adeptly balances Legrand’s iconic score, contributing to a rich and immersive audio environment. Notably, issues such as distortion, crackling, or hissing are minimal to non-existent, which signifies a substantial improvement over previous DVD releases and sets a high bar for this film's auditory fidelity in home video formats. This track effectively highlights the meticulousness in sound preservation and quality that fans of "Breezy" will appreciate.

The Blu-ray extras for "Breezy" are a compelling blend of insightful commentary and vintage trailers, giving fans a deeper dive into this Clint Eastwood-directed film. Highlighted by the enlightening commentary from critics Howard S. Berger and C. Courtney Joyner, viewers gain extensive knowledge about Los Angeles during the era, William Holden's casting, and thematic explorations of the film's place in Eastwood's career. Complementing this is a collection of vintage and bonus trailers, which offer a nostalgic glimpse into the film's original promotional landscape.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: In-depth discussion by Howard S. Berger and C. Courtney Joyner on film themes, LA scene, and casting of William Holden.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original promotional trailer for Breezy.
• Bonus KLSC Trailers: Additional trailers for The Devil’s Brigade, The Revengers, The Earthling, The Passage, Play Misty for Me, and The Great Scout and Cathouse Thursday.

Clint Eastwood's "Breezy" (1973) on Blu-ray exhibits an intricate and heartfelt depiction of a May-December romance, a theme skillfully explored by Eastwood in his early directorial career. William Holden delivers a resonant performance as Frank Harmon, a divorced, disillusioned real estate broker who finds an unexpected connection with Breezy, played memorably by Kay Lenz. Holden's portrayal aligns with his personal struggles during that era, lending an authentic 'polish' that epitomizes the affluent LA scene pivotal to the film's setting. Lenz, in one of her earliest roles, captures the free-spirited nature of her character effortlessly, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Promising Newcomer.

The film opens with an apt sequence that transitions from Frank's isolated life to his fateful encounter with Breezy. Their initial awkward interaction evolves into a complex relationship that defies societal norms, driven by Eastwood's keen focus on their emotional and psychological states rather than sensationalizing their age disparity. Eastwood's nuanced direction eschews socio-cultural critiques, emphasizing instead the sincerity and unfiltered emotions of Frank and Breezy's bond. This approach constructs an intimate atmosphere that resonates freshly with contemporary viewers, capturing a specific 1970s LA moment while highlighting universal human experiences.

Despite criticism about pacing that intermittently drags, the film stands as an early indicator of Eastwood's talent for personal dramas. The supporting cast, including Roger C. Carmel and Marj Dusay, enhance the narrative depth, portraying characters undergoing their crises while interacting meaningfully with the leads. The Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber includes valuable supplemental content such as commentary by Howard Berger and C. Courtney Joyner, which provides further insights into Holden's character alignment and Eastwood's deliberate stylistic choices in this underappreciated cinematic gem.

Kino Lorber’s Blu-ray release of "Breezy" brings forth a hitherto underappreciated gem from Clint Eastwood's varied oeuvre. The film encapsulates the ethos of the '70s and Eastwood's exceptional directorial prowess, capturing both the era’s ambience and its nuanced attitudes towards romance and happiness. This Blu-ray edition is sourced from an older but high-quality organic master, ensuring the visuals retain their original charm while offering a significantly improved viewing experience over previous home formats.

Technical details of the Blu-ray version are commendable. The HD transfer is impressive, preserving the visual authenticity that fans familiar with Eastwood’s work will surely appreciate. Additionally, the exclusive audio commentary by Howard Berger and C. Courtney Joyner is an engaging accompaniment, providing insightful context and enriching the viewing experience. This feature will appeal particularly to aficionados and cinephiles seeking a deeper understanding of Eastwood’s directorial nuances.

In conclusion, "Breezy" on Blu-ray is highly recommended. It's a must-have for Eastwood completists and stands as a testament to his often overlooked versatility behind the camera. Whether revisiting this classic or discovering it anew, Kino Lorber’s release ensures "Breezy" remains relevant and enjoyable for contemporary audiences.