Julia Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Julia" showcases a meticulously crafted 1080p transfer using the AVC codec in the film’s original 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Photographed by the acclaimed cinematographer Douglas Slocombe, this presentation retains the film's intentional gauzy, soft focus aesthetic, lending it a subtly nostalgic and period-accurate feel. The color palette is purposefully subdued, favoring darker browns and beiges, which makes the moments of vivid colors, such as a train against a striking pink and purple sunset, all the more impactful. Detail levels are commendable, with elements like textures popping beautifully. While shadow detail in some dark scenes is not particularly strong, the natural grain and absence of significant wear or tear contribute to a pleasing visual experience.

The high definition upgrade reveals fine clarity, contrast, and color saturation overall. Exterior scenes impress with their crispness, while interiors exude warmth, capturing the richness and period look intended by Slocombe. His close-up shots provide a natural and glamorous glow to the actors, particularly to Vanessa Redgrave and Jane Fonda. Despite minor fluctuations in grain levels and occasional weaker shadow detail, the clean and vibrant picture quality stands out distinctly. Cinematic elements such as bucolic landscapes and European cityscapes are rendered stunningly, offering breathtaking visuals that fans of this classic will undoubtedly appreciate. Overall, the Blu-ray provides an immersive viewing experience reflective of Slocombe's Oscar-nominated cinematographic vision.

The Audio presentation of "Julia" on Blu Ray features a DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 track that admirably supports the film’s narrative necessities and its Oscar-nominated score by Georges Delerue. The dialogue is consistently clear and well-balanced, showcasing the distinctive voices of Jane Fonda, Vanessa Redgrave, and Jason Robards without any distortion. Ambient effects such as rushing streams, clattering railroad cars, and subtle atmospheric noises are accurately rendered, contributing to the overall soundscape without being intrusive.

Despite its mono format, the track performs cleanly and clearly, although it's noted that the levels might require a slight volume boost for optimal experience. There is no evidence of age-related defects like hiss, pops, or crackles, which could detract from the listening experience. Georges Delerue's music seamlessly integrates into the audio mix, enhancing the film’s quiet and introspective nature. While the environmental effects are somewhat subdued, they are lifelike and provide intermittent welcome auditory bursts. The track is undoubtedly period-appropriate and professional in its execution, ensuring that every spoken word and musical note is easily comprehensible.

Overall, this DTS-HD Master Audio Mono track is a solid presentation that efficiently supports the film’s intimate storytelling and atmospheric needs. Its unobtrusive nature ensures that the focus remains on the performances and the narrative while maintaining technical precision and clarity devoid of any distracting sound anomalies. This makes for a respectful and fitting audio experience for a film of this character and nuance.

The Blu-ray release of "Julia" offers a concise but valuable selection of extras that enhance the viewing experience. The audio commentary by actress Jane Fonda and film historian Nick Redman is the standout feature, providing an engaging and insightful discussion about the film’s production. Despite occasional lapses in memory, Fonda's reflections on her interactions with Vanessa Redgrave, her thoughts on director transitions, and personal anecdotes enrich our understanding of the film’s history and her career. The isolated score track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, highlighting Georges Delerue's Oscar-nominated music, is another excellent addition, allowing viewers to fully appreciate the film’s haunting score. These extras, complemented by a nostalgic theatrical trailer, collectively offer a deeper appreciation of this classic film.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Jane Fonda and Nick Redman's insights into the making of the film.
• Isolated Score Track: Focus on Georges Delerue's Oscar-nominated music in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Nostalgic preview of the movie in 480i quality.

Fred Zinnemann’s 1977 drama "Julia" stands as a meticulously crafted and beautifully acted film delving into the complex relationship between playwright Lillian Hellman (Jane Fonda) and her enigmatic, politically active friend Julia (Vanessa Redgrave). Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Europe, the film unfolds through a series of flashbacks, providing glimpses into their shared history and the tumultuous socio-political landscape of the time. The narrative centers on Lillian's risky mission to smuggle funds into Nazi Germany to support the Resistance, a journey fraught with suspense and profound emotional stakes. Despite its masterful portrayal, controversy lingers over the veracity of Hellman’s memoirs upon which the film is based.

"Julia" boasts stellar performances, particularly from Jane Fonda and Redgrave, whose subtle and luminous acting earned her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Jason Robards’ portrayal of Dashiell Hammett also garnered an Academy Award, adding depth to the film’s intricate character dynamics. The cinematography captures the period atmosphere with sumptuous detail, drawing viewers into the era with its meticulously rendered settings and visually arresting compositions. Alvin Sargent’s screenplay, adapted from Hellman's memoir "Pentimento," skillfully weaves together the fragments of memory and present-day narrative, although questions about Hellman's factual accuracy persist.

The film subtly addresses themes of anti-Semitism and anti-Fascist activism, though it refrains from exploring Hellman's Jewish identity in depth. This omission adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, particularly given the real-life controversies surrounding Hellman’s version of events and her alleged appropriation of Dr. Muriel Gardiner’s exploits for her own memoir. Such historical ambiguities, paired with an engaging storyline and remarkable performances, make "Julia" a poignant, if somewhat contentious, cinematic achievement, that invites both admiration and critical examination.

Twilight Time's Blu-ray release of "Julia" is a masterful presentation of Fred Zinnemann’s memorable 1977 film. The disc boasts a flawless video transfer that highlights Douglas Slocombe's lush cinematography, capturing the film’s stunning visual textures with unmatched clarity. Jane Fonda’s compelling portrayal of Lillian Hellman, alongside Vanessa Redgrave’s indelible performance as Julia, is crisply rendered in this edition. The commentary track featuring Fonda and historian Nick Redman is outstanding, providing insightful anecdotes and historical context that enrich the viewing experience.

While the film meanders slightly in its narrative, it remains a deeply affecting character study representative of 1970s cinema. The meticulous craftsmanship of Zinnemann’s direction is evident in every frame, illustrating his unwavering attention to detail. Despite some audio shortcomings and a lack of extensive extras, the Blu-ray’s technical merits more than compensate, making this release a valuable addition to any film enthusiast's collection. It's important to note that only 3,000 copies are available, ensuring its status as a collector's item.

Julia is an intelligent character study that probably ambles a bit too much for its own good, but which still provides incredible opportunities for a large and varied cast (including Meryl Streep in her first feature film role). The film stumbles a bit in the narrative department, but the performances elevate this film to a level that its occasional faltering might have otherwise prevented. Gorgeously lensed by Douglas Slocombe, Julia's reach may exceed its grasp, and it may have a tenuous connection to the truth, but it's still a moving and remarkable film. Technical merits are first-rate, the Fonda commentary is consistently interesting, and Julia comes Highly recommended.