The Magnificent Ambersons Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Magnificent Ambersons" presents the film in its original 1.37:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, delivering a remarkable 1080p transfer. The restoration process, conducted in 4K resolution using a Lasergraphics Director film scanner from a 35mm nitrate fine-grain source, has meticulously addressed numerous instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps through MTI Films' DRS and Digital Vision's Phoenix tools. The level of detail achieved with grain and noise management combined with precise color correction under the guidance of Lee Kline/Criterion Post, New York is notable, resulting in a film that appears healthier and more balanced than any prior presentations.

The high-definition transfer showcases impressive clarity, contrast, gray-scale variance, and deep blacks that anchor the film's visual depth. Despite the grain being evident, it remains unobtrusive, adding to a film-like texture that enhances the nostalgic ambiance. Shadow delineation is effectively managed, particularly in darker indoor footage where previous editions have struggled. Although some fluctuations in density are noticeable during these sequences, the overall improvements are substantial and maintain the film’s organic appearance. Outdoor scenes fare better, with some looking practically flawless compared to their age. The presentation demonstrates an excellent stability throughout, preserving Welles’s artistic compositions and integrating varying cinematographers' styles seamlessly.

Overall, despite minor variances in quality during certain dark sequences reflective of limitations in surviving materials, this Blu-ray release stands as the definitive presentation of "The Magnificent Ambersons." The polished visual treatment coupled with attentive restoration work ensures that any remaining traces of fading are minimal and do not detract from the immersive viewing experience Criterion has crafted.

The Magnificent Ambersons Blu-ray release includes a single standard audio track: English LPCM Mono (48kHz, 24-bit), complemented by optional English SDH subtitles. The effort invested in stabilizing and balancing the audio is evident, ensuring a cohesive listening experience even when narration and dialogue may occasionally sound thinner. Despite traces of aging detectable in the upper register, overall clarity remains uncompromised, even at higher volumes. This careful preservation of fluidity addresses vulnerabilities common to many Orson Welles films, maintaining an enjoyable auditory experience.

The LPCM mono track has been remastered from a 35 mm print, effectively capturing the film's quiet yet impactful sound design. It adeptly handles the aural subtleties inherent in Welles’ purposeful use of sound. The track encompasses the dynamic range of Bernard Herrmann’s score without distortion, ensuring dialogue is intelligible whether uttered in whispers or hysteria. The remastering process successfully eliminates age-related hiss, pops, and crackle, preserving the integrity of dramatic silences and enhancing the overall listening experience.

In essence, while the monaural track is not perfect, its uncompressed PCM 1.0 presentation is more than adequate to complement the film’s visuals. Clear and discernible dialogue shines through, even amidst layered sequences or overlapping conversations. Any occasional hiss present is subtle and non-intrusive, ensuring a consistent and satisfactory audio performance that aligns well with the visual storytelling.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Magnificent Ambersons" offers a robust collection of extras that insightfully explore the film’s storied history, technical craftsmanship, and Welles’s turbulent experiences. Notable additions include two richly detailed commentaries that delve into the film’s drastic post-production changes and its stylistic elements. Interviews with scholars and biographers like Simon Callow and Joseph McBride uncover fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and analysis of Welles’ decisions and their impact on cinema. Unique features such as a 1925 silent adaptation and Welles's vintage radio plays offer historical context, while the examination of Bernard Herrmann's uncredited score adds depth to our understanding of the film’s intended emotional landscape.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: A vintage trailer for The Magnificent Ambersons.
• Simon Callow: Interview on Tarkington's novel and the film's impact on Welles.
• The Cinematographers: Visual essay by Francois Thomas on the film's evolving style.
• Orson Welles and Dick Cavett: Archival episode of The Dick Cavett Show featuring Orson Welles.
• Joseph McBride: Interview on RKO's editing decisions and Welles' Hollywood struggles.
• The Score: Essay by Christopher Husted on Bernard Herrmann’s altered score.
• Pampered Youth: Two-reel segment from David Smith's 1925 silent adaptation.
• Peter Bogdanovich Interviews: Audio excerpts from interviews about The Magnificent Ambersons.
• Radio Plays:
  • Seventeen
  • The Magnificent Ambersons
• Commentary One: Robert L. Carringer's 1985 commentary discussing RKO's changes.
• Commentary Two: James Naremore and Jonathan Rosenbaum discussing the film's conception and style.
• Booklet: Essays and excerpts from an unfinished memoir by Orson Welles.

Orson Welles' "The Magnificent Ambersons" (1942) is a classic example of a film that was tragically altered from its auteur's original vision, yet still possesses an enduring, if fragmented, poignancy. Originally intended as a dramatic exploration of societal change at the turn of the 20th century, the narrative unfolds through the decline of the aristocratic Amberson family, paralleling it with the rise of industrialization and the automobile. Despite Welles' masterful direction and narrative ambition, studio interference during World War II led RKO to excise approximately 50 minutes of footage, restructuring it to include a jarring, studio-mandated happy ending.

The film's technical accomplishments remain some of its most praised aspects. Welles' use of opulent, multi-story sets, and his characteristic long takes and intricate tracking shots deliver stunning cinematography that rivals his previous work in "Citizen Kane." The film opens with a meticulously crafted prologue that eloquently sets the stage and emotionally anchors the saga of the Ambersons. Scenes such as the early ballroom reception showcase the elegant and panoramic visuals Welles intended, yet these are often undermined by abrupt tonal shifts and uneven pacing introduced during post-production revisions.

One cannot overlook the impact of the stellar cast. Tim Holt’s portrayal of the egotistical George Minafer and Agnes Moorehead’s riveting performance as Aunt Fanny stand out, adding depth to characters that sometimes seem abandoned within the uneven narrative. Dolores Costello delivers a graceful but conflicted Isabel Amberson, whose lingering affection for Joseph Cotten’s stoic inventor, Eugene Morgan, enriches the film's thematic exploration of lost love and immutable change. Despite the structural and thematic disruptions caused by RKO’s edits, "The Magnificent Ambersons" remains an evocative—if flawed—testament to Welles' ingenuity and his ability to poignantly capture the inexorable march of progress and its human toll.

The film's woeful production history and surviving fragmented brilliance invite a bittersweet appreciation and ongoing speculation about what might have been, making it a fascinating study for cinephiles and scholars alike.

"The Magnificent Ambersons," directed by Orson Welles, stands as both a testament to potential unfulfilled and a fragmented work of cinematic brilliance. The film, an adaptation of Booth Tarkington’s novel, showcases Welles's directorial prowess in numerous segments that are artistically rich and narratively compelling. However, the extensive studio interference and editing at RKO have undeniably altered its tone and direction, imparting a distinct divergence from Welles's original vision. Despite these modifications, the surviving version of the film remains a poignant chronicle of a wealthy family's decline during the Gilded Age, cementing its place in cinema history as a profound "what if" story.

Criterion's Blu-ray release leverages a robust 4K restoration that significantly enhances the film's visual acuity and audio clarity. This release is meticulously crafted, featuring lavish packaging and a trove of supplementary materials that provide contextual depth and appreciation for the film. Noteworthy among these extras is a 60-page booklet filled with insightful essays and detailed analyses which aid in understanding both the film we have and the one Welles envisioned. This edition serves not only as an excellent tribute to Welles' incomplete masterpiece but also as a crucial tool for film enthusiasts striving to comprehend the full scope of its artistic and historical significance.

Conclusion:
The Criterion collection's Blu-ray release of "The Magnificent Ambersons" expertly balances reverence for the extant film with an acknowledgment of its truncated legacy. While Welles’ intended masterpiece remains elusive, this release provides critical appreciation through high-quality restoration and comprehensive supplemental content. It is an indispensable addition for film connoisseurs and an opportunity to experience a significant, albeit altered, piece of cinematic history. Highly recommended.