Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.85:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Pedro Almodóvar's "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" receives a stellar 1080p transfer courtesy of StudioCanal. The film has undergone a recent 2K restoration by French label TF1, enhancing overall image quality remarkably. The improvements over the previous R1 DVD release from Sony's Viva Pedro: The Almodóvar Collection box set are notably dramatic. Key enhancements include exceptional color depth and saturation, which bring out the unique stylistic nuances of Almodóvar’s collaboration with cinematographer José Luis Alcaine. The grain is finely preserved, never appearing smeared or frozen, with no visible sharpening artifacts. Image stability is consistently excellent, with debris, cuts, damage marks, stains, and other age-related imperfections effectively removed.

The faithful recreation of the film’s original 1.85:1 theatrical aspect ratio, combined with the AVC codec in this 1080p transfer, ensures that the film’s bright and bold color palette is stunningly reproduced. Reds appear particularly vivid yet controlled, avoiding any undesirable blooming, while skin tones maintain a natural appearance. Sharpness is a standout element of this transfer, achieving a high degree of clarity without compromising the film’s grain structure, thereby delivering a truly film-like image. Contrast levels are exceptional, enhancing black levels to be rich and deep. White English subtitles are clear and easy to read. Notably, the film has been divided into 16 chapters for convenient navigation.

Note: This Blu-ray release is Region-B locked, requiring a native Region-B or Region-Free player for access.

The Blu-ray release of "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" includes two notable audio tracks: Spanish LPCM 2.0 and Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1. Both tracks provide a thoroughly enhanced auditory experience, ensuring a pleasurable viewing experience devoid of any age-related audio impairments such as hiss, crackle, or flutter. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, in particular, offers a more immersive sound experience, though it is worth noting that ambient sounds do not significantly benefit from the added channels. English subtitles are included for non-Spanish speakers, maintaining fidelity to the film’s original language.

Upon engaging with the Spanish LPCM 2.0 track, the remarkable clarity and depth of the remastering process become immediately apparent from the very beginning of the film. This track appears to have undergone precise balance enhancements, effectively eliminating previously noted inconsistencies present in earlier releases, such as those found on the R1 DVD edition. Viewers will find no pops, cracks, audio dropouts, or digital distortions in this meticulously cleaned-up audio presentation.

Soundtracks featuring original compositions by Bernardo Bonezzi and classical pieces like “Scheherazade” and “Malagueña” benefit significantly from these audio improvements, delivering a rich and detailed sound quality that accentuates the auditory elements of the film. While the disc’s stereo and surround capabilities do not radically enhance ambient noise realism, the pristine restoration of musical tracks and dialogues presents a significant improvement, providing a coherent and pleasing auditory experience irrespective of the chosen audio track.

The Extras for the Blu Ray of "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" offer a comprehensive exploration of the film through insightful interviews and unique perspectives. Each featurette dives deeply into the production, thematic elements, and the impact of the film. Notable inclusions are the personal reflections from Pedro Almodóvar, who explains his inspirations and stylistic choices, and actress Carmen Maura, highlighting the significance of her role. The inclusion of a thought-provoking essay by Elvira Lindo enriches the experience further, providing nuanced analysis consistent with the film's legacy. These extras not only celebrate the achievements of this seminal film but also provide valuable context for both new viewers and long-time fans.

Extras included in this disc:

• Introduction: A filmed introduction by film historian Jose Arroyo.
• Around Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown: Interviews with cast members and director Pedro Almodóvar.
• Pedro Almodóvar Interview: 2016 interview with the filmmaker discussing the film's story and creative aspects.
• Carmen Maura Interview: 2016 interview with the actress reflecting on her career and role in the film.
• Agustin Almodóvar Interview: Discussion on his collaborative work with his brother and their filmmaking techniques.
• Richard Peña Interview: Reflection on the film's presentation at the New York Film Festival.
• Theatrical Trailer
• Enclosed Pamphlet: Cast and crew list, information on audio and video transfer, essay by Elvira Lindo.

Pedro Almodovar's "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" stands out as a landmark in his career, solidifying his status among Europe's elite directors. This 1988 film, nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, blends slapstick farce with serious undertones, presenting a screwball dramedy that captures viewers with its brilliantly scripted narrative. The movie’s vibrant and evocative storytelling revolves around Pepa (Carmen Maura), a woman grappling with heartbreak and existential angst after being abandoned by her lover, Ivan (Fernando Guillén). Faced with extreme emotional turmoil, she oscillates between self-destructive impulses and assertive confrontations, resulting in a riveting and colorful cinematic journey.

Almodovar masterfully deconstructs the female psyche here, presenting vulnerabilities without resorting to clichéd portrayals, thereby embracing genuine human experiences. The plot thickens with characters like Pepa’s frantic friend Candela (María Barranco), who entangles her in a terrorist plot, and Ivan’s unstable ex-wife Lucia (Julieta Serrano), creating a whirlwind of comedic chaos and intense drama. The ensemble, also featuring Antonio Banderas as Ivan’s son Carlos, delivers performances that are both hilariously exaggerated and deeply affecting. The interplay of these richly detailed personas against the backdrop of Almodovar’s dynamic visual and narrative style results in an unpredictable and captivating viewing experience.

Shot with regular cinematographer José Luis Alcaine, the film’s striking use of color and light enhances its thematic depth and visual appeal. Scenes are dotted with homages to classic cinema, adding layers of intertextuality that cinephiles will appreciate. The film is punctuated by innovative visual motifs like extreme close-ups, frenetic chases, and comedic set-pieces that keep audiences hooked. By portraying ordinary women navigating extraordinary circumstances, Almodovar crafts a feminist narrative that is both entertaining and profoundly insightful.

Pedro Almodovar's iconic film, "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown," is an essential addition to any cinephile's collection, showcasing his unparalleled flair for combining brittle farce with dramatic tension. The recent 2K restoration by French label TF1 presents the film in high-definition, and it’s a visual treat. The Blu-ray box set from StudioCanal not only offers a stunning presentation of this classic but also includes five additional early films from Almodovar, elevating this edition to a must-have for fans and newcomers alike.

The high-definition transfer is meticulously detailed, rendering the film with rich colors and sharp contrasts that breathe new life into Almodovar's vibrant aesthetic. The audio quality, consistent with the visual upgrade, ensures an immersive experience that faithfully reproduces the film's original atmospheric soundscapes. The restoration work allows viewers to appreciate the intricacies of Almodovar’s direction and the exceptional performances from the cast.

Overall, "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" remains a timeless masterpiece in Almodovar’s oeuvre. This Blu-ray edition is highly recommended for its superb restoration and essential inclusion in any serious film collection. Whether revisiting this gem or discovering it for the first time, this release is a definitive way to experience Almodovar's unforgettable cinematic vision.