Babette's Feast Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of Gabriel Axel's "Babette's Feast," brought to us by Criterion, is an exemplary display of digital restoration and transfer work. Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the film is granted a 1080p transfer that evidences meticulous attention to detail. The restoration process, undertaken in 2K resolution using an ARRISCAN film scanner from the original 35mm camera negative, involved manually removing thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, splices, and warps. The efforts of transfer supervisor Lee Kline and colorist Lee Cline are evident in the final product, with Image Systems' Phoenix software employed for fine adjustments such as grain and noise reduction, jitter stabilization, and flicker minimization.

From a technical perspective, the transfer is a resounding success. The level of detail is impressive, particularly in close-ups which exhibit excellent depth and clarity. Outdoor scenes benefit from natural light that enhances fluidity while maintaining stable contrast levels. The color reproduction is pleasing, though there is a slight elevation in reds and browns that may have been artistically intended. Notably, there is no evidence of problematic degraining corrections or edge-enhancement issues, which often mar lesser transfers. Image stability remains consistently excellent, and there are no detectable cuts, damage marks, or debris throughout.

The muted color palette aligns wonderfully with the film's rural setting and stark interiors, yet the flashback scenes burst with more vibrant hues. Black levels are robust, providing good density without sacrificing shadow detail, and fleshtones appear natural and stable. Though the image maintains a soothing naturalness with a slight diffusion that suits the film’s mood, it does exhibit occasional minor softness. Overall, the Blu-ray release of "Babette's Feast" represents a significant upgrade over previous versions, deftly balancing technical prowess with the film’s aesthetic integrity to deliver a visually rewarding experience for cinephiles and casual viewers alike.

The Blu-ray release of "Babette's Feast" features a single audio track: Danish DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, with portions in French and Swedish. Criterion has included optional English subtitles for the main feature, ensuring accessibility for non-Danish speakers. The dialogue is consistently crisp, clean, and stable, an indication that the audio has been meticulously remastered at 24-bit from the 35mm optical soundtrack negative. This thorough restoration results in a pristine track, free from background hiss, pops, and crackles that might typically mar older audio recordings.

The nuanced and clear audio presentation enhances the subtle atmosphere of the film. Although the dynamic range is limited due to the film’s lack of action scenes and subdued music score by Per Norgaard, the audio fidelity remains palpably rich. All sounds are anchored in the front channels, providing a full-bodied experience that does not require flashy surround effects. Notable atmospheric elements such as sea breezes and gentle tides are well integrated, while delicate accents, including clinking silverware, the pop of a champagne cork, and stovetop simmering, are rendered cleanly and precisely.

Dialogue remains well-prioritized throughout the film, complemented by an authoritative yet unobtrusive overdubbed narration. The hymn-singing sequences particularly benefit from the track's tonal depth, adding a resonant quality that enriches the viewing experience. Overall, this audio presentation, while understated, is expertly crafted to seamlessly support the visual narrative of "Babette's Feast," contributing significantly to its immersive atmosphere.

The Blu-ray extras for "Babette's Feast" offer an impressive and enriching array of supplemental materials. These features delve into the artistic, historical, and cultural aspects of the film, providing both new and seasoned viewers with an in-depth understanding of the movie's production and its thematic essence. Key highlights include an engaging interview with director Gabriel Axel who details the film’s challenging 15-year journey to screen, and a reflective conversation with actress Stéphane Audran on her role and experiences. Additionally, a comprehensive documentary profiles author Karen Blixen, while a thought-provoking visual essay draws connections between the author’s life and the film’s narrative. Crucially, these extras are presented in high definition (1080p) with optional subtitles, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: Original U.S. trailer for "Babette’s Feast" from Orion Classics.
• Gabriel Axel: Director Axel recounts the film’s creation process and inspirations.
• Stéphane Audran: The actress discusses her role and filming experiences.
• Table Scraps: Visual essay on Karen Blixen’s influence on the film, narrated by Lori Singer.
• Karen Blixen - Storyteller: Documentary on Blixen’s life and legacy.
• An Artist of the Everyday: Interview with sociologist Priscilla Parkhurst Ferguson on French cuisine.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Mark Le Fanu and Blixen's 1950 story.

Gabriel Axel's 1987 adaptation of Isak Dinesen's "Babette's Feast" elegantly brings to life a simple yet profound story of sacrifice, transformation, and the joy of indulgence. Set in the austere yet picturesque Danish village near the Jutland Coast during the mid-1800s, the narrative follows French refugee Babette Hersant’s journey after seeking refuge with two devout sisters, Philippa and Martine. Having lost her family in the revolution, Babette immerses herself in serving these kind women by performing household chores, particularly excelling in the kitchen. The film takes an unexpectedly uplifting turn when Babette wins a lottery and chooses to spend her winnings on an elaborate French banquet in honor of the sisters' deceased father, challenging the villagers' austere ways and revealing the depth of her gratitude and artistry.

Axel’s directorial finesse shines as he dances between themes of spirituality, austerity, and indulgence. Stéphane Audran delivers a masterful performance as Babette, capturing her inner fortitude and artistic passion. The supporting cast, including Birgitte Federspiel and Bodil Kjer as the spinster sisters, add depth to this quiet yet transformative tale. The cinematography by Henning Kristiansen enhances the period setting's stark beauty while accentuating the lush, sensory feast prepared by Babette. Comparisons to other food-centric films like Marco Ferreri's "La Grande Bouffe" and Lasse Hallström's "Chocolat" are inevitable; yet, "Babette's Feast" stands out for its delicate balance of satire and intimacy, showcasing the transformative power of food in not just nourishing the body but enriching the spirit.

Particularly captivating are the feast scenes, where Axel meticulously portrays various culinary delights—from stuffed quail en croute to turtle soup—each dish inciting a Pavlovian response and articulating a profound expression of art and generosity. Such scenes affirm food as a conduit for emotional and spiritual revelation. Despite a lengthy prologue and occasional overindulgence in hymn-singing, "Babette's Feast" wins hearts with its sheer simplicity and heartfelt message. The Blu-ray presentation by Criterion ensures this classic is preserved in immaculate quality, featuring a host of insightful supplemental materials that deepen one's understanding of this cinematic gem. The delightful blend of performance, direction, and thematic richness makes "Babette’s Feast" an enduring feast for both the eyes and soul.

Babette's Feast, directed by Danish filmmaker Gabriel Axel and adapted from Isak Dinesen's short story, is a cinematic gem that radiates elegance and humanity. The film beautifully explores interpersonal relationships and the transformative power of art and generosity through its tender narrative and lush depiction of gourmet cuisine. Criterion's Blu-ray treatment significantly enhances this already exquisite film. With a meticulously restored video transfer that brings out the richness of the Danish landscape and culinary artistry, it provides viewers a nearly tactile experience.

Criterion’s presentation also impresses with its robust audio quality, ensuring that viewers can fully appreciate both the quiet dialogues and the film's understated score. In addition to the technical finesse, the array of supplemental features included in this release deepens the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film. These features include insightful commentaries, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content that offer a comprehensive look into the making of this Oscar-winning masterpiece.

I think that it is absolutely impossible not to like Danish director Gabriel Axel's Babette's Feast. It is a simple and very elegant film with plenty to say about the way people treat each other. For viewers currently on a diet, it could also be a very dangerous film. Criterion's technical presentation of Babette's Feast is very good. Also included on this upcoming Blu-ray release are a number of excellent supplemental features. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.