Autumn in New York Blu-ray Review

MVD Visual's presentation of "Autumn in New York" on Blu-ray features an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 1.85:1 aspect ratio under their MVD Marquee imprint. This transfer boasts a generally respectable quality, especially considering that MGM, the studio responsible, is not particularly renowned for its curatorial high-definition endeavors. There are indications that this may be sourced from an older master rather than a recent restoration. The image tends to exhibit a somewhat gray undertone that impacts the palette's otherwise natural appearance. Additionally, the grain appears coarse at times but is overall managed satisfactorily without major disruptions.

In terms of visuals, "Autumn in New York" delights with its seasonally appropriate aesthetic, showcasing fall foliage and urban settings that deliver commendable detail levels. Cinematographer Anastas Michos’s choices enhance the scenic quality of the film, with detailed and vivid depictions of New York’s autumnal beauty. Director Joan Chen's preference for close-up shots of the film’s primary stars allows for the utilization of fine detail, which is particularly well-executed in these intimate moments. Despite some inherent limitations of an older master, the overall video presentation retains a degree of clarity and scenic charm that aligns well with the film’s thematic ambiance.

This Blu-ray release demonstrates a balance between technical fidelity and aesthetic pleasure. While there may be areas where a newer master could have provided refinements, the existing transfer sufficiently captures the cinematic essence of “Autumn in New York.” Improvements in tonal balance and fine grain handling could enhance future iterations, yet this edition stands as a competent representation of the film's picturesque qualities.

The Blu-ray release of "Autumn in New York" comes with an LPCM stereo mix and a lossy Dolby Digital 5.1 version, catering to different audio preferences. The film's audio design, predominantly dialogue-driven, is punctuated by several notable source cues, including the titular Vernon Duke standard. The Dolby Digital 5.1 track introduces a sense of spatial immersion, effectively capturing the ambiance of New York City and lively scenes such as crowded parties. However, the LPCM 2.0 track proves to be a robust alternative, delivering a richer midrange and more substantial low-end presence.

Dialogue, musical score, and sound effects are rendered with clarity and precision across both formats, ensuring a viewer experience free from audio artifacts or distortions. The surround sound mix offers a wider auditory landscape for those seeking enhanced immersion, yet the stereo mix holds its ground with its commendable fullness and balanced soundstage. This dual audio offering ensures that viewers can enjoy the film's auditory elements in a manner that best suits their setup and personal preference.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "Autumn in New York" offer a decent, though not exhaustive, array of supplemental features that provide added value to the release. The Gallery is presented in 1080i and advances automatically, necessitating the use of a remote for pausing on specific images. The Trailers feature includes content both from "Autumn in New York" and other MVD releases, with some intriguing alternate takes not found in the final cut of the movie.

Extras included in this disc:

Gallery: Automatically advancing images in 1080i format.

Trailers: Includes "Autumn in New York" trailer and previews of other MVD releases, featuring alternate takes.

"Autumn in New York" takes inspiration from various romantic tropes and classic films, creating a narrative that intertwines terminal illness, age differences, and rediscovered connections. A nod to "Love Story," the film centers around restaurateur and womanizer Will Keane (Richard Gere), who unexpectedly falls for Charlotte Fielding (Winona Ryder), a much younger woman with a terminal illness, and significantly the daughter of an old flame of Will's. Joan Chen's direction attempts to blend elements of both contemporary and classic romance narratives, but the efforts are somewhat uneven and overburdened with subplots.

Early in the film, Charlotte's health condition is revealed without much prelude, contrasting sharply with the traditional prolonged dramatic buildup seen in similar stories. This sets a tone that is often disrupted by the introduction of multiple subplots, including those involving Will's estranged daughter Lisa Tyler (Vera Farmiga) and Charlotte's grandmother Dolly Talbot (Elaine Stritch). The narrative sometimes struggles to maintain coherence with the added layers of familial complexities and melodrama. Additionally, while the screenplay by Allison Burnett punctuates moments with wry humor, it often becomes weighed down by its own attempts at emotional gravity.

Joan Chen's directorial approach occasionally misfires, particularly towards the film's conclusion. The climactic portrayal of Charlotte's demise, emphasized by J.K. Simmons' character casting aside his surgical mask in despair, teeters on melodramatic excess. The subsequent closing scenes, which feature Will bonding with his newborn grandson under the implication of a newly found familial connection, seem incongruous in tone to the preceding emotional turmoil. Overall, "Autumn in New York" is an ambitious yet uneven amalgamation of familiar romantic themes, striving to elicit deep emotions but often undermined by its structural and tonal inconsistencies.

MVD Marquee Classics brings Autumn in New York to Blu-ray, showcasing an impressive visual presentation with a rich color palette and deep black levels. The contrast is superb, with crisp and clear images that bring out beautifully bright skies and accurate flesh tones. Indoor and outdoor scenes exhibit great depth and rich textures, especially noticeable during close-ups of the characters, resulting in a visually engaging experience. Additionally, the release includes four audio tracks: English 2.0 LPCM 2.0 and English, Spanish, and French 5.1 Dolby Digital. The English tracks deliver a pleasant and mellow auditory experience, with no detectable audio issues such as dropouts or hiss.

While the Blu-ray’s technical merits are commendable, with optional French and Spanish subtitles available for all audio tracks, the disc falls short in the special features department. The extras are limited to a photo gallery and trailers for Autumn in New York along with other films like Barbershop and Beauty Shop. This minimalist approach to special features might disappoint those looking for behind-the-scenes insights or additional content.

In conclusion, Autumn in New York on Blu-ray offers a satisfying visual and auditory presentation that enhances the viewing experience. However, the film itself can be somewhat jaded with its clichéd storyline and overly ambitious emotional scope. Despite these narrative drawbacks, the technical quality of the release makes it a worthy consideration for fans or collectors.