Master of the House Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of Carl Theodor Dreyer's "Master of the House" boasts a 1080i transfer encoded via MPEG-4 AVC, with a 1.39:1 aspect ratio. Utilizing a thorough 2K digital restoration, painstaking care was taken to clean image artifacts, stabilize frames, and maintain the film's original flicker. This meticulous effort has resulted in a generally pleasing visual experience despite inherent limitations of the century-old source materials.

The restoration, carried out at Digital Film Lab in Copenhagen, managed to preserve significant image fidelity. Detail and clarity are laudable, with sharp delineation in costumes, facial textures, and household furnishings. While some density fluctuations and minor scratches persist, they do not detract substantially from the viewing experience. Furthermore, the film’s grain structure has been largely retained, offering an authentic and organic look, though it remains uneven due to the varied quality of source elements.

Overall, contrast levels are well-balanced, delivering vivid black levels and rich gradations. The stability of the image is markedly improved, with minimal frame jumps or transitions that would distract viewers. Despite minor overexposure in certain scenes producing mildly blown-out whites, the film's overall depth and dimensionality shine through. Criterion's restoration presents "Master of the House" as an impressively stable and visually engaging piece, showcasing Dreyer's artistry in high definition for a modern audience.

The sole audio track on this Blu-ray release of "Master of the House" is an LPCM 2.0 stereo mix. Crafted from a 2004 recording featuring pianist Sara Davis Buechner, the score was originally composed by Gillian B. Anderson and meticulously reconstructed from musical cues used during the film's premiere. Presented in a lossless format, the audio quality is outstanding, highlighting lush and well-rounded piano themes. The balance of the mix is excellent with no detectable audio dropouts, pops, or digital distortions.

The soundstage is particularly noteworthy, offering a wide and welcoming auditory environment that significantly enhances the viewing experience. Although the dynamic range is inherently limited, this constraint is understandable given the historical context of the score. Each piano key is precise and distinct, contributing to a clean and detailed sonic presentation. The LPCM 2.0 track remains warm and imbues the visuals with an impressive sense of presence, making it a fitting accompaniment to the film.

The Blu-ray edition of "Master of the House" by Criterion provides an in-depth exploration of Carl Theodor Dreyer's work through well-curated extras. Casper Tybjerg's interview delves into the film's feminist overtones, the unique qualities of Dreyer's cinematic legacy, and differences in intertitles. This discussion, conducted exclusively for Criterion, enriches viewers' understanding of the film's historical backdrop and artistic vision. Additionally, David Bordwell's visual essay offers an extensive analysis of Dreyer's directorial style, focusing on the evolution of his technique, particularly in editing and camera movement. These extras are complemented by an illustrated booklet featuring an essay by Mark Le Fanu titled "In the Corner."

Extras included in this disc:

• Interview with Casper Tybjerg: Danish film historian discusses the cinematic legacy of Carl Theodor Dreyer and the unique qualities of "Master of the House."
• Visual Essay by David Bordwell: Film scholar analyzes the production history and Dreyer's directing style evolution.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring Mark Le Fanu's essay "In the Corner."

Carl Theodor Dreyer’s "Master of the House" (Du skal ære din hustru, 1925) is a compelling cinematic work that deftly combines sociopolitical realism with popular melodrama. Structured as a domestic comedy, it delves into the psychological intricacies of early 20th-century gender roles. The narrative revolves around Viktor Frandsen (Johannes Meyer), a tyrannical husband and father whose oppressive behavior causes significant strife within his household. His wife, Ida (Astrid Holm), and children suffer under his unreasonable demands until an elderly maid, Mads (Mathilde Nielsen), intervenes. She sends Ida back to her mother and feigns her serious illness, thus forcing Viktor to navigate his daily life independently. The result is a poignant transformation as Viktor learns to appreciate his wife's substantial contributions, evolving from a despicable figure into a remorseful one.

Dreyer's directorial prowess is evident through his meticulous visual style and narrative construction. Employing techniques reminiscent of Yasujiro Ozu’s focus on everyday objects and the German kammerspiel’s minimalist, naturalistic style, Dreyer captures the domestic setting with subtle precision. By emphasizing the mundane routines and emotional turmoil experienced by the wife and children, while gradually exposing Viktor’s depersonalized cruelty, Dreyer masterfully lulls the audience into a sense of normalcy before revealing the profound emotional abuse underlying these interactions. This astute presentation allows for a powerful examination of societal norms and the evolving discourse on gender equality during feminism’s first wave.

"Master of the House" remains a reflective piece on human relationships and social expectations. This Criterion release of Dreyer's work features new English intertitles sourced from the original Danish version and includes a new reconstruction of the original score by composer Gillian B. Anderson and Jim Luke. The film's critical examination of gender roles, combined with Dreyer's unique cinematic technique, creates a timeless narrative that continues to resonate with modern audiences, highlighting the inherent value and struggles within domestic life.

Carl Theodor Dreyer’s "Master of the House" is a striking exemplar of the early 20th-century cinema, blending sociopolitical realism with melodramatic narrative in a way that elevates the film to avant-garde status. Known primarily for his later masterpieces, Dreyer’s adept mastery of the camera is fully showcased here. This Blu-ray release from The Criterion Collection meticulously preserves the visual integrity of the original film, thanks to an impressive 2K restoration that brings Dreyer’s unique visual style to life. The high-definition transfer exhibits excellent picture quality, making this silent film a visually stunning experience on modern screens.

The audio presentation complements the visual with a strong, clear track that respects the film's silent nature while enhancing the overall viewing experience. Although the supplemental content is not extensive, it remains insightful and adds to the appreciation of Dreyer’s craft and the film’s historical context. The material included provides worthwhile background, helping to understand both Dreyer’s influence on later filmmakers like Lars von Trier, as evidenced by structural similarities to films such as "Dogville," and the atmospheric parallels to Japanese director Yasujiro Ozu’s work.

In conclusion, "Master of the House" is not only a compelling piece of cinematic history but also a testament to Dreyer's timeless influence on world cinema. The Criterion Collection’s Blu-ray release is a triumph of preservation and presentation, making this a highly recommended addition for any cinephile or collector. Whether you are familiar with Dreyer’s oeuvre or discovering his work for the first time, this release offers a comprehensive and engaging viewing experience that underscores why Criterion remains a cornerstone for world-class cinema appreciation. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.