The Girlfriends Blu-ray Review

Presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Michelangelo Antonioni's Le Amiche arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer by Criterion. This release stems from a 2008 2K restoration of the 35mm original camera negative, supervised by film historian Carlo Di Carlo and undertaken by L'Immagine Ritrovata. The restoration, funded by Gucci and The Film Foundation, features a remastered original monaural soundtrack from a 35mm optical soundtrack positive. Image quality is impressively consistent, with depth and clarity well-maintained throughout, though minor digital rebalancing was applied. Key comparisons show no notable differences between this and Eureka Entertainment’s release, both utilizing the same restoration.

Overall, the image quality is commendable. Fried from the significant issues that plagued the old R1 DVD release, this Blu-ray presents improved fluidity and stable contrast levels, showcasing nuanced grays, whites, and lush blacks. The 35mm source print exhibits a light layer of grain, preserving textures in faces, locations, and the film’s stylish wardrobe choices. While some scenes lean towards softness, clarity remains strong without veering into artificial sharpness or heavy artifacts. The grayscale is well-balanced with natural whites, but occasionally black levels appear slightly light.

Though not the most striking black-and-white Blu-ray from its era, Le Amiche delivers an authentic and clean presentation. There are no significant damage marks or distracting artifacts visible in the image. Image stability is excellent, with no large damage marks, cuts, debris, stains, or torn frames to detract from the viewing experience. For those equipped with a Region-A or Region-Free player, this release provides an admirable exhibition of Antonioni’s developing cinematic style.

The Blu-ray release of "The Girlfriends" exclusively features an Italian LPCM 1.0 audio track, supplemented with optional English subtitles. The dialogue emerges with exceptional clarity and stability, ensuring a consistently comprehensible auditory experience. Despite the single-channel format, the audio doesn't suffer from notable limitations, presenting Giovanni Fusco's score effectively when it occasionally widens the sonic landscape. Importantly, there are no disruptions such as pops, audio dropouts, or digital distortions, which speaks volumes about the quality of this restoration.

In terms of overall audio presentation, the track retains solid fidelity for its age. Ambient sounds such as crashing waves and passing vehicles provide a commendable presence, adding a subtle atmospheric depth. Although dynamic range is relatively modest and aligned with expectations for a mono track from this era, it remains quite proficient in delivering a full, clean sound without age-related imbalances or artifacts. The technical implementation here is consistent with high standards, making the audio presentation a notable attribute of this release.

The Blu-ray release of "The Girlfriends" features a robust selection of extras that delve into the film's thematic depth and historical context. Film scholars David Forgacs and Karen Pinkus offer insightful commentary on the recurring themes in Michelangelo Antonioni's work, discussing alienation, class, and relationships in the 1955 film, "Le Amiche." Their interview also touches upon how Antonioni's visual style and narrative choices reflect broader societal changes in Italy. Additionally, Eugenia Paulicelli explores the significant role of fashion in the director's films and how it shaped Italy's post-war image internationally. These interviews, recorded in New York in 2016, provide valuable perspectives on both the film and its cultural backdrop. Furthermore, an illustrated leaflet featuring Tony Pipolo’s essay gives a comprehensive overview of the movie’s Italian stylistic elements.

Extras included in this disc:

• David Forgacs and Karen Pinkus: Scholars discuss the film's themes, visual style, and societal context.
• Eugenia Paulicelli: Analysis of the importance of fashion in Antonioni's work and its cultural implications.
• Leaflet: Illustrated essay by Tony Pipolo on "Friends - Italian Style."

Michelangelo Antonioni's "Le Amiche" (The Girlfriends) on Blu-ray Review

Michelangelo Antonioni's 1955 film "Le Amiche" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, presenting a pivotal work in the director's early career. Centered on Clelia (Eleonora Rossi Drago), an ambitious woman who returns to Turin to manage a chic fashion house, the plot unravels around her entanglement with a group of affluent women, each grappling with their own romantic and existential crises. The narrative kicks off with Clelia discovering an unconscious Rosetta (Madeleine Fischer), leading to a deeper exploration of their intertwined lives. Antonioni deftly examines the superficiality and dissatisfaction permeating their relationships, all while maintaining a tonal balance between traditional melodrama and hints of modernist aesthetics that would define his later works.

The film serves as a vital touchpoint in Antonioni's oeuvre, showcasing his evolving cinematic style. While the plot may initially seem conventional, it subtly incorporates existential themes and complicated character dynamics, reflecting societal roles and romantic dependencies. "Le Amiche" oscillates between moments of breezy interactions and underlying tragic loneliness, providing a textured exploration of its protagonists' inner lives. Notably, the film's visual style hints at the more abstract techniques Antonioni would later perfect: meticulous blocking, deliberate camera movements, and the strategic use of architectural elements emphasize emotional beats and transitions.

In conclusion, "Le Amiche" stands out not only as a compelling drama but also as an essential piece within Antonioni’s filmography. Its narrative complexity and visual sophistication provide insights into his burgeoning modernist style. This Blu-ray release is enhanced with insightful supplementary features and careful restoration, making it a valuable addition for both casual enthusiasts and devoted cinephiles.

Michelangelo Antonioni's "Le Amiche" emerges as a striking fusion of conventional melodrama and the nascent experimentalism that would define his later works. The film's exploration of relationships amidst post-war societal shifts is both perceptive and enduringly relevant. Criterion's Blu-ray presentation of "Le Amiche," derived from the 2008 restoration funded by Gucci and The Film Foundation, delivers a meticulously authentic visual and auditory experience. The restored high-definition transfer is stunning, preserving the film’s deliberate compositions and nuanced black-and-white cinematography with remarkable clarity and depth. Audio quality is equally robust, ensuring dialogues and ambient soundscapes remain pristine throughout the viewing experience.

While lacking the extensive array of supplements typical of Criterion releases, this edition includes interviews that offer valuable insights into the film's production and thematic undercurrents. These features, though limited, enhance the viewer's appreciation of Antonioni’s early artistic vision and the socio-cultural commentary embedded within the narrative. This release may not achieve the exhaustive extras found in other Criterion collections, but the available content effectively contextualizes the film within Antonioni’s oeuvre and the broader cinematic landscape of the period.

Without a doubt, "Le Amiche" stands as a testament to Antonioni's evolving genius. It provides a compelling look at post-war Italian society through a sophisticated lens that was ahead of its time. Criterion’s Blu-ray, anchored by the impressive 2008 restoration, ensures that this stylish and forward-thinking film can be enjoyed in its full glory by contemporary audiences. Highly recommended for both aficionados of Antonioni and those new to his groundbreaking work.