All About Eve Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of "All About Eve" on Blu-ray is superb, offering a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that revitalizes the classic film with remarkable clarity and detail. The restoration process is evident, presenting an image free from debris and damage, with only an occasional white fleck, which is negligible. Director Joseph Mankiewicz's use of light and shadow is accentuated in this transfer, showcasing deep blacks, crisp whites, and finely graduated grays. While sharpness varies—likely due to the original filming techniques—close-ups, especially of female actors, demonstrate a softer focus that conceals finer details like pores or wrinkles. The Blu-ray benefits from being seated on a dual-layer 50 GB disc, thus avoiding any compression artifacts or encode issues. Compared to the DVD version, this Blu-ray offers improved image fidelity, rendering textures and fabric details with exceptional clarity.

The heightened clarity of Blu-ray also uncovers some inherent focus issues in the source material. Certain scenes with multiple actors display varying degrees of sharpness, particularly noticeable in the initial dressing room sequence. However, these slight focus irregularities are a product of the original filming rather than the transfer process. This Blu-ray edition surpasses its meticulous DVD predecessor by amplifying contrast, ensuring more vibrant and engaging visuals. The image enjoys enhanced depth and texture, with richer grain that's reduced yet still akin to celluloid. The black levels are deep and inky, particularly benefiting darker costumes and tuxedos, while whites remain stable and true. Despite a few minor marks that can be spotted only under scrutinizing observation, the Blu-ray presentation of "All About Eve" is an undeniable upgrade from its DVD counterpart. Fans of the film will appreciate the elevation in visual quality and should find this release a worthy addition to their collection.

The audio presentation of the "All About Eve" Blu Ray offers a thoughtfully adapted DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Audiophiles and purists will appreciate that this expansion from the original mono mix refrains from introducing any distracting new cross-channel effects or unnatural panning. Instead, the additional speakers subtly enhance Alfred Newman's score, preserving its mid-century authenticity while significantly improving clarity and dynamic presence. The majority of the sound remains dominated by the front channels, with precise and balanced dialogue that is devoid of hisses, pops, or drop-outs, ensuring every witty exchange is appreciable.

Moreover, the audio track’s fidelity has been markedly improved, presenting a brighter and clearer soundscape with an impressive dynamic range and no distortion. Although there is a slight hiss noticeable during quiet moments, it is non-intrusive and does not affect the overall experience. The score by Alfred Newman exhibits a robust presence and fills the room effectively, albeit without any extravagant use of bass or surround effects, which matches the film’s primarily interior, drawing-room setting. Additionally, there's a provided Isolated Score Track in DTS 5.1 for those who want to delve deeper into Newman's intricate compositions. Overall, this audio enhancement helps in maintaining the classic essence of the film while catering to modern expectations.

The Blu-ray release of All About Eve boasts an extensive collection of extras, drawing from previous DVD editions to craft a rich and engaging experience for fans. The inclusion of two comprehensive commentary tracks offers in-depth perspectives on the film, its director, and cast members. The first features Celeste Holm, Ken Geist, and Christopher Mankiewicz, delivering a mix of personal anecdotes and scholarly insights. The second, by Sam Staggs, dives deep into the film’s production and behind-the-scenes stories. Several featurettes spotlight Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s career and the fascinating real-life tale that inspired the film’s plot. Vintage promotions and newsreels add a nostalgic touch, rounding out a package that thoroughly explores the film’s impact and legacy.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentaries: Two tracks featuring insightful analysis and personal anecdotes from key figures associated with the film.
• Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz: Examination of Mankiewicz's career with interviews and film clips.
• Joseph L. Mankiewicz: A Personal Journey: Biographical featurette focusing on the director's personal life and career.
• The Real Eve: Featurette detailing the true story behind the script.
• The Secret of Sarah Siddons: Insight into the real society named after the 18th-century actress.
• AMC Backstory: All About Eve: Making-of documentary with vintage interviews and production details.
• Vintage Promotions: Retro promotional clips.
• Fox MovieTone News: Collection of vintage newsreels about the film.
• Isolated Score Track 5.1 DTS: Option to listen to the film’s score independently.
• Theatrical Trailer: Original trailer promoting the film post-Oscar wins.

"All About Eve" is a cinematic masterpiece that stands the test of time, weaving a tale of ambition, manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of stardom through some of the most memorable characters in film history. Bette Davis delivers a career-defining performance as Margo Channing, a seasoned theater star grappling with the insecurities of aging amidst the ruthless ambition of younger rival Eve Harrington, played by Anne Baxter. The film's script, penned by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, is a study in incisive, impossibly witty dialogue. Lines like "Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night," encapsulate the film's blend of sophistication and biting humor. The interplay between characters such as the smug critic Addison DeWitt (George Sanders) and Margo's loyal maid Birdie Coonan (Thelma Ritter) adds layers to the narrative, making every scene crackle with tension and verbal sparring.

The movie is structured through an intriguing series of flashbacks, beginning with Eve receiving an award from the Sarah Siddons Society. As DeWitt ominously narrates her rise to fame, the audience learns of Eve's duplicitous nature and her calculated maneuvers to usurp Margo’s place in the limelight. The supporting cast, including Gary Merrill as Margo’s lover and director Bill Sampson, Celeste Holm as her trusting friend Karen Richards, and Hugh Marlowe as Karen’s playwright husband Lloyd, contribute to a rich tableau of well-drawn characters.

Technically, while "All About Eve" may resemble a stage play with its static camerawork, this approach serves to focus on the compelling dialogue and character dynamics rather than flashy visuals. The Blu-ray edition enhances this classic with a pristine 1080p/MPEG-4 AVC transfer and offers both a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and the original mono audio, ensuring that every line of Mankiewicz's masterful script is heard in its full glory.

Joseph L. Mankiewicz's All About Eve remains an iconic example of mid-century Hollywood brilliance, driven by one of the sharpest and most sophisticated scripts of its time. The film features Bette Davis' legendary performance, particularly her memorable scene at Bill's party, which continues to resonate with audiences. Its poignant critique of shameless self-promotion in the celebrity culture ensures its relevance even today. 20th Century Fox presents this insightful classic with a high-definition transfer that's both immaculate and visually stunning. The audio quality is crisp and clear, providing an enhanced experience over previous releases.

This new Blu-ray edition truly honors All About Eve through its superior video and audio quality, seamlessly outshining earlier DVD versions. The meticulous attention to detail in the restoration process ensures that every frame of Mankiewicz's classic is preserved in pristine condition, making it an essential addition for any serious movie collection. The disc also includes a collection of supplementary materials that offer a deep dive into the making of the film, albeit recycled from past releases, they nevertheless provide valuable context and insight.

In conclusion, All About Eve not only remains a cinematic masterpiece but also a must-have for any film aficionado. This Blu-ray edition, with its top-notch technical specs and comprehensive supplemental content, is undoubtedly the definitive version to own. Highly recommended!