Memories of Underdevelopment Blu-ray Review

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.66:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, the 1080p transfer of Tomás Gutiérrez Alea's "Memories of Underdevelopment" on Blu-ray by Criterion is a testament to meticulous and painstaking restoration efforts. This restoration, funded by the George Lucas Family Foundation and The Film Foundation’s World Cinema Project, was conducted by Cineteca di Bologna at L'Immagine Ritrovata laboratory in association with Instituto Cubano del Arte e Industria Cinematográficos (ICAIC). Utilizing the 35mm original camera negative and an interpositive, the film was scanned in 4K resolution with an ARRISCAN scanner, specifically using a wet gate for substantially damaged sections. The result is a visual experience that combines stellar delineation, depth, and clarity with fluid movement.

Despite inherent source limitations, notably in the documentary-style footage of Havana where density levels fluctuate, the restoration achieves impressive consistency. The grayscale range is particularly commendable, with stable blacks and whites and nuanced variations of gray. Image stability is excellent, offering a stark but effective contrast between Sergio's modest apartment and scenes of his former opulent lifestyle. Although some sections had to be reconstructed due to vinegar syndrome decay and other anomalies such as scratches or fading remain, the final product is significantly improved from previous versions, achieving a sense of remarkable dimension and depth. Overall, despite occasional signs of irreparable damage, the transfer's visual quality will satisfy both casual viewers and cinephiles.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "Memories of Underdevelopment" features a Spanish LPCM 1.0 track with optional English subtitles. This auditory experience faithfully represents the historic and cultural essence of the film, albeit with certain age-related limitations. Observers will note minor fluctuations during the raw documentary footage, a characteristic circumstance for a film of this period and nature. Nonetheless, the original content's audio retains an impressive clarity and integrity.

Dialogue throughout is consistently clean and clear, ensuring that viewers can discern every spoken word without strain. The film's sound effects and musical scoring are likewise well-defined, boasting decent spatial quality despite being presented in mono. There are occasional moments of hiss and very subtle pops and cracks, but these are minimal and do not detract significantly from the overall experience. Although the audio can appear somewhat thick in parts, such occurrences are infrequent and not overly distracting. Taking into account the original state from which it was restored, this LPCM track offers a commendable audio mix that complements the visual elements effectively.

The Blu-ray extras for "Memories of Underdevelopment" are a commendable collection that add significant depth and context to the film. Criterion has meticulously curated a suite of features that delve into the historical, cultural, and cinematic backdrop of Tomás Gutiérrez Alea's work. Notable inclusions are insightful interviews with key contributors like author Edmundo Desnoes and actor Daisy Granados, as well as an archival documentary on Alea. These extras do an excellent job of placing the film within the socio-political milieu it portrays. The technical quality of the interviews is top-notch, ensuring a rich and clear viewing experience. Additionally, Joshua Jelly-Schapiro's essay in the illustrated leaflet provides a comprehensive context for both the film and its supplementary content.

Extras included in this disc:

Trailer: Original trailer for Memories of Underdevelopment.

Edmundo Desnoes: Interview with the author about his novel's adaptation.

Titon: From Havana to Guantanamera: Documentary on director Tomás Gutiérrez Alea's life and work.

Tomás Gutiérrez Alea: Audio interview with the director.

Daisy Granados: Interview with actor Daisy Granados discussing her character.

Nelson Rodriguez: Interview with actor Nelson Rodriguez discussing his contributions.

B. Ruby Rich and José Antonio Évora: Discussion on the film's socio-political environment and its protagonist.

Leaflet: Illustrated leaflet featuring an essay by Joshua Jelly-Schapiro and technical credits.

Tomás Gutiérrez Alea’s "Memories of Underdevelopment" (1968) invites viewers into the intricate and nuanced world of post-revolutionary Cuba through the eyes of Sergio (Sergio Corrieri), an erudite member of the disintegrating bourgeoisie. The film, vividly restored in 4K, resonates with the stylistic influences of the French New Wave, characterized by fluid camerawork and an initially ambiguous narrative path that mirrors the unsettled reality of its protagonist's surroundings. As Sergio traverses Havana, he becomes a witness to the stark societal transformations brought on by Fidel Castro’s regime, capturing the grim dissolution of a once-vibrant cultural identity and the accompanying alienation of its residents.

Alea’s directorial prowess is apparent in his fearless exploration of Cuba’s political and economic upheaval. The film juxtaposes raw documentary footage with personal flashbacks, providing a sobering contrast between propagandist optimism and the harsh truths of geopolitical manipulation. Sergio's eloquent reflections on shifting cultural norms, particularly in his relationships with women such as Elena (Daisy Granados), underscore how deeply the revolution has permeated everyday interactions and physical connections. His journey is punctuated by introspective solitude and candid dialogues with friends, encapsulating a broader intellectual despair reminiscent of post-WWII European societies grappling with totalitarianism.

The thematic essence of "Memories of Underdevelopment" lies in its portrayal of existential turmoil during a period of societal reformation. Sergio's reluctance to leave Cuba, despite the allure of his former life in America, symbolizes an internal struggle against conforming to an alien national identity. The film’s concise runtime of just over an hour and a half belies its depth, demanding viewers' engagement to fully grasp the layers of individual and cultural disorientation. As a cinematic artifact, it offers invaluable insight into a nation’s paradoxical journey towards an uncertain future, making it an essential viewing experience for those intrigued by historical narratives and ideological transformations.

Tomás Gutiérrez Alea's Memories of Underdevelopment is a poignant exploration of post-revolutionary Cuba, capturing the angst and disillusionment of a middle-aged intellectual who declines to escape to Miami with his family, electing instead to witness the gradual decay of Havana. This film, set in the 1960s, serves as more than just a historical artifact—it is a vivid time capsule that reflects the socio-political climate of its era. Its survival amidst Fidel Castro's stringent censorship is remarkable, allowing contemporary audiences a rare, unfiltered glimpse into an often-misunderstood period.

Criterion’s Blu-ray release of Memories of Underdevelopment is distinguished by an impeccable 4K restoration that revitalizes the film's visual and auditory elements. The enhanced clarity brings new depth to Alea's meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring that each frame retains its original integrity while appealing to modern viewers. Moreover, the collection includes engaging supplementary materials such as insightful interviews with key contributors and a compelling documentary on Alea’s life and legacy, enriching the overall viewing experience.

The hundreds of thousands of Cubans that escaped after Fidel Castro and his revolutionaries entered Havana were not cowards, and those that later on lost their lives while trying to reclaim their country were certainly not the extremists that some contemporary historians are casually implying they were. Those that stayed behind and did their best to endure the brutal communist regime were also not trying to be heroes—for many of them it was the only option; the alternative was death. Memories of Underdevelopment follows a middle-aged intellectual who foolishly refuses to join his wife and start a new life in Miami, and then witnesses the slow death of his favorite city. Criterion's release, sourced from a fabulous new 4K restoration and featuring fascinating interviews and an excellent documentary, is a stellar offering. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.