Manhattan Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Manhattan" offers an intriguing visual experience that straddles the line between a significant improvement over previous editions and a careful, stylistic preservation of its original cinematic qualities. MGM's 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer shines through by presenting a nearly impeccable condition of the print. It appears either the original film was maintained in an extremely clean state, or significant restoration efforts were undertaken, as minor debris and speckles are few and far between, and instances of staining, flickering brightness, or major compression issues are virtually non-existent. The 35mm image retains its natural grain, which can be somewhat pronounced, without falling victim to overt digital noise reduction or edge enhancement, maintaining the film's intended aesthetic without unnecessary digital tampering.

On the flipside, while the transfer is noted for its stability and cleanliness, achieving an enviably pristine look as the movie progresses, it's apparent that a massive restoration was likely beyond MGM's current scope. This restrained approach results in a presentation where finer details such as texture in clothing and subtle facial features—freckles, moles, pores—are discernible, though not consistently remarkable. The heavy presence of grain and less-than-potent whites suggest a deliberate preservation of the film’s original visual tone rather than an oversight. Scenes with dark elements are well-managed to avoid crushing, ensuring details are preserved even in the darkest shots.

However, there's an observed shift in tonal balance towards the shadows that warrants mention. Though "Manhattan" has always embraced a darker visual tone, this presentation might lean a bit too heavily into the shadows for some, potentially dimming the viewing experience slightly more than intended. Yet, considering these minor points of contention, the Blu-ray still represents a valuable upgrade for aficionados of Woody Allen's work, striking an admirable balance between enhancing clarity and detail while respecting the film’s original stylized cinematography.

The audio presentation of "Manhattan" on Blu Ray, featuring a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono mix, garners a mixed bag of reviews that lean more towards appreciation for its faithfulness to the original single-channel soundtrack. Despite some critiques, the overall consensus points towards a favorable listening experience, particularly highlighting its adept handling of dialogue—a crucial element given the film's narrative style that heavily leans on conversation. Voices are predominantly crisp and clear, allowing for an effortless comprehension of the witty and rapid exchanges characteristic of Woody Allen's works. However, it's worth noting that there are occasional moments where the voices might seem slightly subdued, though rarely to a degree necessitating manual volume adjustment.

The musical score of "Manhattan," deeply infused with George Gershwin’s jazzy Americana compositions, stands out as a significant auditory delight. The iconic "Rhapsody in Blue," which heralds the opening, is rendered with a richness and vivacity that breathes life into the film's urban love letter to New York. This sterling presentation of music somewhat contrasts with the minor yet notable issues regarding dialogue overlap and ambient noise levels. Instances where characters' lines become indiscernible or background sounds overly assertive, detract from an otherwise immersive audio experience. These issues, albeit isolated, can momentarily disrupt the film's auditory appeal.

Moreover, the inclusion of multiple foreign language dubs in Dolby Digital Mono offers an intriguing perspective on the film's international reception, with variations in voice acting adding a layer of novelty. Subtitle options further enhance accessibility, ensuring a wider audience can enjoy Allen's cinematic ode. Despite its sporadic shortcomings in handling overlapping dialogue or achieving the perfect balance in ambient soundscapes—and even slight deficiencies in fully leveraging the film's renowned musical score—the audio track's commitment to authenticity and its successful delivery of crisp vocals and evocative music mostly compensate for its weaknesses.

The Blu-ray release of "Manhattan" stays true to Woody Allen's notorious stance on bonus features; minimalistic. Given this, the singular extra provided is the theatrical trailer in high definition, echoing Allen's simplicity in additional content. This HD trailer, lasting 3 minutes, elegantly introduces the audience to the ensemble of characters and the intricate, entwined relationships and ensuing confusion they navigate, encapsulating the film's essence succinctly and classically. This approach to extras, or the lack thereof, compliments the film's straightforward, unembellished narrative style, making it a direct yet impactful insight for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: High-definition trailer introducing the film's characters and their complex relationships.

Woody Allen's "Manhattan" stands as a complex exploration of the convoluted nature of love set against the backdrop of a city that is as much a character as any of the human participants. The black-and-white cinematic homage engages deeply with the moral and cultural landscape of 1970s New York, drawing viewers into a world of intellectual and emotional introspection. Amidst this richly woven tapestry, Allen's personal controversies cannot help but cast a shadow, inviting discussions about the intersections of art and artist. Nonetheless, "Manhattan" transcends these considerations, presenting a narrative that is both timeless and distinctly anchored in its era.

The film's visual and auditory aesthetics are paramount to its impact. Shot in sumptuous widescreen black and white, it eschews conventional openings to plunge directly into an evocative montage of New York, elegantly underscored by George Gershwin's iconic compositions. This stylistic choice not only enhances the city's allure but also sets a tone of romantic yet nuanced contemplation of urban life and the complexities of human relationships. The dialogues, sharp and astutely observed, navigate through themes of moral ambiguity, intellectual pretensions, and the search for emotional fulfillment, with Allen deploying his signature wit to both humorous and poignant effect.

Character dynamics within "Manhattan" sketch a vivid portrayal of flawed individuals grappling with their desires, betrayals, and quests for meaning. Isaac's entanglements with the much younger Tracy, alongside Yale and Mary's affairs, unfold in a narrative mosaic that interrogates the essence of connection and happiness. Despite criticisms of one-dimensionality and the film's reception by Allen himself, its exploration of existential dilemmas and the portrayal of New York as an eternal muse offer a compelling juxtaposition of cynicism and enchantment. The performances, particularly Hemingway's poignant vulnerability, underpin the film’s emotional resonance, elevating it beyond mere nostalgic valorization or critique. In the end, "Manhattan" remains a quintessential Allen film — flawed, debated, but undeniably captivating in its visual and thematic craftsmanship.

Woody Allen’s “Manhattan” remains a topic of wide discussion among cinephiles, with its position as a potential masterpiece generating mixed feelings. While some might not rank it above other Allen classics like “Annie Hall,” its depiction of New York and its status as a revered film makes it an essential addition to Blu-ray collections. The MGM 1080p transfer of this film is undeniably impressive, highlighting the cinematic beauty of Manhattan with a clarity that significantly surpasses its DVD counterpart. Despite the absence of extras—a choice reflective of Woody Allen's well-known stance against bonus features—the upgrade in picture quality alone makes this Blu-ray release a compelling purchase. It's worth noting that this release stands as one of the first MGM-distributed Allen films to transition to Blu-ray, marking a significant moment for fans and collectors.

Critics and fans alike might find themselves divided over the film's merits, with some nuances in its execution not appealing to every viewer. Despite these varying opinions, “Manhattan” has managed to secure a spot in the IMDb Top 250 and continues to engage audiences with Woody Allen's distinctive narrative style, emphasizing his prowess as a screenwriter with fifteen Academy Award nominations for original screenplay. While the Blu-ray release might not dazzle in terms of supplemental content, it provides a satisfactory avenue for both long-time admirers and newcomers to experience one of Allen's more talked-about films.

In conclusion, while "Manhattan" on Blu-ray may not satiate the appetite for those craving extensive extras, its superb picture quality presents the film in a light that ensures an enriched viewing experience. This release, though perhaps seen as the weaker link in the Woody Allen/Alfred Hitchcock catalog, is pivotal for enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in Allen’s vivid portrayal of New York. As such, it holds a place of importance for collectors and film buffs eager to explore or revisit an iconic piece of cinema history in its most visually compelling format yet.