Jezebel Blu-ray Review

Presented in its glorious original 1.37:1 aspect ratio, the Blu-ray rendition of "Jezebel" emerges as a praiseworthy example of the Warner Archive Collection's commitment to excellence. Despite challenges attributed to the original nitrate negative's condition, exacerbated by cuts from the 1940s, a 4K scan of this precious source has been masterfully utilized. The dedication invested in this project is evident through each frame, offering a visual treat that boasts near-perfect image detail, commendable depth, and an authentic, silvery presence of natural film grain. Enhanced by deep blacks and notably refined contrast levels, the transfer meticulously highlights "Jezebel's" exemplary production design without succumbing to wear, compression artifacts, or banding, thanks to an impeccable encoding process and generous bit-rate.

Warner Archive's rendition of "Jezebel" on Blu-ray not only surpasses previous offerings from its parent company but does so with a distinction that might leave even the most ardent fans awe-struck, as if witnessing the film for their initial viewing. The restoration effort skillfully preserves the film's historical integrity while offering a contemporary viewing experience. By maintaining flawless image quality and texture alongside expertly balanced grayscale dynamics, this release sets a new standard for classic cinema presentations. Audiences are afforded an enriched visual journey through "Jezebel," with preservation at the forefront, ensuring that every detail of the film's ornate production design and cinematography is realized in full splendor. This endeavor by Warner Archive is a testament to their unparalleled dedication to revitalizing and honoring cinematic masterpieces.

The Warner Archive Collection's release of "Jezebel" on Blu Ray provides an audio experience that honors the film’s original monaural presentation with a DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track. This track ensures that dialogue and background effects are not only clear and balanced but also maintain the integrity and atmospheric nuances of the period. Furthermore, Max Steiner’s score is given ample room to showcase its dramatic flair and subtleties, benefiting from moments of depth that enhance the emotional resonance of key scenes. The audio track’s cleanliness and straightforward handling mean that technical flaws such as pops, hissing, or synchronization issues are notably absent, allowing for an immersive viewing experience devoid of distraction.

However, not all aspects of the audio presentation are met with praise. While the main audio track exemplifies technical proficiency and respect for the film’s audio heritage, the approach to subtitles on this release leaves something to be desired. Offered in English (SDH), the subtitles detract from the otherwise meticulous presentation due to their all-caps format paired with a visually displeasing yellow coloration. This choice seems at odds with the collection's overall quality standards and viewer expectations, especially considering that subsequent releases from the Warner Archive Collection have hinted at a move away from this less favorable styling.

In essence, the Blu Ray audio presentation of "Jezebel" by the Warner Archive Collection strikes a commendable balance between preserving the film’s original auditory essence and ensuring a satisfyingly clean and dynamic listening experience. While the main audio track is executed with a notable level of care and precision, the subtitle presentation is an area where improvement could enhance overall viewer satisfaction, aligning with more contemporary preferences in home media presentation.

The Blu-ray edition of "Jezebel" enhances its classic charm with a selection of extras that blend archival treasures and scholarly insights. Main highlights include a in-depth audio commentary by film historian Jeanine Basinger that, despite its occasional lapses into simple narration, offers valuable production and historical insights. The "Jezebel: Legend of the South" featurette stands out for its comprehensive examination of the film's legacy, complete with expert contributions that delve into various aspects of its creation and impact. Vintage entertainment is amply provided by the restored Vitaphone musical performance "Melody Masters: Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra", and the Merrie Melodies short "Daffy Duck in Hollywood", marking its Blu-ray debut. Unique to this release is the "Ramblin 'Round the Hollywood Studios with the Candid Cameraman" teaser featuring Bette Davis, now beautifully restored. Although the theatrical reissue trailer shows age, it remains a watchable nod to the film's enduring appeal. Collectively, these extras not only enrich the viewing experience but also pay homage to "Jezebel's" storied place in cinema history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Comprehensive feature-length track by film historian Jeanine Basinger.
• Jezebel: Legend of the South: A detailed retrospective piece on the film's legacy.
• Melody Masters: Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra: A restored 1938 Vitaphone musical performance.
• Daffy Duck in Hollywood: The restored 1938 Merrie Melodies short, making its Blu-ray debut.
• Ramblin 'Round the Hollywood Studios with the Candid Cameraman: A rare promotional teaser featuring Bette Davis, fully restored.
• Theatrical Reissue Trailer: Watchable but notably aged trailer of the film.

Jezebel, directed by William Wyler and featuring the incomparable Bette Davis as the willful Southern belle Julie Marsden, presents a rich tapestry of melodrama and character study against the backdrop of the antebellum South. Davis’s portrayal of Marsden, who engages in a disastrous act of rebellion by choosing a red dress instead of the traditional white for the Olympus Ball, sets off a chain of events that encapsulate both personal folly and societal constraints. Henry Fonda's role as Preston Pres Dillard, Julie’s betrothed, adds depth to the narrative, showcasing a relationship fraught with pride and contrition. The film, rooted in the Broadway play by Owen Davis, surpasses its source material, delivering a narrative that balances the dynamics of a troubled romance with the profound commentary on Southern honor and expectation.

Despite appearing as a straightforward romantic drama on the surface, Jezebel distinguishes itself through its exceptional screenplay, stellar performances, and meticulous production design. Its brisk pacing and duration belie a film that feels much larger in scope, ambitious in its exploration of themes such as independence, redemption, and societal norms. Comparisons to Gone With the Wind are inevitable, yet Jezebel stands on its own merits, providing a viewing experience that not only entertains but also challenges. The casting of Davis, potentially spurred by her missing out on Gone With the Wind, elevates the film, offering a performance that resonates powerfully decades later.

The 1938 classic has undergone various releases, with Warner Bros. issuing DVD editions in both 2000 and 2006. The latest Warner Archives' Blu-ray edition significantly outpaces its predecessors, boasting an impressive 1080p transfer and clean lossless audio. While it incorporates most bonus features from the 2006 DVD release, this Blu-ray version serves as the definitive edition for Jezebel aficionados and newcomers alike. Its blend of historical narrative, robust character development, and superior technical presentation renders it a standout piece within the Warner Archives collection and a poignant exploration of themes that continue to be relevant today.

William Wyler's 1938 cinematic masterpiece, "Jezebel," featuring the incomparable Bette Davis as the fiery Southern belle Julie Marsden, stands as a testament to Davis's indelible mark on the golden age of Hollywood. Though often overshadowed by her not being cast in "Gone With the Wind," Davis's performance in "Jezebel" is equally, if not more, compelling, showcasing her profound range and strength as an actress. This underappreciated classic, running a concise 103 minutes, intricately balances the depth and grandeur of an epic drama within its more compact narrative structure, demonstrating a timeless appeal that has only been enhanced with age.

The Warner Archive's release of "Jezebel" on Blu-ray, albeit belated for the film’s 80th anniversary, presents an exceptional audio-visual restoration that breathes new life into this historic title. The transfer offers a clarity and depth that does justice to the film’s atmospheric setting and nuanced performances, making it a valuable addition to any collection. Furthermore, the inclusion of nearly all supplementary features from the 2005 DVD edition enriches the viewing experience, providing context and appreciation for the film's production and legacy.

In conclusion, the Blu-ray presentation of "Jezebel" is an essential acquisition for aficionados of classic cinema and admirers of Bette Davis alike. Its stellar A/V quality and comprehensive extras afford a fresh perspective on a film that, despite its age, remains impactful and relevant. This release not only commemorates the film’s historical significance but also ensures its preservation for future generations to admire. Whether as a blind buy or a deliberate addition to a curated collection, it represents a commendable effort by Warner Archive to honor Hollywood's storied past.