Summer of '42 Blu-ray Review

The Warner Archive Collection's 1080p, AVC-encoded Blu-ray presentation of "Summer of '42" is a testament to the artistry of three-time Oscar-winning cinematographer Robert Surtees. Recognized for its dreamy, nostalgic aesthetic, the film employs heavy diffusion in daylight scenes and dramatic use of shadows in darker settings to craft its period look. This high-bitrate transfer faithfully captures these elements, reflecting the meticulous efforts of Warner's Motion Picture Imaging facility in their 2K scan and thorough cleaning. Despite inherent graininess and some soft textures, the Blu-ray provides impressive detail, especially showcasing the film's historical re-creations and production design.

While the transfer excels in maintaining an authentic representation of the original photography, it is not without minor technical flaws. Occasional considerable grain, particularly in optically zoomed shots like that of Benjie on the beach, can be somewhat jarring. The image otherwise maintains a balanced tone with muted colors, accentuated by occasional vivid details such as the red carnations. Flesh tones can appear overly rosy, and the sky may exhibit some noise. Yet, sharp close-ups and consistent black levels enhance the viewing experience, preserving Surtees' artistic vision without excessive digital manipulation. Thus, while it may not be perfect for all contemporary audiences, this Blu-ray stands as a noteworthy effort to honor the film's cinematic legacy.

The audio presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Summer of '42" has been meticulously restored and is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. The original soundtrack, harvested from the magnetic master, has undergone significant cleaning to eliminate age-related flaws, resulting in a clear and immersive listening experience. The fidelity remains commendable given the track's low-budget origins, and Michel Legrand's haunting, Oscar-winning theme stands out with impressive clarity. Essential environmental sounds such as wind and waves are rendered effectively, contributing to the film's atmospheric depth without overpowering the dialogue or music.

The DTS-HD MA 2.0 audio track successfully balances all elements of the soundscape. The continuous crashing of the surf against the shoreline provides an essential backdrop that is noticeable yet never intrusive. A superior dynamic range allows Legrand’s memorable score to breathe freely and enriches the overall viewing experience. Dialogue is well-modulated and consistently clear, ensuring comprehension without any distortion. Notably, the track is free from age-related artifacts like hiss, pops, or crackles, allowing for an uninterrupted and engaging auditory experience. Overall, while this may not be a particularly robust track by modern standards, its attention to detail and preservation of subtleties make it a noteworthy element of this Blu-ray release.

The Blu-ray release of "Summer of '42" disappoints in the extras department, offering just a single additional feature. The included trailer, presented in high-definition (1080p) with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and running for approximately three minutes, will leave enthusiasts yearning for more supplementary content. This sparse offering mirrors the lackluster presentation found in Warner's 2002 DVD of the film. While the quality of the trailer is commendable, it does little to enhance the overall value of the Blu-ray release for aficionados seeking a well-rounded collection of additional material.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: High-definition (1080p) rendition of the original theatrical trailer, running approximately three minutes.

"Summer of '42", a 1971 film based on Herman Raucher's semi-autobiographical novel, captures the teenage sexual awakening of Hermie, portrayed by Gary Grimes, amidst the backdrop of WWII. The film's authenticity is rooted in its deeply personal narrative, which Warner Bros. initially underestimated. Despite a limited budget and upfront payment refusals, the film gained monumental success, underscoring Raucher’s enduring storytelling power. The story focuses on three friends obsessed with the mysteries of sex, conveyed through timeless scenes steeped in adolescent awkwardness and triumphs that resonate despite temporal shifts in societal norms.

Set in an unnamed summer resort island, the film juxtaposes the characters' teenage preoccupations with the distant echoes of war. Hermie’s relationship with Dorothy (Jennifer O'Neill), a young wife awaiting her soldier husband's return, stands at the film’s controversial core. This climax, featuring Dorothy's unexpected vulnerability and Hermie's teenage longing, forms a complex tableau of intimacy and power dynamics. Through director Robert Mulligan's skillful direction, the film oscillates between nostalgic charm and unsettling ambiguity, drawing modern viewers into an era where such narratives evoke stronger ethical reflections, especially in the context of contemporary movements addressing sexual abuse.

Technically, the nostalgia is underscored by period-accurate set pieces and a delicate balance in performance. The video, transferred to Blu-ray by the Warner Archive Collection, maintains the historical essence of the time depicted, capturing the quaintness of beachside settings originally shot in Mendocino, Northern California. The picturesque yet understated cinematography combined with a DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono track, enhances the immersive experience of this youthful memoir. "Summer of '42" remains a poignant exploration of innocence lost, its presentation still evocative yet more complex under present-day scrutiny.

Warner Archive’s Blu-ray release of "Summer of '42" offers a faithful presentation of the classic 1971 film, providing an evocative trip down memory lane. The film captures the essence of adolescent coming-of-age amidst the backdrop of World War II, rendering a narrative suffused with nostalgia and sentiment. Robert Mulligan's direction paired with the strong performances ensures the film retains its emotional punch. The Blu-ray transfer, though serviceable, may not meet all modern viewers’ expectations due to its dated source material and modest digital treatment. Nevertheless, the authenticity of the coastal locations and period-accurate set design remain visually compelling.

Despite its endearing qualities and moments of heartfelt humor, "Summer of '42" can feel quite different to contemporary audiences. The context in which it was initially released—a time reflecting on innocence lost during significant cultural shifts—contrasts sharply with today's perspectives on sexual impropriety. This evolving societal lens adds a layer of unease to the narrative, especially in light of recent awareness around issues of consent and appropriateness. The Blu-ray package could benefit from more comprehensive extras, as its minimalistic offerings leave something to be desired for collectors and enthusiasts seeking deeper insights into the film’s production and cultural impact.

Conclusion

"I suspect that Summer of '42's initial success was tied to the makeup of its initial audience, many of whom had lived through the film's era and could look back upon it fondly, especially after the turbulence of Sixties counterculture. Today, however, the Sixties are almost as quaint as Hermie's world. In a time when even the squeaky cleanliness of Archie comics can be transformed into the sultry skullduggery of Riverdale, Summer of '42 feels very far away. For those interested in making the journey, WAC's Blu-ray comes highly recommended."