The Snake Pit Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.37:1 and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, Anatole Litvak's The Snake Pit arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Indicator/Powerhouse Films. This release benefits from a recent 4K remaster prepared by Twentieth Century Fox. The high-definition transfer is superb, with the film looking lush and detailed, aside from very minor density fluctuations that, although noticeable, do not significantly detract from the overall experience. The grading is expertly managed, allowing nuanced visual details to emerge in both daylight and darker scenes.

Fox engineers have meticulously removed age-related imperfections, ensuring the image remains pristine with no dirt, scratches, or warping. While black levels might not achieve the deepest possible tones, the grayscale presentation is pleasing and the contrast remains consistent for an engaging viewing experience. On larger screens or projectors, the visuals maintain a natural filmic quality with excellent fluidity. Note that this is a Region-B locked release, necessitating a native Region-B or Region-Free player for playback.

The audio presentation of "The Snake Pit" Blu-ray is commendable, offering both DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo and mono tracks. The stereo track serves as the default but it's the mono track that stands out, providing a more era-authentic experience with clearer dialogue and punchier sound, particularly highlighting Alfred Newman’s Oscar-nominated score. This attention to detail in sound restoration ensures an immersive experience without any age-related artifacts like hiss, crackle, or flutter compromising the audio quality.

Complementing these technical achievements, the English LPCM 1.0 track maintains a clear, clean, and balanced auditory experience. With proper dynamic amplitude, this track upholds the integrity of the original soundscapes despite the inherent limitations of older films. The restoration process has been thorough, resulting in the elimination of any anomalies that could detract from your viewing experience. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided, enhancing accessibility without compromising the film’s historical authenticity.

The Blu-ray of "The Snake Pit" provides a robust selection of extras that cater to both enthusiasts and new viewers. The audio commentary by Aubrey Solomon, while occasionally sparse, offers an insightful exploration of the film’s origins and production intricacies, though it lacks comprehensive coverage of all supporting actresses. Pamela Hutchinson's program on Olivia de Havilland’s career evolution and Neil Sinyard’s analysis of the film's conception and de Havilland's performance are particularly enlightening. Fans of Alfred Newman's music will appreciate the isolated score track in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono. Additionally, the disc includes a diverse array of historical content such as Movietone Newsreels, vintage radio adaptations, and a well-documented booklet featuring a fresh essay by Lindsay Hallam.

Extras included in this disc:

• Audio Commentary: Aubrey Solomon discusses the film’s origins and production.
• Isolated Score Track: Alfred Newman’s score in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 mono.
• Five Movietone Newsreels: Various honors received by the film and Olivia de Havilland.
• Vintage Radio Shows: Two radio renditions of "The Snake Pit".
• Trailer: Original trailer for "The Snake Pit".
• Image Gallery: Original production and promotional materials.
• The Battles of Olivia de Havilland: Career evolution insights by Pamela Hutchinson.
• Under Analysis: Neil Sinyard’s discussion on the film’s conception.
• Booklet: Includes a new essay by Lindsay Hallam and critical responses.

Anatole Litvak’s "The Snake Pit" (1948) offers a harrowing and engrossing exploration of mental illness and the methodologies used for its treatment during the time. Centered on Virginia Cunningham (Olivia de Havilland), a young woman grappling with delusions and severe memory loss in the oppressive environment of Juniper Hill State Hospital, the film adeptly highlights both the psychological and institutional challenges faced by patients. As Virginia undergoes treatment under the care of Dr. Mark Kik (Leo Genn), her incremental progress and frequent regressions add depth to her character's plight and draw viewers into an emotional yet intellectual engagement with her journey.

The screenplay, adapted by Frank Partos and Millen Brand from Mary Jane Ward’s novel, employs flashbacks effectively to unravel Virginia's mental afflictions. While some narrative elements may seem formulaic to contemporary audiences, the film's dramatic intensity and de Havilland’s nuanced performance keep viewers enthralled. Moreover, Litvak’s direction balances Virginia’s personal story with a stark depiction of the overcrowded and underfunded realities of psychiatric institutions. Crucial scenes, such as Virginia's descent to “the snake pit” among hopelessly insane inmates, are hauntingly captured through Litvak's adept camera work.

There is an inherent tension in the film between its attempts at realism and the melodramatic performances of supporting actors, especially in mass activity scenes. Yet, Olivia de Havilland’s portrayal stands out, earning accolades from several critics’ associations. Her commitment to deglamorizing herself and vividly depicting a woman's struggle with her own mind elevates the film to a significant Golden Age achievement. The interplay of notable performances from Leo Genn, Mark Stevens, Helen Craig, and a robust supporting cast further anchors the film, making "The Snake Pit" a profound cinematic examination of mental health treatment in its era.

The Blu-ray release of Anatole Litvak’s "The Snake Pit" is an exceptional restoration of a classic film that tackles the intricate subject of mental health with sensitivity and insight. The 4K restoration, completed by Twentieth Century Fox, ensures that the visual and auditory experience is polished and immersive, breathing new life into this timeless piece. The film's significance remains palpable, not solely as a historical artifact but as a poignant commentary on mental health issues that persist to this day.

Given the thematic depth of "The Snake Pit," a contemporary viewing draws unsettling parallels between the film's narrative and present-day concerns about mental health treatment, especially in the context of war veterans. This relevancy underscores the film's lasting impact and makes it a crucial watch for those interested in how societal attitudes towards mental health have evolved—or perhaps failed to evolve—over time. The Blu-ray presentation's pristine quality only enhances this experience, making it not just a viewing pleasure but a thought-provoking session.

Limited to 3,000 copies, this edition from Indicator/Powerhouse Films is region-B locked and available through select online retailers. This limitation underscores its desirability among collectors and cinephiles.

My initial take on the issues that "The Snake Pit" highlights was a predictable one— they belong in the past and therefore the film's concerns are no longer relevant. However, the more I thought about them, the more I started linking them to the many incredible horror stories about war veterans with various mental and other issues that have emerged from VA hospitals in recent years. A second viewing of the film then made me ponder if we have really made some irreversible progress, or if there are just more ways now to hide and excuse the inexcusable. So, I had a very unusual experience with "The Snake Pit." This new release from Indicator/Powerhouse Films is sourced from a recent 4K restoration of the film that was completed by Twentieth Century Fox in the United States, and is Region-B locked. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.